The Perfect Cheese Pairing For Italian Salami

Salami is a popular sausage with an intense flavour. It is a mix of minced pork, beef, wine, salt, and spices. The most well-known kind is pepperoni. When it comes to Italian salami, there are a few types to note: Genoa salami, mostly made of salty pork; soppressata, a dry salami usually made with pork or beef; and prosciutto, an Italian delicacy made from the hind leg of pork meat. So, what kind of cheese goes well with Italian salami?

Provolone or provola cheese

Provolone is a popular Italian cheese that pairs well with Italian salami. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, from sandwiches to pasta.

Provolone is an aged pasta filata (stretched curd) cheese that originated in the Po Valley of northern Italy. The name "Provolone" comes from the Italian word "provola," which means "ball of cheese." It is typically made from cow's milk and aged for two to three months, although some types can be aged for much longer—up to 12 months or more.

There are two main types of Provolone: Dolce (mild) and Piccante (sharp or spicy). Dolce Provolone is aged for a shorter period, around 2-4 months, and has a softer texture and a sweeter, more buttery taste. It is great for melting on pizzas, sandwiches, and paninis. On the other hand, Piccante Provolone is aged for longer—at least 16 months—and has a stronger, more robust flavour. This type of Provolone is perfect for a cheese board and pairs well with full-bodied wines.

When it comes to serving Provolone with Italian salami, it is a classic combination. Provolone's mild, buttery taste goes well with the savoury, salty flavours of Italian salami. It can be used in a traditional Italian sandwich, such as a panini or muffaletta, or melted on top of an Italian Club Salami Sandwich. Provolone can also be grated over pasta dishes or added to baked dishes like lasagna.

Provolone is a versatile and delicious cheese that complements Italian salami, enhancing the flavours of both the cheese and the meat. Its popularity and accessibility make it a great choice for those looking to add a creamy texture and unique flavour to their meals.

Gouda

When it comes to pairing gouda with Italian salami, the contrast between the creamy, nutty cheese and the robust, spiced meat creates a harmonious flavour profile. The black pepper, garlic, nutmeg, and fennel seeds commonly found in Italian salami are complemented by the sweetness and creaminess of gouda. This pairing is further enhanced when served with toasted rounds and a touch of sea salt, creating a well-rounded appetiser or snack.

To elevate the experience, a light-bodied red wine, such as a Pinot Noir, is an excellent choice. The dryness and lightness of the wine stand up to the robust flavours of the salami and gouda without overwhelming them. This combination of Italian salami, gouda, and Pinot Noir creates a delightful culinary trio that delights the senses and showcases the art of food and wine pairing.

Additionally, gouda is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in various dishes beyond the classic salami pairing. Its creamy texture and nutty flavour make it a wonderful addition to sandwiches, charcuterie boards, or even melted on top of grilled dishes. Gouda's ability to complement both savoury and sweet flavours makes it a popular choice for chefs and food enthusiasts alike.

In conclusion, gouda is an ideal cheese to serve with Italian salami due to its balanced creaminess and nutty accents. The combination of flavours and textures creates a delightful culinary experience, showcasing the importance of carefully selected pairings to elevate the enjoyment of food. Whether enjoyed as a snack, appetiser, or part of a more elaborate dish, the pairing of Italian salami and gouda is a testament to the magic that happens when the right ingredients come together.

Parmigiano Reggiano

You can also add Parmigiano Reggiano to your salami dish by including it in a recipe. For example, you could make an Italian Cremona Salame al Parmigiano Reggiano, a simple, slightly sweet salami with a fermented flavour. This recipe includes parmigiano reggiano cut into small cubes, mixed with the meat and other ingredients, and stuffed into a casing.

Another option is to buy salami that already contains Parmigiano Reggiano. For example, the Roma D'Italia Parmigiano Salamino is an Italian salami that combines fine pork meat with Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, resulting in a mouth-watering flavour. It is gluten-free and lactose-free, and can be served on a charcuterie board or in antipasto recipes.

Asiago

When pairing Asiago with Italian salami, consider the following:

• Fresh Asiago works well with softer, milder salamis like Genoa salami.
• Aged Asiago pairs nicely with stronger, more pungent salamis like soppressata.
• If you want a warm, toasted sandwich, fresh Asiago melts well and can be paired with a variety of Italian salamis.
• For a more substantial meal, aged Asiago can be grated over a bed of pasta with sliced salami, or used in a salad with salami chunks.

Brie

When creating a charcuterie board, it is important to consider the balance of flavours and textures. Brie is a mild, creamy cheese that can complement spicy or salty salamis without being overwhelming. Its soft texture also provides an interesting contrast to the chewy salami.

For a classic pairing, serve brie with Italian salami such as Genoa salami, Calabrese salami, or Soppressata. Genoa salami, a favourite for charcuterie boards, is made with ground pork or veal mixed with white wine, garlic, salt, and peppercorns. Calabrese salami will add a spicy element to your board, as it is a pork sausage named after the southern Italian region of Calabria, known for its spicy cuisine. Soppressata is another dry salami from the regions of Calabria, Vicenza, and Tuscany. It is typically made from fresh pork but can also be made with beef.

If you are creating a sandwich with Italian salami and brie, consider adding thinly sliced pepperoncinis, tomatoes, lettuce, and mayonnaise. You can also experiment with different types of bread, such as a hoagie roll, to add variety to your sandwich.

Frequently asked questions