The 11 Best Substitutes For Prosciutto
Prosciutto is known as one of the best cured meats in the world. It is prized for its naturally sweet, salty, and savory flavor.
Unlike other cured meats, prosciutto enjoys a royal status due to its exceptional meat quality and curing process.
It pairs extremely well with a range of dishes but can be a bit difficult to source, either because of its limited availability or its price tag.
So, what are the best substitutes for prosciutto? Some of the best Prosciutto substitutes include Pancetta, Bacon, Salami, Culatello, and even non-meat substitutes like Romano cheese! Generally, any cured meat with a slightly sweet, savory, and umami flavor can replace prosciutto in a range of dishes.
Read below to learn more about some of the best substitutes for Prosciutto and how you can get away with using substitutes in different recipes!
What Is Prosciutto?
Prosciutto was invented in Italy and has had a huge impact on the cured meats market.
Prosciutto’s invention goes back to the pre-Roman era where extraordinary cuts of pork legs were cured using fine-grain salt, aromatic air, and time.
The curing process was perfected over centuries until the meat quality reached such a high standard that Prosciutto set itself apart from the rest of the cured meat category.
The main selling point of Prosciutto lies in its preparation, curing process, and meat-to-fat ratio. Made from the finest bred animals, this meat sets itself apart by not having a barrage of preservatives or flavoring agents added to it.
It is naturally cured using just the right amount of salt. This technique gives it an excellent and all-natural flavor which makes it one of the best types of cured cuts that also has several uses across many cuisines.
There are primarily two types of Prosciuttos: Crudo and Cotto.
Cotto cuts are pre-cooked and pack a lot of flavor, which can be used in soups, salads, sides, sandwiches, broths, and more.
The Crudo variety is raw and offers an extremely balanced and natural flavor that can be enjoyed as it is or with bread, wine, and can similarly be used in a range of dishes too.
How Is Prosciutto Made?
To understand the substitutes of Prosciutto, we must first dive into how this meat is made in the first place.
The curing process will help highlight the main flavor points and characteristics of the meat which you can use to find the right substitutes!
Authentic Prosciutto is made from pigs bred in select locations in Italy (mostly, Parma).
It is important to know that any pork meat can be used to make Prosciutto but if you are looking for the best quality then you must rely on authentic sources!
The animals on these select farms are specially bred for this purpose. Unlike in mass slaughterhouses, these pigs are grown to their full potential and are fed only the best feed possible.
They are also usually very physically active which adds to the growth of muscle mass and adds flavor to the meat too.
The meat of Prosciutto comes from the pork legs, which are given extra attention and go through special treatment.
The legs are first washed and are immediately dried and salted. They are then stored in industrial fridges and are kept cold at a specific temperature for several weeks.
This allows the salt to work its magic by drawing out blood and moisture from the meat.
The meat is then further air-dried in natural aromatic breezes at room temperature for several weeks until it reaches the right density, quality, and color.
It is then extensively tested by professionals before it is branded and shipped.
Even with simple ingredients, this cured meat can provide more value in terms of flavor because of how it is prepared and stored. This is why Prosciutto is known to be one of the best meats in the world!
What To Look For In A Prosciutto Substitute
Before we go on to list the substitutes for Prosciutto, it is important to understand that there is no exact substitute when it comes to this incredible cured meat.
However, because it shares similar flavor notes and ingredients compared to other types of cured meats, you may be able to get away with using some clever substitutes.
Here are some of the things that you need to look for in the right Prosciutto substitutes:
Texture
The texture of Prosciutto is one of the things that makes it unique. Since this meat can be enjoyed both raw (Crudo) and cooked (Cotto), finding the right substitute will depend on how you intend to use the meat.
For example, the Cotto variety can be substituted with Pancetta but will not work in recipes that call for raw Prosciutto.
For the Crudo cut, bacon may be used as a great substitute as it will offer more or less the same texture but may lack a bit in the flavor department.
Prosciutto is known to have streaks of fat in every slice and this meat-to-fat ratio plays a huge role in how it tastes!
Flavor
The flavor of Prosciutto is simple and yet it is very difficult to replicate. As stated above, this meat is made using extraordinary care.
Thankfully, you can come close to the flavor of authentic Prosciutto.
Generic ham cuts (smoked and salt-cured) can be used to get more or less the same flavor but you might have to further pair the meat with veggies or cheese to get the right flavor profile.
Similarly, non-meat substitutes like Romano cheese or Asiago can also be used to get the intense flavor of Prosciutto without actually using any cured meat!
Remember, with substitutes, you will always have to figure out the right balance between flavor and texture.
While Prosciutto has limited substitutes, pairing them with the right ingredients and using them in smart ways can get you very close to the real thing.
The 11 Best Substitutes For Prosciutto
Here are a few notable substitutes that you can use:
1. Bacon
Bacon may seem elementary but can easily replace Prosciutto in recipes that call for the cooked variety of the meat.
The great thing about bacon is that it offers a balanced and intense flavor along with the right texture.
However, it lacks the correct salt content of Prosciutto and may be a bit fatty so you might want to adjust its quantity and pair it with other salty ingredients to get the right flavor.
Cut the bacon in thick slices and make sure that you use fresh high-quality cured meat that has recently been cured; since stored meat is subject to slight flavor changes.
2. Jamón Serrano
Also known as Serrano Ham, this is another great cured meat that you can use to replace Prosciutto.
