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Happy National Pepperoni Pizza Day: Celebrating America's Favorite Topping

A Slice of History: The Origins of Pizza Legend has it that the first modern pizza was created in Naples, Italy, in June 1889. The story goes that a pizza maker named Raffaele Esposito was tasked with creating a dish for Queen Margherita of Savoy. He crafted a pizza topped with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil to represent the colors of the Italian flag. In her honor, he named it the Pizza Margherita.The Reign of PepperoniWhile the Pizza Margherita holds a special place in history, pepperoni has become the single most popular pizza topping in the world. Its savory, slightly spicy flavor has made it a favorite for both young and old, regardless of whether the pizza is a Chicago-style deep dish or a New York-style thin crust.On September 20th, we celebrate Pepperoni Pizza Day to honor this beloved food. It's a day to indulge in a slice (or a whole pie!) and appreciate the delicious simplicity of this classic topping. How to Celebrate Pepperoni Pizza DayThere are many ways to get in on the celebration:Order In: Grab a slice or an entire pie from your favorite local pizzeria.Make Your Own: Get creative in the kitchen! Gather your friends and family to make a homemade pepperoni pizza. You can experiment with different sauces, like BBQ, ranch, or alfredo, in addition to the traditional tomato.Share the Love: Snap a picture of your pepperoni pizza and post it on social media with the hashtag #PepperoniPizzaDay. You can also give a shout-out to your favorite pizzeria or buy a gift card for a future pizza night.What's in Pepperoni?Pepperoni is a type of American cured sausage, similar to salami. It's typically made from cured pork and beef, seasoned with paprika or other chili peppers, which gives it its characteristic red color and a slight kick of heat. Update Where to Find Good, Pepperoni Pizza in Northwest Arkansas Finding the absolute "best" places is a matter of personal taste, as everyone has their own preferences for crust, sauce, and cheese. However, based on local reviews and discussions, here are some of the most highly-regarded pizzerias in Northwest Arkansas where you can get a delicious pepperoni pizza:Gusano's Pizza: A local favorite with multiple locations, Gusano's is known for its Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. Their pepperoni pizza is a must-try for those who enjoy a hearty, cheesy slice. They've even been named "Very Best" in the pizza category by Celebrate Arkansas magazine.Wood Stone Craft Pizza: With locations in Fayetteville and Bentonville, Wood Stone is known for its high-quality ingredients and unique flavor combinations. Their pepperoni is a popular choice, and they focus on using locally sourced products whenever possible.Mellow Mushroom: This popular chain has a location in Fayetteville and is a favorite among locals and students. They are known for their fresh ingredients, flavorful dough, and a wide variety of toppings, making their pepperoni pizza a great option.Pizzeria Ruby: Located in Springdale, Pizzeria Ruby has gained a reputation for its excellent pizza. It's often cited in local forums as one of the best spots in the area for a high-quality pizza experience.Odd Soul: Located in Springdale, Odd Soul is another popular choice. They're known for their thin-crust pizzas and unique additions, like spicy honey, which can elevate a classic pepperoni pizza to a new level.