The Perfect Cheese Pairings For Salami

Salami and cheese is a classic combination, and there are many types of salami and cheese that complement each other. Salami is a popular sausage with an intense flavour – it's typically salty, dry, and highly seasoned. The most well-known kind is pepperoni. So, what kind of cheese goes well with salami?

Salami and cheese sandwiches

Choosing the Salami and Cheese

The type of salami and cheese you choose will depend on your taste preferences and what is available to you. Here are some popular options:

• Salami: Finocchiona, Genoa, Calabrian, Napolitano, Wild Boar, Black Truffle, Pepperoni, or Milano.
• Cheese: Provolone, Gouda, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Havarti, Trufa Negra, Asiago, or Goat Cheese.

Preparing the Ingredients

When preparing the ingredients, consider toasting the bread for added texture. You can toast the bread in the oven, on a pan, or leave it as is. If you want to add some greens to your sandwich, consider dressing them in a simple mix of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.

Assembling the Sandwich

To assemble the sandwich, spread a layer of mayonnaise or pesto mayonnaise on the bread. Then, add some greens, followed by folded salami, and then the cheese. Finally, add the second slice of bread on top.

Serving the Sandwich

These sandwiches can be served as a quick and easy meal for lunch or a picnic. They pair well with sides such as Marinated Olives or Garlic Parmesan Fries. If you are serving a group, consider making 4-5 sandwiches at a time.

Variations and Substitutions

There are many ways to customize and vary the ingredients in a salami and cheese sandwich. Here are some suggestions:

• Bread: Ciabatta, sourdough, or a hoagie roll.
• Greens: Rocket/arugula, iceberg lettuce, basil, or spinach.
• Toppings: Pesto, mayonnaise, dijon mustard, or cream cheese.
• Meat: Prosciutto, soppressata, or black forest ham.

Salami and cheese boards

Salami and cheese are a classic combination, and creating a salami and cheese board is a great way to showcase these complementary flavours. Here are some tips to create a delicious and elegant salami and cheese board.

Choosing the Salami

The first step to creating a salami and cheese board is, of course, choosing the salami. Salami is a mix of minced pork, beef, wine, salt, and spices, and there are many different varieties to choose from. Some popular types of salami include:

• Genoa salami: This is a classic, salty variety of salami that is commonly found in American delis.
• Soppressata: A dry salami usually made with pork or beef that has a harder texture.
• Wild boar salami: A lean and unique option with a strong, rich, and nutty flavour.
• Black truffle salami: A unique salami with an intense, earthy flavour.

Selecting the Cheese

Once you've chosen your salami, it's time to select the cheese. Here are some cheeses that pair well with salami:

• Provolone: This curd-pulled cheese with a mild flavour is a classic pairing with Genoa salami and is commonly found in Italian deli sandwiches.
• Gouda: A semi-hard cheese with a subtle flavour that goes well with salami, especially in sandwiches.
• Havarti: A creamy, semi-soft cheese with buttery flavours that complement the herbs and spices in salami.
• Asiago: A hard, nutty, and slightly fruity cheese that pairs well with Milano salami.
• Goat cheese: A rich and creamy cheese that is very versatile and can be served fresh or aged. It goes well with Sopressata, a delicate and thinly sliced salami.
• Trufa Negra: A sheep's milk cheese with black truffles woven throughout, this pairs elegantly with black truffle salami.

Assembling the Board

Now comes the fun part—assembling your salami and cheese board! Here are some steps to follow:

• Choose a wooden board or serving platter as your base.
• Spread a row of salami along one edge of the board.
• Arrange a row of cheese next to the salami.
• Create alternating rows of salami and cheese, using different varieties to add interest.
• Place crackers or bread, such as ciabatta or sourdough, near the edge of the board.
• Finish the board by adding extra items like grapes, olives, roasted red peppers, or dried fruit.

Wine Pairings

To enhance your salami and cheese board, consider adding some wine pairings. Here are some suggestions:

• Italian red wines like Dolcetto, Barbera, or Sangiovese (Chianti).
• Sparkling wines like Prosecco or Lambrusco.
• French red blends, such as a Carignan-based wine from the Languedoc region.
• New World-style wines like Ravenswood Lodi Zinfandel.

With these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a delightful and impressive salami and cheese board!

Wine pairings for salami and cheese

When creating a charcuterie board, it's important to select a variety of cheeses and meats. The cheeses and meats will determine the wines you serve.

When pairing wine with salami and cheese, it's important to consider the salt, fat, and acid content of the food. Salty foods will enhance the perception of body on the palate and soften the wine's harder elements, like bitter tannins or sharp acidity. The wine should always be more acidic than the food. Foods high in fat pair well with bolder red wines because the fat counterbalances the high tannins in the wine, but crisp, acidic white wines can also be a good match. Aim to match the boldness of the wine to the boldness of the food.