It offers a balanced texture that is neither too dense nor “light”. Serrano also shares similar flavor notes compared to Prosciutto but is notably less salty.
This makes it the perfect substitute if you dislike salty meat. Also, just like Prosciutto, you can pair Serrano in different ways too! Just cut a thick slice and use it in salads, sandwiches, with bread, and more!
3. Culatello
Culatello shares the same birthplace as Prosciutto but differs in texture and lacks a bit in flavor as it is largely made from lean meat compared to Prosciutto, which has a bit of fat in it.
Culatello is cured using salt, herbs, and spices which gives it an incredibly rich and strong umami flavor that will easily match the flavor points of Prosciutto.
However, you may want to adjust the ingredients in your dish accordingly as Culatello may not provide a heartier bite due to the lack of richness in it.
Furthermore, this cut also has several uses and can be used with fruit, salads, pizzas, sandwiches, and much, much more.
4. Ham
If you are looking for a close substitute, then a generic cut of cured ham will work wonders.
This substitute is for people who want as close of a match as possible when it comes to any type of recipe that calls for authentic Prosciutto.
Ham is extremely versatile and can be used in several ways and depending on the cut that you buy, you can get more or less the same flavor and an almost exact match in terms of texture.
We recommend getting a cut with a balanced lean-to-fat ratio.
Any leg cut will get you the most value in terms of texture and flavor!
5. Pancetta
While pancetta can’t be consumed raw, it is an excellent replacement for Prosciutto in several dishes.
Cooking pancetta will render its fat and give it a fantastic flavor profile and will also greatly enhance its texture.
You can think of pancetta just like bacon but without the smokey flavor. So, depending on how you want to use the meat as a replacement, you can get a lot of value out of its unique and versatile flavor profile.
We recommend frying it with a bit of neutral oil or butter to make it irresistible.
6. Beef Bresaola
We know, this isn’t pork but beef bresaola shares a lot of the same flavor points as Prosciutto. If you pair it with the right ingredients, no one will be able to guess the difference.
The great thing about beef bresaola is that it opens up new ways of using cured meats in different dishes and while you won’t get the right texture or color from it you can enjoy it in almost any recipe that calls for authentic Prosciutto!
7. Salami
Salami is completely different from Prosciutto in terms of the type of meat it is made from, its flavorings, and texture, and yet it makes for one of the best substitutes for Prosciutto because of its bold and stand-out flavor.
Sure, you might not get the right texture using Salami but if you want to add the same rich and noticeable flavor found in Prosciutto then you have to try Salami.
The best part is that it can be made using either pork, beef, or a combination of meats!
8. Duck Prosciutto
Duck Prosciutto is made using the same techniques as pork Prosciutto which gives it a similar flavor profile but a different texture.
This is another popular cured meat that helps ordinary duck meat reach its full flavor potential. If you are looking for an impactful bite that is bound to raise eyebrows, then start here.
It tastes like pork even though it’s duck meat and can be paired with both sweet and savory ingredients!
If you’re interested in making your own duck prosciutto at home, check out this great video from Joshua Weissman!
Non-Meat Substitutes
When it comes to substitutes and replacements, always remember: diversity is good!
The more flavor and ingredients options you have, the more you can experiment and elevate your recipe!
Since Prosciutto offers unique umami flavors and adds richness, you can use these characteristics as an anchor to find other non-meat substitutes, such as:
9. Mushrooms
Portobello and Shiitake mushrooms are packed with flavor and for people who don’t enjoy the sight and taste of meat, it is a great way to experience both the meaty texture and a few flavor points of Prosciutto!
Just cook and caramelize the mushrooms and bake them to unleash all of their flavors and enjoy them as a direct replacement in recipes that call for Prosciutto.
10. Roasted Nuts
A variety of nuts can mimic the flavor points found in various meats. For replicating the texture and flavor of Prosciutto, you can use toasted and salted almonds or walnuts.
These toasted nuts will provide a great foundation for any recipe and can be used in salads, pasta, and more.
11. Cheese
Swiss, Romano, and Asiago cheese can mirror the flavor points in Prosciutto, which makes them an excellent replacement in various dishes.
Though you might not be able to directly substitute them in recipes that specifically call for Prosciutto, you can still get the most out of their flavor in salads, sandwiches, and more!
We recommend using this substitute as an appetizer. Just pair it with wine or crackers and you will be good to go!
Related Questions
Prosciutto is hard to substitute but in the right context and recipe, you can use a variety of ingredients to match its flavor and textural characteristics.
Now that you know how to substitute it, here are a few related questions:
Are chickpeas a good substitute for Prosciutto?
Yes, chickpeas are a great non-meat substitute for Prosciutto, especially when they are seasoned with umami-flavorings.
The chickpeas will add a subtly sweet and salty flavor to any dish and you can play around with the flavor by tweaking the ingredients or by using them in predominately savory dishes.
Is it better to add salt to Prosciutto substitutes?
Prosciutto is a slightly saltier cured meat compared to others.
The addition of extra salt depends on the type of substitute you choose for Prosciutto.
For example, ham comes close to the flavor of Prosciutto but lacks the right salt content, so you may try adding a sprinkle of salt to match its flavor but it will still not guarantee the exact taste of Prosciutto.
Therefore, it is better to avoid excessive salt than superficially adding it to already seasoned meat. You can instead try tweaking the overall flavor by adding spices and herbs like juniper, rosemary, black pepper, or garlic.
