Pepperoni is a popular pizza topping and snack food enjoyed by many. Its smoky, savory flavor makes it a staple in most kitchens. Like most pizza toppings, pepperoni comes pre-sliced in bags or plastic wrap.
With its convenience and versatility in recipes, you may find yourself wondering if you can freeze any leftovers for later use.
What is Pepperoni Made Of?
Before learning if and how to freeze pepperoni, it helps to understand what it’s made of. Pepperoni is a cured meat made from pork, beef, or a combination of the two.
The meat mixture contains salt, spices, and curing agents like sodium nitrite. These ingredients help preserve the meat and give pepperoni its signature vivid red color and smoky flavor.
Once the meat mixture is prepared, it gets stuffed into casings to form long logs or sticks. The pepperoni logs then go through a smoking and drying process.
This draws out moisture and gives the meat its firm, sliceable texture. The final step is slicing the logs into rounds of pepperoni.
Can You Freeze Leftover Pepperoni?
The short answer is yes; you can absolutely freeze leftover pepperoni. Freezing is a safe and effective way to extend its shelf life. Properly frozen pepperoni lasts 2–3 months in the freezer.
Pepperoni sold at grocery stores or delis is fully cooked and cured. Since it’s ready to eat straight from the package, pepperoni can go straight into the freezer without any additional preparation. Freezing stops bacteria growth that causes food spoilage.
Does Freezing Affect Pepperoni’s Texture or Flavor?
Freezing pepperoni does not significantly alter its texture or flavor. It remains pleasantly firm and slices easily once thawed. The smoky spiciness also remains intact.
That said, frozen pepperoni may lose a bit of its vibrant red color. It may fade slightly to a more pinkish hue. But this color change only impacts appearance. It does not affect the flavor or quality when frozen properly.
How to Freeze Pepperoni
Follow these simple steps to successfully freeze pepperoni:
- Inspect the package date. Only freeze unopened packages of pepperoni within the “Best By” date range. Freezing past this timeframe decreases quality.
- Portion into airtight bags or containers. Place leftover pepperoni portions into freezer bags, plastic containers, or aluminum foil. Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label bags with date and quantity. Mark the storage date and amount of pepperoni contained. This makes inventory planning easier.
- Arrange bags flat in the freezer. Lay bags flat on a freezer shelf rather than stacking them. This prevents crushing or damage.
- Freeze immediately at 0°F or below. Place sealed pepperoni bags in the freezer right away. A constant 0°F temperature ensures rapid freezing.
- Use within 2-3 months. For best quality and food safety, use fully frozen pepperoni within 2-3 months.
Tips for Thawing Frozen Pepperoni
Thaw pepperoni properly before using to retain good texture.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For slow, safe thawing, leave frozen pepperoni in the refrigerator for 8–12 hours.
- Submerge the bag in cold water. For quicker thawing, seal the pepperoni in a plastic bag and submerge it in cold tap water. Change the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
- Microwave briefly: microwave frozen pepperoni at 50% power in short 10- to 15-ssecond bursts, flipping over in between.
- Use immediately. Once thawed, use pepperoni right away for maximum freshness. Do not refreeze thawed pepperoni.
How to Use Thawed Pepperoni
Thawed pepperoni can be used in all the same ways as fresh:
- Pizza topping: Sprinkle pepperoni over the pizza and continue baking as normal. It crisps up just like fresh.
- Snack: Thawed pepperoni tastes delicious sliced or chopped into a snack mix.
- Salads and pasta: Cut-up pepperoni adds a punch of flavor when tossed into salads, pasta, or antipasto.
- Sandwiches and subs: Layer slices of pepperoni on sandwiches and subs for a savory crunch.
- Peppers and cheese: Stuff thawed pepperoni and cheese into halved bell peppers for a fun appetizer.
- Omelets and frittatas: dice and add pepperoni to omelets, breakfast scrambles, and frittatas.
Storing Thawed Pepperoni
Use thawed pepperoni within 4–7 days for the best quality. Store opened packages of thawed pepperoni sealed in the refrigerator. Discard any discolored or dried-out pepperoni slices.
For longer storage, place any unused thawed pepperoni back in the freezer immediately. The second freezing will shorten its shelf life, so use it within 1 month.
Frequently Asked Questions About Freezing Pepperoni
Can you freeze pre-sliced pepperoni?
Yes, presliced packaged pepperoni from the grocery store or deli counter can be frozen in its original wrapping. There’s no need to repackage it first unless you divide it into smaller portions.
Does freezing pepperoni cause health risks?
Freezing is safe for pepperoni and does not cause health risks. As long as it’s handled properly and stored at 0°F, freezing stops bacteria growth.
Can you freeze homemade pepperoni?
Homemade pepperoni made from scratch can also be frozen. Shape it into logs, chill thoroughly in the refrigerator, then wrap the logs tightly before freezing. Follow standard freezer timelines based on ingredients.
What happens if pepperoni is frozen too long?
Pepperoni held frozen longer than 2–3 months may develop freezer burn or a change in texture. The pepperoni will still be safe to eat, but the quality will decline. Discard pepperoni with any off colors or odors.
Should you thaw pepperoni before putting it on pizza?
For best results, thaw the pepperoni first. But if you’re pressed for time, you can place it directly on a pizza that’s still frozen. It may just take a little longer to cook through.
Can thawed pepperoni be refrozen?
Previously frozen pepperoni should not be refrozen after thawing. Refreezing exponentially increases the risk of bacterial growth. Only refreeze pepperoni if thawed but unused.
The Convenience of Freezing Pepperoni
Freezing gives pepperoni a significantly longer shelf life compared to refrigerating alone. Keeping pepperoni properly frozen retains its signature flavor, firm texture, and vibrant color.
Hi, I’m Julie, the passionate foodie and founder of Juliesfamilykitchen.com. I created this blog out of a drive to prove someone wrong, and then I realized how much I truly enjoy cooking and trying new recipes. In my free time, when I’m not running around after my kids or spending quality time with my partner, you can usually find me in the kitchen experimenting with new dishes.