America’s favorite pizza topping has its own national holiday on Saturday, Sept. 20, and pizzerias across the nation are celebrating with discounts — and even free pizza.
National Pepperoni Pizza Day comes about two weeks after National Cheese Pizza Day, which was held Sept. 5. According to a poll looking at point-of-sale data from more than 600 pizza locations across the United States, Americans’ favorite pizza topping is overwhelmingly pepperoni.
So what exactly is this meaty, crispy and slightly spicy pizza topper?
Pepperoni is a type of salami made from both beef and pork, as well as garlic, black pepper, cayenne pepper, chili flakes and paprika, which gives the product its signature (and vibrant) red hue.
Pepperoni is thought to have been invented by Italian American immigrants in the late 19th or early 20th centuries. The immigrants substituted paprika for dried chiles typically used to make a southern Italian salami, according to Britannica. Pepperoni became popular in part due to its low cost and long shelf life.
If you’re looking to celebrate National Pepperoni Pizza Day, consider taking advantage of one of the seven cheesy deals below.
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Blaze Pizza
Grab a friend and get two build-your-own pizzas plus two drinks for just $22.99 on Saturday a Blaze Pizza, according to a company representative.
Chuck E. Cheese
Chuck E. Cheese is celebrating early, giving Fun Pass members a free one-topping personal pizza on Friday, Sept. 19, a spokesperson confirmed.
Fazoli’s
Use code PIZZASLICE25 at participating locations for two free slices with the purchase of an entree from Sept. 20-23, according to a company representative.
Jet’s Pizza
Order online on Saturday and use code PEP25 to receive 20% off all menu-priced pizzas, a spokesperson confirmed.
Peter Piper Pizza
Participating locations in Arizona and Albuquerque are offering the Dinner and Play deal, which includes a large, one-toping pizza, four drinks and 50 game points for $24.99, according to a company representative.
Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut is launching a limited-edition lineup of personal pizzas called Crafted Flatzz. It also just so happens they start at $5 during National Pepperoni Pizza Day.
Round Table Pizza
Use code RTP808 from Sept. 19-21 for a large Double Play Pizza (which has both classic and mini pepperoni) for $21.99.
