The Perfect Cheese For A Salami Sandwich

Salami and cheese sandwiches are a delicious and easy-to-make meal, perfect for a picnic or a quick lunch. While there are many ways to make a salami sandwich, the type of cheese you choose can make a big difference. Popular choices include provolone, gouda, mozzarella, and cheddar. For a more indulgent option, try a hot salami sandwich with melted cheese.

Provolone, gouda, or mozzarella

Provolone, gouda, and mozzarella are all popular choices of cheese to pair with salami in a sandwich. Provolone is a particularly good match, as its sharpness cuts through the rich, buttery flavour of the salami. However, it can be tricky to find in some places, and it is often expensive. Gouda and mozzarella are good, more affordable alternatives, but they are much creamier and less sharp than provolone.

A salami and gouda toastie is a great option for a quick, tasty snack. The smooth and nutty flavour of the gouda combines well with the tangy and mildly spicy salami. To make this toastie, place a slice of gouda on each piece of bread, layer up the salami on one slice, and then place the other slice of bread on top. Drizzle olive oil over the sandwich and cook in a toasted sandwich maker for ten minutes.

Mozzarella is another popular choice of cheese to pair with salami in a sandwich. This combination works well in an Italian sub sandwich, which also includes roasted red peppers, basil, and olive oil. The fresh mozzarella adds a nice, stretchy texture to the sandwich, especially when it is heated in a panini press.

Olive, ciabatta, or Italian bread

Ciabatta, olive, or Italian bread are all great choices for a salami sandwich. Ciabatta is a thin bread with a lot of flavour, and it crisps up nicely, especially when toasted. Olive bread is another good option, as the saucy caponata (an Italian dish cooked with aubergine/eggplant and tomatoes) soaks into the bread and adds a lot of flavour. Italian bread is also a good choice, as it is a single-serving roll, which is perfect for a salami sandwich.

When making a salami sandwich with ciabatta, it is best to use a good-quality hard imported salami, sliced as thinly as possible. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over each piece of bread, then place the salami in overlapping rows and drizzle with a bit more oil. Top the salami with thin slices of Parmigiano cheese and drizzle with a bit more oil. You can also add marinated chopped olives or tapenade. This sandwich is best enjoyed immediately.

If you're using olive bread, a recommended addition is caponata, which you can substitute with basil pesto. Add fresh arugula/rocket, sliced tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. Top with slices of cheese, then add the salami. You can use any cheese of your choice, but pepper jack, cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella all work well. Drizzle olive oil over the top and serve.

For Italian bread, a recommended combination is Genoa salami and sharp provolone, garnished with oil and vinegar.

Genoa or Finocchiona salami

Genoa and Finocchiona salami are both delicious options for a salami sandwich, and there are several types of cheese that pair well with them.

Genoa salami is a dry salami with a mild flavour. It goes well with provolone cheese, which has a sharp taste and can be shaved with a vegetable peeler or sliced. If provolone is hard to find, gouda or mozzarella are good alternatives, although they are much creamier and less sharp.

Finocchiona salami is characterised by the aroma of fennel, which gives it a sweet, herby, anise scent. It is best paired with cheese that has a strong flavour and melts nicely when heated. Sharp cheddar, extra sharp cheddar, and jalapeño jack are all good choices.

When making a Genoa or Finocchiona salami sandwich, it is important to consider the type of bread and toppings that will complement the salami and cheese. Ciabatta, sourdough, and hoagie rolls are all good options for bread. To add moisture to the sandwich, consider spreading a thin layer of mayonnaise, pesto, or pesto mayo. Rocket, arugula, iceberg lettuce, and tomatoes are all tasty topping choices that will add texture and flavour to the sandwich.

Arugula, spinach, or basil

Arugula, spinach, and basil are all leafy greens that can be used to add flavour and texture to a salami sandwich. Arugula, also known as rocket, has a distinct peppery flavour and can be slightly bitter. Spinach, on the other hand, is a mild-tasting green with a soft texture. Basil, specifically Genovese basil, is commonly used in Italian cuisine and has notes of mint and clove.

When adding these ingredients to a salami sandwich, consider the following:

• Arugula can be dressed in a simple mix of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to add moisture to the sandwich.
• Spinach and arugula can be combined with other ingredients such as corn, cherry tomatoes, and goat cheese to make a salad that can be served as a side dish or on top of the sandwich.
• Basil can be used to make a pesto, which can be spread on the bread or used as a marinade for the salami.
• Fresh basil leaves can also be added directly to the sandwich to enhance the flavour.

Ingredients:

• Bread of your choice (ciabatta, Italian bread, or a crusty roll)
• Salami (such as Finocchiona or Genoa salami)
• Cheese (provolone, gouda, mozzarella, or a sharp cheddar)
• Arugula, spinach, or basil
• Optional: Pesto, mayonnaise, mustard, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste

Directions:

• Toast or grill the bread if desired.
• Spread a layer of pesto, mayonnaise, or mustard on the bread.
• Add a pinch of arugula, spinach, or basil leaves.
• Fold in the salami slices.
• Top with shaved or sliced cheese.
• Add the second slice of bread.
• Enjoy your delicious salami sandwich!

To toast or not to toast

Toasting the bread for your salami and cheese sandwich is not strictly necessary, but it does add a nice textural contrast to the soft fillings.

There are several ways to toast the bread for your sandwich. You can toast it in a pan, under a grill, in a toaster oven, or in a regular oven. If you're making multiple sandwiches at once, toasting the bread under the grill is a good option, as you can toast several slices at the same time. If you're only making one or two sandwiches, toasting the bread in a pan is a good option, as it gives you more control over the level of doneness.

If you're short on time or simply prefer your bread untoasted, you can certainly enjoy your salami and cheese sandwich that way. Just be sure to start with good-quality bread, as this is key to a great sandwich.

When assembling your sandwich, it's a good idea to spread a layer of mayonnaise, butter, or garlic butter on the bread before adding your fillings. This will enhance the flavor and texture of your sandwich. In terms of cheese, provolone, gouda, mozzarella, cheddar, Swiss, Gruyere, and cream cheese are all excellent options to pair with your salami. Folding the salami in your sandwich will give it some height. Finally, consider adding some vegetables like arugula, spinach, or pickles to your sandwich for added flavor and texture.

Whether you choose to toast your bread or not, the most important thing is to use high-quality ingredients and assemble your sandwich with care. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations of bread, cheese, and fillings to find your perfect salami and cheese sandwich!

Frequently asked questions