The Great Pepperoni Debate: Lay-Flat vs. Cupping – Which Reigns Supreme?

North Ridgeville Master Pizza (North Ridgeville)

How Cupping Pepperoni is Taking Over Pizzas (and Instagram) One Slice at a Time

The Great Pepperoni Debate

Pizza has always been a battleground for culinary debates—round vs. square pies, folding vs. not folding, and the infamous pineapple dispute. But a new clash has entered the fray: lay-flat vs. cupping pepperoni. For pepperoni enthusiasts, these two toppings evoke intense emotions and aesthetic preferences that go far beyond mere taste.

A Love for the Cup

Fans of cupping pepperoni are quick to extol its visual charm. Justin Kadis from Cleveland admits that it’s not just about flavor. He appreciates the sheer beauty of pepperoni slices curling into small bowls filled with bubbling grease. “The way those little pools glisten enhances the appeal,” he says. This statement encapsulates what many feel when their pizza is topped with these crispy, charred-edged slices.

Cupping pepperoni—also known as ‘roni cups or cup-and-char—is staging a comeback across pizza joints nationwide. Instagram and social media play a large role in its resurgence. For some fans, including professional pizza blogger Adam Kuban, cupping pepperoni isn’t just a topping; it’s an experience. “It’s like seeing pepperoni in 3D,” he jokes, underscoring how this style captures attention like nothing else.

Why the Curl Matters

Historically, all pepperoni used to cup. Early Italian-American butchers left natural casings on their sausages, which contracted during cooking, creating that signature curl. After World War II, nonetheless, these cost-cutting measures led to the rise of lay-flat pepperoni. These are slices made without casing. They stay smooth and flat in the oven. This shift became the standard for most national pizza chains.

Yet some regions—like Buffalo and Detroit—never abandoned the cupping style. Generations of locals grew up with those curling slices. This has led to today’s nationwide resurgence. Pizzerias everywhere embrace the charm of cupped pepperoni.

“It concentrates all the greasy goodness into one delicious goblet,” says Becky Blackhawk from Palm Springs. She celebrates the flavor boost provided by the curled edges.

Pizza with Character

Cupping pepperoni doesn’t just taste different—it offers a more dynamic experience. The crispy edges and pools of grease give a punch of flavor and texture. Anthony Panichelli, a brand manager for Hormel Foodservice, says, “Flat pepperoni just lies there like it’s ironed on. Cupping pepperoni has depth and character.”

Despite its growing popularity, cupping pepperoni isn’t about to fully replace the flat variety. Producing the curled slices requires more labor and costs about 15% more than lay-flat pepperoni. Yet for restaurants like Prince Street Pizza in New York, the extra expense is worth it. Prince Street is known for loading its pies with layer upon layer of ’roni cups. It became a trendsetter and inspired other pizzerias to follow suit.

The Instagram Effect

Social media has played a pivotal role in the rise of cupping pepperoni. Instagram accounts like @little.peps and @ronicups focus exclusively on these curled delights. Thousands of followers are captivated by photos of glistening, cup-shaped slices. Brian James, the founder of @little.peps, originally started the account as a joke. “I thought it was the dumbest idea,” he admits, “but it blew up.”

PEPPERONI SHOWDOWN: Traditional vs. Cup & Char – Which Team Are You?🍕🤔

In today’s world, “people eat with their phones,” says Panichelli, underscoring the importance of visual appeal in food. Cupping pepperoni—with its charred edges and glossy grease pools—perfectly aligns with the aesthetics that thrive on social media.

A Slice of the Future

Some pizzerias, like Paulie Gee’s, prefer a more restrained approach to the cup-and-char trend. Still, many other pizzerias have embraced it wholeheartedly. Ezzo Sausage Co., an Ohio-based supplier. The company is known for its high-quality pepperoni. It reports that 30% of their production now goes to cupping varieties. The demand is steadily increasing.

It be the visual flair. Perhaps it’s the enhanced flavor, or maybe it’s the Instagram buzz. Cupping pepperoni seems poised to become a permanent fixture in the pizza world. As more pizza lovers discover the joy of these crispy, curled slices, the debate over lay-flat vs. cupping pepperoni will likely continue to heat up.

In the end, it’s all part of the ever-evolving pizza landscape. It serves as a delicious reminder that the perfect slice is in the eye (and mouth) of the beholder. Whether you love the classic flat variety, now is the perfect time to grab a slice. You also prefer the dynamic appeal of ’roni cups. Join the conversation and share your favorite.

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