Salami's Perfect Cheese Partners: A Guide

what cheese to get with salami

Salami is a cured meat with a robust flavour that is a popular choice for sandwiches and charcuterie boards. When creating a salami sandwich, the type of bread used is important, with ciabatta being a popular choice as it crisps up nicely. In terms of cheese, provolone is a classic pairing, with its mild, slightly tangy flavour and smooth texture complementing the spiciness of the salami. Other popular choices include gouda, mozzarella, brie, havarti, manchego, and aged cheddar. When creating a charcuterie board, it is important to consider the intensity of the cheese and its texture to create a harmonious pairing with the salami.

Characteristics Values
Cheese type Provolone, Gouda, Aged Cheddar, Brie, Mozzarella, Comte, Havarti, Manchego
Texture Smooth, creamy, crumbly, buttery, soft, gooey, mild, tight-knit, satiny
Flavour Tangy, sweet, savoury, sharp, bold, nutty, earthy, spicy, intense
Meat type Salami, Soppressata, Wild Boar Salami, Lomo, Prosciutto di Parma, Ham
Bread type Ciabatta, Hoagie roll
Condiments Mayonnaise, Pesto, Olive oil, Salt, Pepper, Honey, Balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard
Accompaniments Crackers, Olives, Grapes, Melon slices, Arugula/Rocket, Basil, Iceberg lettuce, Tomatoes, Pepperoncinis

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Salami and cheese sandwiches

Choosing the Salami

The type of salami chosen can vary depending on preference. Finocchiona Salami is a popular choice, but Genoa salami is also a good option. For those looking for something different, Wild Boar Salami is an excellent substitute for beef and pork, offering an authentic Mediterranean flavour. Another option is Soppressata Salami, which is a dry-cured meat with a robust flavour.

Selecting the Cheese

When selecting a cheese to pair with salami, it is essential to consider the intensity and texture of the cheese. A classic pairing is Provolone, which has a mild, slightly tangy flavour and a smooth texture that complements the spiciness of salami. Gouda is another popular choice, offering a creamy and slightly sweet flavour that contrasts nicely with the savoury taste of salami. Aged Cheddar provides a sharp and bold flavour that stands up to the intensity of salami, while its crumbly texture adds a delightful contrast. For a softer option, Brie is a mild and creamy cheese that enhances the overall mouthfeel of the pairing. Other options include Havarti, a semi-soft cheese with a buttery flavour, and Mozzarella, which is creamier and less sharp than Provolone.

Building the Sandwich

To build a salami and cheese sandwich, start by choosing the bread. Ciabatta is an excellent option as it crisps up nicely and is slightly smaller than other loaves, making cute and tasty sandwiches. Grill the bread until golden, brushing it with olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. For the fillings, add mayonnaise, rocket or arugula, and pesto for extra flavour. Fold in the salami and cheese, using a vegetable peeler to shave the cheese if desired. Finally, season with salt and pepper and enjoy!

Additional Tips

When creating a salami and cheese sandwich, consider the following tips:

  • Experiment with different combinations of salami and cheese to find your favourite pairings.
  • Try adding other ingredients such as pepperoncinis, banana peppers, or raw onions for extra flavour and texture.
  • If using a softer cheese, consider grilling the sandwich to melt the cheese and enhance the overall taste experience.
  • For a more substantial meal, add other meats such as ham or prosciutto to create an Italian Club Sandwich.

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Salami, cheese, and crackers

When it comes to cheese, there are several varieties that pair well with salami. A classic option is Provolone, which has a mild, slightly tangy flavour and smooth texture that goes well with the spiciness of salami. Gouda is another excellent choice, as its creamy and slightly sweet flavour contrasts nicely with the savoury taste of salami. Both young and aged Gouda offer different texture experiences, so you can choose according to your preference. For a bolder flavour, opt for aged Cheddar, which has a sharp and intense taste that stands up to the robust flavour of salami. The crumbly texture of well-aged Cheddar also provides a delightful contrast to the chewy salami. If you prefer a softer cheese, Brie is an ideal choice, as its creamy, mild flavour and buttery texture enhance the overall mouthfeel of the pairing. Another option is Havarti, a creamy, semi-soft cheese with a supple, buttery flavour. Its earthy and nutty notes complement the herbs and spices in salami, such as the Soppressata Picante variety.

For those who enjoy experimenting with different meats, Wild Boar Salami is a flavourful option. This variety, made from 100% Texas Wild Boar, is all-natural and free of nitrates and nitrites. Pair it with Comté, an Alpine cheese made from cow's milk. Similar to Swiss Gruyère, Comté is an artisan cheese with a tight-knit texture and satiny body. Its flavour profile includes notes of apricot, hazelnuts, and toffee, making it a versatile choice for snacking or cooking.

If you're looking for a Spanish-inspired pairing, Lomo, or Lomo curado, is a wonderful option. This dry-cured pork tenderloin is a Spanish delicacy, seasoned with different types of paprika. Pair it with Manchego cheese, often referred to as the "King of Spanish Cheeses". This combination is best enjoyed with grapes, melon slices, and French butter sea salt crackers on the side.

When selecting crackers, opt for varieties that complement the flavours of your chosen salami and cheese pairings. Rustic Bakery Organic Crackers, for example, go well with Soppressata salami and Havarti cheese.

Remember, the key to a successful salami, cheese, and crackers platter is to find a balance of flavours and textures that highlight the deliciousness of each component. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to discover your favourite pairings.