• German salami, which tends to be spicy, pairs well with something juicy and light-bodied like a Beaujolais.
• Spicy salami can also be matched with a spicy wine, such as a young, fruity Northern Italian red.
• Fennel salami will often pair well with spicy reds such as Northern Italian young red wines.
• Salami or saucisson pairs well with a grassy Sauvignon Blanc.
• A Tuscan salami pairs well with a sharp, fruity, and nutty cheese like Parmigiano Reggiano. Enjoy this pairing with a pint of Amber Ale.
• Soppressata Picante Salami, a dry salami made with pork or beef, pairs well with Havarti cheese. Enjoy this pairing with a glass of Merlot or Syrah.
• Wild Boar Salami, a lean and unique option, pairs well with Comté cheese, a French cheese similar to Swiss Gruyère. Enjoy this pairing with a glass of Viognier or Chianti.
• Black Truffle Salami, a unique and intensely flavoured salami, pairs well with Trufa Negra cheese, a pure sheep's milk cheese with black truffles woven throughout. Enjoy this pairing with a glass of Chianti.
• Venison Salami, an earthy and rich option, pairs well with Pecorino Romano, a hard Italian sheep's milk cheese. Enjoy this pairing with a glass of Chardonnay or an Imperial Stout.
• Bison Salami, a tender and flavourful option, pairs well with Gouda, a semi-hard cheese from the Netherlands. Enjoy this pairing with a red or white Burgundy wine.
• Salami sandwiches with Provolone, Rocket/Arugula, and Pesto Mayo pair well with a glass of Chianti.

Salami and cheese pasta

Ingredients:

• Salami (such as Genoa, Finocchiona, or your preferred variety)
• Cheese (Provolone, Gouda, or Mozzarella are great options)
• Pasta (choose your favourite type and shape)
• Olive oil
• Garlic (finely chopped or crushed)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
• Meanwhile, slice the salami into thin strips or cubes. You can also use pre-sliced salami if you prefer.
• Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for a minute or two until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
• Toss in the salami slices and continue cooking for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the salami is lightly browned and crispy.
• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix well, ensuring the pasta is coated with the olive oil and garlic mixture.
• Remove the pan from the heat and stir in your chosen cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve the pasta immediately while it's still hot. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil and enjoy!

Feel free to adjust the ingredient quantities based on your personal preference and the number of servings you need. You can also add other ingredients to the pasta, such as chopped onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms, to create an even heartier dish.

As for the type of cheese, Provolone is a popular choice for salami sandwiches, offering a nice balance of sharpness and creaminess. However, Gouda or Mozzarella are also excellent options, providing a subtler flavour that complements the salami well.

Salami and cheese crackers

Salami and cheese is a classic combination, and there are many types of cheese that can be paired with salami to make a delicious snack or sandwich. Here are some ideas for creating your own salami and cheese crackers:

Choosing the Right Salami

The first step is to select the type of salami you want to use. Salami is a mix of minced pork, beef, wine, salt, and spices, and there are many varieties to choose from. Some popular options include:

• Genoa salami: This is a classic, salty variety that is commonly found in American delis.
• Soppressata: A dry salami usually made with pork or beef, often flavoured with black pepper, hot red pepper chillies, and wine.
• Wild boar salami: Made from wild boar meat, this salami has a unique, nutty flavour and a lean, deep colour.
• Black truffle salami: A unique salami made with black truffles, giving it an intense, earthy flavour.

Selecting the Perfect Cheese

Once you've chosen your salami, it's time to select a cheese that will complement its flavour. Here are some cheeses that pair well with salami:

• Provolone: A curd-pulled cheese with a mild flavour, provolone is a classic pairing with Genoa salami and is often found in Italian deli sandwiches.
• Gouda: A semi-hard cheese with a sweet, creamy flavour, gouda is a great substitute for provolone and pairs well with salami in sandwiches or on crackers.
• Havarti: A creamy, semi-soft cheese with a buttery flavour, havarti goes well with soppressata salami and complements the herbs and spices in the meat.
• Asiago: A hard, nutty, and slightly fruity cheese that is typically grated, asiago pairs well with Milano salami, a lean salami stuffed with peppercorns.
• Goat cheese: A rich and creamy cheese that can be served fresh or aged, goat cheese goes well with the delicate flavour of sopressata salami, especially when served with pasta.
• Pecorino: A hard sheep's milk cheese with a sharp flavour, pecorino is a good match for spicy salami varieties such as Calabria and Napolitano.

Creating the Perfect Crackers

When assembling your salami and cheese crackers, consider the following tips:

• Use a wooden board or serving platter to display your ingredients.
• Arrange the salami and cheese in alternating rows, creating a visually appealing display.
• Include some artisanal crackers on the side, such as sourdough flatbread crackers or rustic bakery organic crackers.
• Add some extra ingredients to enhance the flavours, such as grapes, olives, roasted red peppers, or dried fruit.
• If you're serving a crowd, consider providing small appetizer plates for your guests to enjoy the snacks.

Wine Pairings

If you're looking for the perfect wine to accompany your salami and cheese crackers, consider the following options:

• Italian red wines: Dolcetto, Barbera, or a lighter Sangiovese (Chianti) can complement the spicy and savory characteristics of the salami.
• Sparkling wines: Prosecco or Lambrusco can be a nice counterpoint to the salty and spicy aspects of the salami.
• French red blends: Try a Carignan-based red blend from the Languedoc region, such as the Maxime Magnon La Démarrante.
• New World-style wines: A fruit-forward Zinfandel, such as the Ravenswood Lodi Zinfandel, can offset the spicy notes of the salami.

So, get creative and experiment with different combinations of salami, cheese, and crackers to find your favourite pairings!

Frequently asked questions