Best Pepperoni Substitutes
What Can I Use Instead of Pepperoni in a Recipe?
Use the same amount as the original. Similar cured meat with slightly milder and less spicy flavor. Use 1:1 in pizzas and charcuterie; adjust seasonings if needed.
Looking for the best Pepperoni substitute? You're in the right place. We've rounded up 2 reliable Pepperoni replacements that work in cooking and baking — ranked and explained so you can pick the right one for your recipe. Great for when you want to save money at the store. The top pick is Salami — it's the closest match for most recipes. Similar cured meat with slightly milder and less spicy flavor. Use 1:1 in pizzas and charcuterie; adjust seasonings if needed.
Want exact ratios calculated for your specific recipe? Use the free SubSwap calculator.
Get ratios for Pepperoni →All Pepperoni Substitutes (2 options)
Similar cured meat with slightly milder and less spicy flavor. Use 1:1 in pizzas and charcuterie; adjust seasonings if needed.
Concentrated spicy flavor; reconstitute with water or use as seasoning. Use about ¼ cup rehydrated for 1 oz fresh pepperoni.
As an Amazon Associate, SubSwap earns from qualifying purchases.
Tips for Substituting Pepperoni
For most recipes, Salami is the best starting point. Similar cured meat with slightly milder and less spicy flavor. Use 1:1 in pizzas and charcuterie; adjust seasonings if needed. Watching your grocery budget? Pepperoni powder or flakes (dehydrated) is the most wallet-friendly swap and does a solid job in most uses. If you're unsure which Pepperoni substitute to use, think about why the original is in the recipe: flavor, texture, moisture, or binding? Choose the substitute that best matches that function.
Common Questions About Pepperoni Substitutes
The best substitute for Pepperoni is Salami. Use the same amount. Similar cured meat with slightly milder and less spicy flavor. Use 1:1 in pizzas and charcuterie; adjust seasonings if needed.
This guide lists 2 Pepperoni alternatives. The best one depends on your recipe, dietary needs, and what you have on hand — check the substitution cards above for details on each.
Also commonly substituted
Related ingredients
New ingredients and substitutions added regularly. Get notified first — no spam.
SubSwap is free. If it saved your recipe, consider buying me a coffee ☕
☕ Buy me a coffee