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Cheese types: Provolone, Gouda, Cheddar, Brie

Salami is a favourite on any charcuterie board, and pairing it with the right cheese can elevate your snacking experience. Here are some popular cheese types and how they complement salami:

Provolone

Provolone is a classic pairing with salami. Its mild, slightly tangy flavour and smooth texture complement the spiciness of salami. Provolone is also a popular choice for sandwiches and grilled cheese, where it adds a creamy and nutty flavour. It pairs well with other meats such as ham and prosciutto.

Gouda

The creamy and slightly sweet flavour of Gouda contrasts nicely with the savoury taste of salami. Both young and aged Gouda can work well, offering different texture experiences. Gouda is also a good substitute for Provolone in sandwiches, although it is creamier and less sharp.

Cheddar

Aged Cheddar has a sharp and bold flavour that stands up to the intensity of salami. The crumbly texture of a well-aged Cheddar adds a delightful contrast to the chewy salami. Cheddar is also a popular addition to grilled cheese sandwiches, pairing well with Provolone.

Brie

Brie provides a creamy, mild counterpoint to the robust flavour of salami. The buttery texture of Brie enhances the overall mouthfeel of the pairing. It is a softer option that balances the intensity of salami.

When creating a salami and cheese platter, it is important to balance the flavours and textures. Experiment with different combinations to find your favourite pairings and discover new tastes.

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Wild boar salami and Comté

Salami is a favourite on any charcuterie board, and pairing it with the right cheese can elevate your snacking experience. When it comes to wild boar salami, a meat that offers an exceptional, authentic flavour of the Mediterranean, there is a perfect cheese match—Comté.

Wild Boar Salami

Wild boar salami is crafted from a mix of wild boar and organic pork. The wild boar is sourced from Texas, where the animals are field-harvested. The pork belly used is all-natural Duroc. This combination of meats gives the salami a rich, succulent, and gamey flavour. The meat is seasoned with juniper, cloves, celery powder, and wine-soaked juniper berries, lending an herbaceous, slightly woodsy essence to the final product. The longer the salami is left to dry and ripen, the more intense its flavour will be.

Comté Cheese

Comté is a French cheese made from cow's milk in the Jura region. It is similar to Swiss Gruyère but has a tighter-knit texture and a satiny body. The flavour of Comté varies with the season, production techniques, and age. A 10-month-old Comté will offer notes of apricot, hazelnuts, and toffee. This versatile cheese is ideal for snacking and cooking.

The Pairing

Serving Suggestions

When serving a salami and cheese platter, it is important to consider the presentation. Elegantly arrange the meats and cheeses on a board with crackers, fruits, and spreads to create a premium-looking meal. Allow the wild boar salami to come to room temperature before serving to ensure the best taste.

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Soppressata and Havarti

When it comes to creating a salami and cheese platter or sandwich, it's important to consider how the flavours complement each other. The right pairing can elevate your snacking experience, creating a harmonious balance of tastes and textures.

Soppressata, a type of Italian salami, is typically made with herbs and spices and has a robust flavour. It is often seasoned with black peppercorn, white wine, and garlic, resulting in a robust, bright, and tangy taste. To complement the savoury and spicy notes of soppressata, a creamy and buttery cheese like Havarti is an excellent choice. Havarti is a semi-soft cheese with a supple texture and a mild, buttery flavour. Its creaminess and subtle tanginess balance out the intensity of the salami, allowing the meat's seasoning to shine while bringing out its earthy and nutty notes.

When building a soppressata and Havarti sandwich, consider adding baby arugula or rocket, which provides a nice textural contrast to the meat and cheese. Dressing the arugula or rocket in extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper can add moisture and a touch of sweetness to the sandwich. To enhance the flavours even further, consider spreading some pesto mayo or regular mayonnaise on the bread. Ciabatta bread is an excellent choice for this sandwich as it grills up beautifully, adding a nice crispness while remaining slightly soft in the centre.

For a classic soppressata and Havarti pairing, enjoy them alongside crackers and a selection of accompaniments. Rustic Bakery Organic Crackers pair well with the creamy Havarti and robust soppressata. Artichoke paste, taggiasche olives in brine, and grapes or melon slices can also enhance the flavours of this pairing. A glass of Merlot or Syrah can further complement the earthy and nutty notes of the Havarti cheese.

When creating a soppressata and Havarti platter or sandwich, feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your preferred balance of flavours and textures. This pairing is just one of many options, and you can also explore other cheeses such as provolone, gouda, cheddar, or brie to find your favourite combinations with salami.

Frequently asked questions

Provolone, mozzarella, gouda, cream cheese, and havarti are all good choices for a salami sandwich. If you're making a salami sandwich, it's a good idea to fold the salami to give the sandwich some height. You can also add toppings like rocket, arugula, or basil leaves, and spreads like mayonnaise, pesto, or dijon mustard.

When creating a charcuterie board, it's important to consider both the flavours and textures of the cheeses and how they will pair with the salami. Some good cheeses to pair with salami on a charcuterie board include gouda, provolone, brie, aged cheddar, manchego, and comté.

French butter sea salt crackers are a good option to pair with salami and manchego cheese. Rustic Bakery Organic Crackers also pair well with salami and havarti cheese.

Depending on your preferences, you can include grapes, melon slices, olives, and pesto mayo on the side. If you're making a sandwich, you can use ciabatta bread, and if you're making a charcuterie board, you can include crackers.

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