Bridgford Old World Pepperoni Stick 16 oz Pack of 2 - Naturally Smoked Pepperoni Stick for Pizza and Sandwiches - High Protein Zero Carb Keto Snack for Low Carb Keto Diets and Dietary Preferences

I had been searching around for decent quality pepperoni to incorporate into classic homemade West Virginia Pepperoni rolls. The true classic WV pepperoni rolls use thin “sticks” (or “batonnets” if you are into French cooking terminology!) of pepperoni that run the length of the inside of the log-shaped rolls. Most of the decent tasting pepperoni is already sliced into coins which don’t work well in the rolls; and the thin pepperoni sticks are just way too salty and dry. The Bridgford sticks definitely meet the required criteria! First, they have a fat:protein ratio that is correct at ~1.5:1 which is about the same as the ratio for a high quality cheddar cheese. Second, the salt is ~350mg/oz which is on the order of standard commercial chips and pretzels…just salty enough, especially when you make the bread for the pepperoni rolls and OMIT salt in the bread recipe. The spice level is medium so it is tasty for most people w/o being unpleasantly hot. The aroma of the product is wonderful, reflecting the pork and beef composition plus the spices. The texture is firm to the bite, not at all rubbery or mushy. I make our bread dough for the WV pepperoni rolls using basically an unsweetened challah/brioche dough, though you can use any standard bread dough you prefer, or even use thawed/frozen bread dough from the supermarket. The key to great flavor in WV pepperoni rolls, IMO, is to use the “sticks” of pepperoni inside the rolls, and do not overstuff them with pepperoni. For a 4” long roll I use 3” sticks that are only about 1/4” in the other dimensions, and I only use about 3 sticks per roll. Once you take the large stick out of the outer wrap, you must be sure to also remove the tight sausage “casing” as other Reviewers have noted, too! Run a single-edge razor blade lightly down the entire length of the stick in a few places and then it is easy-peasy to peel off the casing in strips. That makes it much easier to cut the batonnets and much easier to chew as well. As the rolls bake, a small amount of the fat renders and flavors the bread inside, w/o any oily “blowouts” or leaks. They are delicious to eat by themselves or with your fave beverage, and perfect to take on a hike or camping, since they do not need refrigeration after baking.

Delivery was delayed but I can understand because of the weather on the east coast. I received the package in good condition and I have pepperoni for I think a year..lol the sticks are larger than I expected and very pleased with the quality and taste. Will certainly buy again and much cheaper than the stores buying in bulk.

I just love my spaghetti dinners. And if I must say so I have become pretty darn good at them. My own home made meatballs, sausage, eggplant, and pepperoni in meat sauce. A lot of people don't add pepperoni to their sauces and spaghetti dinners, but I do as my Mom and Grandma always did. It not only flavors the sauce, but its delicious to eat right along side your pasta after simmering all day. Although I have used many different kinds of pepperoni over the years, (and pretty much liked them all except the Hormel brand), I have to say that this Bridgford is my favorite. Its true that its different than most pepperoni you will encounter. Its bigger, spicier, and a whole lot fattier. Just handling it cold or at room temp will leave your fingers red with grease. Although when I serve it with crackers as a snack I just leave it as is, when I am using it in my sauce I microwave it for 30 sec or so to remove the excess grease. My Mom actually did the same thing when I was a kid when her sauce was simmering on the stove. She would periodically go to the pot and skim the grease that had floated to the top from the pepperoni and other meats. With no access to a microwave back in those days that was the next best thing. They are remembered as some of the best meals I have ever had. And although its true that this pepperoni comes with a thin paper sheeting around it that must be removed first, it peels off very easily after you get it started, and, keeps the pepperoni fresher for a longer period of time. I never have a problem with it... In conclusion, this pepperoni isn't for everyone. Its bigger, softer, and greasier than many pepperoni that you may be used too. But after draining some of the excess grease in the microwave and simmering in the pot, or on top of my home made pizza, its the best and spiciest. Not really hot at all but very flavorful. Although it can be found at the BJs Wholsale Clubs here in NE, they can run out, and it comes at a very good price here on Amazon..And its always been a bargain among other pepperoni. I always have a supply of it on hand for my pizza and spaghetti dinners, and I highly recommend it..