The Perfect Cheese For A Salami Sandwich

Salami and cheese is a classic combination, but which type of cheese is best? There are several options, depending on your taste preferences. Provolone is a popular choice, as its sharpness pairs well with salami. Other options include gouda, mozzarella, swiss, muenster, havarti, parmesan, and aged white cheddar. For a simple salami sandwich, a soft bun, olive oil-steamed peppers, hard salami, and cheddar cheese are key. To elevate your sandwich, consider adding garlic butter, red wine vinegar, or lettuce.

Characteristics of a Salami Sandwich and the Cheese that Goes with it

Salami and cheese pairings

Salami and cheese sandwiches are a classic, and there are many types of salami and cheese that complement each other. Here are some perfect pairings to consider for your next salami and cheese sandwich:

Provolone and Genoa Salami

The sharp and tangy flavour of provolone is a great match for the robust taste of Genoa salami. This combination is a favourite for many salami and cheese sandwiches. Folding the salami slices adds texture and bulk to the sandwich. Toasting the bread is optional but creates a nice textural contrast with the soft fillings.

Gouda and Genoa Salami

Gouda is a semi-hard cheese with a dense texture and a distinct aroma. It has a rich, nutty, caramel flavour that pairs well with the Genoa salami. This combination offers a savoury finish that ranges from smooth to sharp, depending on the age of the cheese.

Havarti and Soppressata

Havarti is a creamy, semi-soft cheese with a supple, buttery flavour. It complements the herbs and spices in the Soppressata salami, allowing the meat's seasoning to shine while bringing out its own earthy and nutty notes. This pairing is best enjoyed with crackers, artichoke paste, and olives.

Parmigiano Reggiano and Toscano Salami

Parmigiano Reggiano, or Parmesan, is a sharp, fruity, and nutty cheese that pairs excellently with Toscano salami. The salami is prepared with black peppercorn, white wine, and garlic, resulting in a robust and tangy flavour. Enjoy this pairing with warm bread and a drizzle of basil-infused olive oil.

Comté and Wild Boar Salami

Comté is a French cheese similar to Swiss Gruyère, with a tight-knit texture and a satiny body. It has notes of apricot, hazelnuts, and toffee, creating a delightful combination with the rich, nutty flavour of wild boar salami. This pairing is perfect with sourdough flatbread crackers and a glass of Viognier or Chianti wine.

Bread options

The bread you choose for your salami and cheese sandwich can make or break the entire experience. It is important to get good-quality bread, preferably single-serving rolls.

A popular choice is a crusty roll or a hoagie roll, which is the ultimate sandwich bread—fluffy and super filling. You can also try a crusty roll, ciabatta, or Italian bread. Ciabatta tends to be slightly smaller than other loaves, so you end up with cute little sandwiches. It also crisps up beautifully and can be toasted to add a textural contrast to the soft fillings. Sourdough is another good option for its firm texture.

If you want to get creative, you can try cinnamon raisin bread or a bagel for your salami and cheese sandwich.

For a softer sandwich, you can use a soft white or wheat hamburger bun, which is the traditional choice for a family recipe that includes olive oil-steamed green bell peppers, hard salami, and sharp cheddar cheese.

Toasting the bread

Oven Toasting

Toasting bread in the oven is an easy and quick way to toast multiple slices at once. Preheat your oven to a high broil setting and place a baking rack at the top or second-to-top position. Place the bread slices on an ungreased baking sheet and put it in the oven. Broil for about a minute, then flip the slices and broil for another 20-30 seconds. Keep a close eye on the bread as it can burn quickly. This method will give you toast that is crispy on the outside and slightly softer in the centre.

Pan Toasting

If you prefer a crispier texture, you can toast the bread in a pan. This method is more hands-on and time-consuming, especially if you're making multiple sandwiches. Simply place the bread slices in a pan and toast until golden brown, then flip and toast the other side. This method can dry out the bread a little more than oven toasting, but it gives you more control over the toasting process.

Grill Toasting

If you're making several sandwiches at once, you can also toast the bread under a grill. This method allows you to toast multiple slices at the same time, similar to oven toasting. Brush the bread slices with oil and place them under the grill until lightly golden, then flip, brush with more oil, and grill the other side. This method gives a similar texture to oven toasting, with a crisp exterior and slightly softer centre.

Choosing the Right Bread

The type of bread you use can also impact the toasting process. Different breads have different moisture contents, so drier breads like sourdough may need less time to toast compared to moister breads. It's also important to use good quality bread, preferably single-serving rolls or a crusty loaf. Ciabatta is a popular choice for salami sandwiches as it crisps up nicely and has a firm texture.

Adding sauces and spreads

Sauces and spreads can make or break a sandwich. Here are some ideas for adding sauces and spreads to your salami sandwich:

Mayonnaise

A classic condiment, mayonnaise is a versatile spread that can be used as a base for your sandwich. It provides a creamy texture and helps to prevent the sandwich from drying out. You can use store-bought mayonnaise or make your own for an extra touch of homemade flavour.

Pesto Mayo

For an extra kick of flavour, mix some basil pesto with mayonnaise to create a pesto mayo spread. This combination adds a unique taste to your sandwich and helps keep it moist. If you prefer a stronger pesto flavour, you can use pesto alone as a spread.

Olive Oil

Drizzling olive oil on your bread can enhance the flavour and texture of your sandwich. It provides a rich, fruity taste and a smooth, moist mouthfeel. Olive oil pairs well with salami and other ingredients like arugula or rocket.

Balsamic Vinegar

Adding balsamic vinegar to your sandwich can give it a tangy twist. It pairs well with olive oil, especially when combined to make a vinaigrette. You can also use other types of vinegar, such as red wine vinegar, to add a sharp, acidic note to your sandwich.

Mustard

If you're looking for a spread with a little more spice, consider mustard. Dijon mustard, in particular, can add a tangy kick to your sandwich. You can spread it directly on the bread or use it as a dip for your sandwich.

Cream Cheese

For a creamy, tangy twist, consider using cream cheese as a spread. It provides a rich, smooth texture and a mild flavour that complements the salami. You can use plain cream cheese or opt for flavoured varieties like garlic and herb cream cheese for an extra punch of flavour.

Extra ingredients

There are many different ingredients that can be added to a salami and cheese sandwich to elevate the flavour. Here are some ideas for extra ingredients to add to your sandwich:

• More meat: Salami goes well with other cured meats such as prosciutto, ham, mortadella, or pepperoni.
• Cheese: Provolone, gouda, swiss, muenster, parmesan, havarti, or fresh mozzarella are all good choices to pair with salami.
• Greens: Arugula, spinach, basil, or iceberg lettuce can add a nice freshness to the sandwich.
• Spreads: In addition to mayonnaise, you can spread dijon mustard, cream cheese, or pesto mayo on the bread.
• Pickles: A pickle can add a nice crunch and a pop of vinegar to the sandwich.
• Onion: Thinly sliced red onions can add a bite of flavour.
• Other vegetables: Tomatoes, banana peppers, or pepperoncinis can also be added.

These are just a few ideas, but feel free to get creative and experiment with different ingredients to find your perfect salami and cheese sandwich combination!

Frequently asked questions