Pepperoni Pizza Day celebrates America’s most beloved pizza topping – pepperoni. This food holiday honors the spicy Italian-American sausage that has become an iconic pizza topping, making every slice a perfect blend of savory meat, melted cheese, and crispy crust.
Quick Facts
When is it: September 20th annually
Tagged as: Food & Drink Holiday
What’s the hashtag: #PepperoniPizzaDay
When was it founded: Unknown
Who founded it: Origins unclear
History of Pepperoni Pizza
Pepperoni pizza emerged in the early 20th century when Italian immigrants in New York City began making pepperoni and adding it to their pizzas. While pizza originated in Naples, Italy, pepperoni is distinctly Italian-American. In Italy, what Americans call pepperoni is known as “salame piccante” (spicy salami).
Timeline
- 1889: First pizza created by Raffaele Esposito in Naples
- 1905: First US pizzeria, Lombardi’s, opens in New York City
- 1950s: First documented use of pepperoni on pizza
- 1994: First online pizza order (pepperoni and mushroom) through Pizza Hut
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | September 20 | Friday |
| 2025 | September 20 | Saturday |
| 2026 | September 20 | Sunday |
How It’s Observed
People celebrate by enjoying pepperoni pizza at local pizzerias, making homemade pizzas, or ordering delivery. Many restaurants offer special deals and discounts on this day.
Fun Facts About Pepperoni Pizza
- Over 250 million pounds of pepperoni are consumed on pizzas annually in America
- Pepperoni is the most popular pizza topping in the US, preferred by 66% of people
- The first-ever online purchase was a pepperoni and mushroom pizza
- During Super Bowl 2021, Pizza Hut sold over $10 million in digital sales before halftime
Quiz
- What is pepperoni called in Italy?
- When was the first pizzeria opened in America?
- In which year was the first online pizza ordered?
(Answers: 1. Salame piccante 2. 1905 3. 1994)
FAQs
Q: Is pepperoni Italian?
A: No, it’s an Italian-American creation.
Q: Why is pepperoni so popular?
A: It’s easy to produce, transport, and has an ideal flavor release when heated.
Related
- National Pizza Day
- National Cheese Pizza Day
- National Italian Food Day
- National Fast Food Day