Patrick Oconnell
Salami and cheese are a classic combination, whether served on a charcuterie board or in a sandwich. When crafting the perfect pairing, it's essential to consider the balance of flavours and textures. For example, a salty salami pairs well with a creamy cheese, while a spicy salami can be complemented by a sharp cheese. The type of bread or cracker can also enhance the overall taste experience, with crusty baguettes or crunchy crackers providing a satisfying contrast to softer, more indulgent ingredients. Ultimately, personal preference plays a role in finding the perfect salami and cheese pairing, and experimentation is encouraged to discover new and exciting combinations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese to serve with salami sandwiches | Provolone, Mozzarella, Gouda, Cream Cheese, Meunster, Iceberg lettuce, Cheddar, Blue Cheese, Swiss Cheese, Parmesan, Goat Cheese |
| Cheese to serve with salami on a charcuterie board | Provolone, Gouda, Aged Cheddar, Brie, Manchego, Pecorino Romano |
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What You'll Learn
Salami and cheese sandwiches
When it comes to bread, ciabatta is a popular choice for salami sandwiches as it crisps up nicely and tends to be slightly smaller than other loaves, resulting in cute little sandwiches. Sourdough is another good option for its firm texture. For a softer sandwich, a hoagie roll can be used, which gives a fluffy texture.
Toasting the bread is a matter of personal preference. It can be done in a pan, under the grill, or in the oven. Toasting bread in a pan or under the grill gives a crisp texture while keeping the centre soft, whereas the oven can dry out the bread.
For the spread, mayonnaise is a classic choice, and dijon mustard can be added for an extra kick. Pesto mayo, made by mixing mayo with pesto and a squeeze of lemon juice, is another option to add some moisture to the sandwich. Cream cheese is also a popular ingredient for salami sandwiches.
When it comes to cheese, there are several options that pair well with salami. Provolone is a classic pairing with its mild, slightly tangy flavour and smooth texture that complements the spiciness of salami. Gouda is another popular choice, as it brings out a sweetness in salami and offers different texture experiences depending on whether it's young or aged. Aged cheddar, with its sharp and bold flavour and crumbly texture, stands up to the intensity of salami. For a softer option, brie provides a creamy, mild counterpoint to the robust flavour of salami, enhancing the overall mouthfeel of the pairing. Mozzarella, Swiss cheese, blue cheese, goat cheese, and parmesan are also great choices to pair with salami.
To assemble the sandwich, spread the bread with your choice of spread, then add toppings such as rocket or arugula for a peppery flavour, fresh basil leaves, or iceberg lettuce. Fold the salami and place it on the bread, followed by the cheese. Add some thinly sliced fresh tomatoes and sliced pepperoncinis, and season with salt and pepper. Finally, place the second slice of bread on top.
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Salami and cheese platters
Choosing the Right Salami
Select a variety of salami with different flavours and textures. Some popular options include:
- Finocchiona: A Tuscan salami made with fennel seeds, giving it a distinct herby and meaty taste.
- Dry salami: This variety undergoes a longer curing process, resulting in a deeper flavour and harder texture. It is often covered in a harmless white mould casing.
- Premium beef salami: A great alternative for those who don't eat pork, made from seasoned beef with a smoky flavour.
Selecting the Perfect Cheese
When it comes to cheese, there are numerous options that pair beautifully with salami. Here are some top choices:
- Provolone: A classic pairing, provolone has a mild, slightly tangy, and sweet flavour with a smooth texture that complements the spiciness of salami.
- Gouda: Gouda's creamy and slightly sweet flavour contrasts nicely with the savoury taste of salami. Both young and aged Gouda can be used, offering different texture experiences.
- Aged Cheddar: The bold and sharp flavour of aged cheddar stands up to the intensity of salami, while its crumbly texture adds a delightful contrast to the chewy salami.
- Brie: Brie provides a creamy and mild counterpoint to the robust flavour of salami. Its buttery texture enhances the overall mouthfeel of the pairing.
- Pecorino Romano: This hard Italian cheese made from sheep's milk is a bold and salty option that beautifully complements salty salami.
Creating a Balanced Platter
When assembling your salami and cheese platter, consider the following tips:
- Balance flavours: Match the intensity of the cheese with the boldness of the salami to ensure neither element overpowers the other.
- Texture contrast: Vary the textures of your cheese selections to add interest and variety to your platter.
- Personal preference: Experiment with different combinations to discover new tastes and find your favourite pairings.
- Presentation: Elegantly arrange your salami, cheese, and crackers to create a premium-looking platter. Try folding or rolling the salami, creating salami roses, or shaping slices into half-moons to frame the board.
Enhancing Your Platter
To elevate your salami and cheese platter, consider adding complementary items such as:
- Crackers or bread: Rustic bakery organic sourdough flatbread bites or crackers can provide a crunchy base for your salami and cheese.
- Condiments: Include spreads like mayonnaise, pesto mayo, dijon mustard, or cream cheese to enhance the flavours.
- Greens: Add fresh greens like arugula for a peppery kick, basil leaves for a herbal touch, or iceberg lettuce for a crisp and watery crunch.
- Pickles and vegetables: Sundried tomatoes, sweet Borettane onions, pepperoncinis, or marinated olives can provide a tangy contrast to the meats and cheeses.
- Dried fruits and nuts: Include sweeter options like dried fruit, candied pecans, or figs to balance the savoury elements on your platter.
