The Perfect Cheese Pairing For Salami

Salami and cheese is a classic combination, and there are several types of cheese that go well with salami. Salami is a cured sausage, typically made from minced pork and beef, and seasoned with wine, salt, and spices. It is usually salty, dry, and highly seasoned, with strong flavours. The most well-known kind is pepperoni. The complex, spicy, sweet, hot, herby, and savoury taste of salami goes well with several types of cheese.

Some popular combinations include:

- Salami and Gouda

- Soppressata and Havarti

- Salami and Monterey Jack

- Prosciutto and Parmesan

- Wild Boar Salami and Comte

- Toscano Salami and Parmigiano Reggiano

- Black Truffle Salami and Trufa Negra

- Genoa Salami and Provolone

- Milano Salami and Asiago

- Soppressata and Goat Cheese

Monterey Jack and Salami

When paired together, the creamy, buttery flavour of the Monterey Jack complements the spiced, herby taste of the salami. This combination works well in a variety of dishes, such as sandwiches, quesadillas, or grilled tortillas. For example, you could make a sandwich with salami, Monterey Jack, and arugula on ciabatta with mayo and Italian dressing. Alternatively, you could keep it simple and enjoy the pairing on a cracker or grilled on a tortilla.

If you want to get a little more creative, you could try making a quesadilla with salami and Monterey Jack. Simply grill the quesadilla until the cheese is melted and serve it with your favourite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. You could also add other ingredients to the quesadilla, such as grilled vegetables or other types of cheese.

Another option is to make a grilled cheese sandwich with salami and Monterey Jack. This combination will create a gooey, delicious sandwich that is perfect for lunch or a quick snack. You can also add other ingredients to the sandwich, such as sliced tomatoes, arugula, or pesto.

Parmesan and Prosciutto

One simple way to enjoy this pairing is by making prosciutto and parmesan pinwheels. To make these, you'll need frozen puff pastry sheets, thinly sliced prosciutto and parmesan, and Dijon mustard. Simply roll out the pastry, spread on the mustard, layer on the prosciutto and cheese, and roll it up. Cut the roll into 1-inch thick sections and bake for 10 to 12 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

Another elegant appetizer option is prosciutto, fig, and parmesan rolls. For this, you'll wrap a slice of prosciutto around a wafer of parmesan and a sliver of dried fig, securing it with a drizzle of truffle or olive oil. These rolls can be served within two hours and are sure to impress.

If you're looking for a heartier meal, try a creamy parmesan spaghetti with prosciutto. This one-pan dish involves cooking the prosciutto until crispy, adding butter and garlic, pouring in chicken broth and milk, and then tossing in the spaghetti and parmesan. It's a quick, easy, and delicious option for a weeknight dinner.

Gouda and Salami

Gouda is a semi-hard cheese that originated in the Netherlands. It is typically made with cow's milk and is characterised by its distinct aroma, caramel flavour, and dense texture. Aged Gouda has a texture similar to Parmesan, with a rich, nutty, caramel flavour and a crumbly structure. Smoked Gouda is another variety that adds a unique flavour dimension to the cheese.

Salami, on the other hand, is a cured sausage made from ground meat, typically pork, beef, duck, boar, or venison. It is seasoned with various ingredients such as wine, garlic, fennel, herbs, chilli, and truffle, resulting in a wide range of flavours and textures.

When pairing Gouda and salami, consider the specific types and flavours of each. For example, a medium-grind salami spiced with crushed pepper pairs well with the smooth, caramel notes of an aged Gouda. The peppery notes of the salami balance the creamy, nutty flavours of the cheese.

Additionally, the presentation of the Gouda and salami can enhance the overall experience. For a charcuterie board, vary the shapes and colours of the cheese, such as wedges, blocks, or rounds, and include different diameters of salami to create visual appeal. If serving sandwiches, grilled Gouda and salami sandwiches are a popular option, with the melted cheese adding a creamy texture to the combination.

To further elevate the pairing, consider adding complementary ingredients. Artichoke hearts, for instance, add a marinated flavour to the mix, while sourdough flatbread crackers or toasted rounds provide a crunchy texture. A light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir, can also enhance the flavours without overwhelming the pairing.

Havarti and Soppressata

Soppressata is a dry salami, usually made with pork or beef. It is often seasoned with black pepper and garlic, and sometimes with hot peppers like Chile de árbol. Soppressata is a great alternative to pepperoni on pizzas and sandwiches.

Havarti is a semi-soft Danish cheese made from cow's milk. It is similar to Swiss cheese and is often described as buttery. The flavour of Havarti complements most meats, especially those seasoned with peppers, dill, or other herbs. It also melts well when grilled or heated, making it a great choice for sandwiches.

When it comes to creating a delicious pairing, Havarti and Soppressata are a match made in heaven. The creamy, semi-soft texture and buttery flavour of Havarti complement the herbs and spices in the Soppressata, allowing the meat's seasoning to shine. At the same time, the earthy and nutty notes of the cheese are brought out by the salami.

To elevate this pairing even further, serve it with accompaniments such as artichoke paste, rustic bakery organic crackers, Taggiasche olives in brine, and a glass of Merlot or Syrah. The combination of flavours and textures will create a delightful tasting experience.

Provolone and Genoa Salami

When creating a sandwich with this combination, you can add lettuce, tomato, olive spread, roasted pepper, mayonnaise, and black pepper to taste. This will result in a delicious, well-rounded bite that is sure to satisfy.

If you're looking to elevate your sandwich game even further, try experimenting with different types of bread, such as sourdough or rye, or add some extra toppings like avocado or jalapeno spread. You could also try melting the provolone cheese for a gooey, indulgent texture.

For a more substantial meal, consider pairing the provolone and Genoa salami with other complementary flavours. Genoa salami, for example, goes well with roasted peppers and black pepper, while provolone can stand up to stronger flavours like olive spread or even truffles. By playing with different combinations of flavours and textures, you can create a unique and memorable sandwich.

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