What Can I Use in Instead of Prosciutto?

Prosciutto is an Italian cured ham known for its salty taste and delicate texture. It is often seen on a charcuterie board and is used in Italian recipes such as spaghetti sauces, risotto, and many others. This post will help you locate a good prosciutto alternative for any dish.

There are two types of prosciutto in Italy. Prosciutto Cotto is similar to cooked ham in the United States. It is softer and gentler. Prosciutto Crudo is cured ham, sometimes sold as prosciutto in markets outside of Italy.

Yet, prosciutto might be difficult to buy at your local supermarket. Because of import costs and the unique manner of preparation, it is often more costly than other deli meats.

Fortunately, there are a few alternatives to prosciutto in your next recipe.

Best Prosciutto Substitutes

1. Ham

Since prosciutto is just cured Italian ham, it stands to reason that normal ham would be a suitable equivalent. In your local grocery shop, you may get a large range of hams. Most deli hams are already cooked, so all you have to do is cut a slice, chop it into smaller pieces if desired, and eat it.

Unfortunately, the quality of normal ham varies greatly, thus some may not be suitable for a charcuterie plate. When using ham as a prosciutto alternative, use a nicer ham such as Black Forest or smoked ham. Since ham lacks prosciutto’s salinity and smokiness, some of the nuanced tastes will be lost.

2. Bacon

Bacon is another frequent deli pig product that may be substituted for prosciutto. It has the same salty and fatty flavor as prosciutto and may be used in pasta sauces, risottos, and even saltimbocca, a typical prosciutto-wrapped meat dish.

If you’re giving meals to those who can’t eat pig, turkey bacon can stand in for prosciutto.

Bacon, on the other hand, is significantly fattier than prosciutto. While it is equally as salty, it lacks some of the refined characteristics of prosciutto. Bacon is not the ideal option for a charcuterie plate or antipasto alternative.

3. Salami

If you can’t get prosciutto, you’re in luck since Italians have dozens of other cured pig items that will do the trick. Salami is a salty sausage prepared from minced meat. Depending on your tastes, you may purchase sweet or spicy salami. Salami has a stronger taste than prosciutto, yet it is still wonderful.

Salami is best used as a substitute for prosciutto in sandwiches and charcuterie plates. It may be chopped and added to prepared foods. Nevertheless, salami may be sweeter than prosciutto, so use caution when substituting.

4. Capocollo

Capocollo, often known as coppa, is an Italian antipasto meat that is a fantastic substitute for prosciutto.

Capocollo is a dry-cured meat that may be used in sandwiches, antipasto platters, paninis, and even pizzas.

The primary distinction between prosciutto and capocollo is texture. Although both are served in thin slices, because to the difference in fat content, capocollo is more soft and not as buttery as prosciutto. Prosciutto has a larger fat content than capocollo, which gives it the sought-after texture.

5. Pancetta

Pancetta is the Italian equivalent of bacon. It has more fat and taste than American bacon. It is fattier than prosciutto, yet it works well as a replacement since the curing process imparts comparable characteristics.

Pancetta may be used in place of prosciutto in prepared meals but not in sandwiches or charcuterie boards since it cannot be eaten raw.

6. Jamon Serrano

Jamon serrano is a Spanish cured ham that tastes a lot like prosciutto. Both are strongly salted and cured, while Jamon serrano has a nuttier taste. Jamon serrano may be used in cooked foods, as a pizza topping, and in sandwiches.

Jamon serrano, on the other hand, may be even more difficult to get (and more costly) than prosciutto. If you’re searching for a prosciutto substitute because you can’t get the Italian cured ham, this may not be the most convenient option.

Conclusion

There are several fantastic prosciutto replacements that may be used in any occasion or dish. While not all of the alternatives have the same tastes or textures, you can anticipate any of them to make a fantastic dinner in their own right.