- Additional meats: Offer a second cured meat option, such as white truffle salami or chorizo, for added variety.
With these tips, you're ready to create a delightful salami and cheese platter that will impress your guests and elevate their snacking experience. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations and discovering new flavour profiles!
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Salami and cheese charcuterie boards
When it comes to salami, there are many options to choose from, each with its unique characteristics. Salami can range in flavour from mild to spicy, with hints of garlic, pepper, or smoky undertones. The texture of salami can also vary, from soft and supple to firm and chewy. Consider the flavour and texture of the salami you prefer and select a variety of salami that reflects your taste.
To complement your chosen salami, select cheeses with matching intensities. Strong salamis pair well with strong cheeses, while soft salamis go well with mild cheeses. Experiment with different textures and include a variety of soft, firm, and hard cheeses. Some popular options include soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert, firm cheeses such as Cheddar or Gouda, and hard cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano. The creamy, slightly sweet flavour of Gouda, for example, contrasts nicely with the savoury taste of salami. For a softer option, Brie provides a creamy, mild counterpoint to the robust flavour of salami, enhancing the overall mouthfeel of the pairing.
In addition to the cheese and salami, enhance your charcuterie board with a variety of accompaniments. Olives, pickles, and other fermented foods add a nice contrast and enhance the flavours of the meats and cheeses. Jams and mustards are perfect for spreading on bread or crackers, which provide a base for your board. Fresh fruit and berries, such as grapes, apples, and strawberries, add a touch of sweetness. Nuts, such as almonds, candied pecans, and walnuts, offer a crunchy texture and can also be paired with sweeter options.
When assembling your charcuterie board, presentation is key. Choose a large wooden board or a slate platter for a rustic look, ensuring it is big enough to fit all your items without overcrowding. Arrange your salami and cheeses in a visually appealing way, rolling or folding slices of salami, fanning out cheese wedges, and stacking items at different heights. Add pockets of interest with accompaniments, creating a delightful spread that is a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
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Cheese and salami pairings
Salami, with its rich and robust flavour, is a favourite on any charcuterie board. Pairing it with the right cheese can elevate your snacking experience, creating a harmonious balance of tastes and textures. Here are some tips and ideas for cheese and salami pairings:
Flavour and Intensity
When pairing cheese and salami, it is important to consider the intensity of both elements. Match the intensity of the cheese with the boldness of the salami to avoid overpowering one element. For example, a sharp and bold-flavoured cheese like aged Cheddar can stand up to the intensity of salami, while a milder cheese like Provolone or Mozzarella may be a better pairing for a spicier salami.
Texture Contrast
Adding variety and interest to your charcuterie board can be achieved by pairing cheeses with different textures. For instance, the crumbly texture of aged Cheddar contrasts with the chewy salami, while creamy cheeses like Brie or Gouda offer a softer, smoother mouthfeel.
Personal Preference
Experimenting with different combinations is essential to finding your favourite pairings and discovering new tastes. You can also draw inspiration from classic pairings, such as Provolone and salami, or get creative with unique combinations like Venison & Berkshire Pork Salami with Pecorino Romano, a hard Italian sheep's milk cheese.
Salami Variety
The type of salami you choose can also influence your cheese pairings. For instance, a Tuscan Finocchiona salami made with fennel seeds may pair well with a cheese that complements its meaty and herby notes. A smoky, seasoned beef salami might call for a different cheese pairing than a traditional pork salami.
Presentation and Pairings
The way you present your salami and cheese pairings can also enhance your snacking experience. Stacking salami and cheese into small piles or rolling them into pinwheels adds height and visual appeal to your charcuterie board. Salami sandwiches are also a popular way to enjoy the pairing, with Ciabatta and Sourdough being favoured bread choices.
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Salami and cheese pinwheels
Ingredients:
- Puff pastry dough
- Hard salami
- Shredded cheese (based on common cheese pairings with salami, cheddar, gouda, or provolone would pair well with salami)
- Egg
- 1 tablespoon of water
Instructions:
- Dust a flat work surface lightly with flour.
- Thaw and roll out the puff pastry dough.
- Cover the dough with salami slices, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the salami.
- Roll the puff pastry up tightly like a jelly roll.
- Mix egg with 1 tablespoon of water.
- Brush the egg mixture along the edge of the rolled pastry to help seal it.
- Wrap the rolled puff pastry with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour and up to 24 hours.
- Preheat the oven and bake the pinwheels on a prepared baking sheet until lightly browned and puffed up, about 15 to 20 minutes.
You can also make salami pinwheels with flour tortillas instead of puff pastry. Simply chop the salami into small pieces, combine them with cream cheese and dill pickle relish, spread the mixture onto the tortillas, and roll them up before slicing.
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Frequently asked questions
Some popular cheeses to pair with salami include provolone, mozzarella, gouda, brie, cheddar, pecorino romano, and trufa negra.
Salami and cheese can be served on a charcuterie board or in a sandwich. If serving on a charcuterie board, arrange the salami and cheese on a large wooden board or slate platter, creating visual interest by rolling or folding slices of salami and fanning out wedges of cheese. If making a sandwich, choose a bread that complements the flavours of the salami and cheese, such as a crusty baguette or hearty sourdough.
When choosing a cheese to pair with salami, consider the intensity of the cheese and the boldness of the salami, as well as the textures of each. For example, pair a salty, chewy salami with a creamy, mild cheese to create a well-rounded taste.
