If you’re a recipe maker and don’t have prosciutto on hand, never fear. We’ve scoured the internet for some of the best prosciutto substitutes to keep your recipes running smoothly.
Some favorites are turkey bacon, pancetta, country ham, or Canadian bacon. For those who can’t eat pork products, soy sausage or vegan breakfast sausages would work well.
There are plenty of alternatives for prosciutto that will work just as well in your recipe. Stay tuned & Keep reading to learn about some of our favorites!
15 Best Prosciutto Substitutes Ever
When cooked(especially when grilled), Prosciutto takes on another flavor entirely–one similar to bacon yet still uniquely different enough so those who have tried them won’t’ get bored after eating one too many slices as I did.
Prosciutto is an Italian delicacy that has been enjoyed for centuries. The meat comes from hams and can be dry-cured, uncooked (unsmoked), unsliced, or thinly sliced in preparation to be served as an antipasto!
Mentioning Prosciutto makes me think of eating my favorite meal: pizza with ham and turkey bacon on top. Yummy!!!
Let’s see some other substitutes that fulfill your craving for Prosciutto while not available.
1. BACON
As a replacement for prosciutto, bacon can be an excellent choice. It can be used in many ways, from raw and delicately cooked dishes alike!
Prosciutto and bacon are the most popular pork products in Italy. They have a similar texture, with Prosciutto being slightly more processed than raw bacon, which can be found on many grocery store shelves around America these days!
Bacon will add a nice touch without taking away the unique flavor you love about pork products like this classic Italian sausage that we all know so well.
0ne of my favorite uses involves some wholewheat bread slathered in tomato sauce topped off beautifully by two thick slices (or more) of fried pork belly– they make all those calories worthwhile.
More Substitute– Easy alternative to Liquid Smoked for Bacon
2. HAM
Ham is another best alternative to Prosciutto that is high in protein and low in fat. It is a type of dry-cured ham that originated from the city of Parma in Italy.
Like Prosciutto, Ham is also made from pork leg, but it is air-dried for weeks or months.
The taste of Ham is similar to Prosciutto, but it is less salty and has a slightly sweet flavor. It can be picked as a snack or added to sandwiches and salads.
Ham can also be used in cooking, such as soup, pasta dishes, and pizza toppings.
3. SALAMI
Salami is another meat product from the charcuterie product family. It is made of ground meat (pork, beef, or chicken) formed with a natural intestine casing.
The taste of salami is strong and intense, with a Similar characteristic of Prosciutto.
The most popular kind of Salami is the “Italian” one. Italian salamis are whole muscle sausages that usually include only pork and salt as ingredients. However, some recipes might also use garlic or white wine to give it more flavor.
It can be eaten as a snack or added to dishes like pasta or pizza. It is also used in legendary dishes like the Italian dish, ‘salami and eggs.’
4. GUANCIALE
Guanciale is similar taste like Prosciutto but has a fattier, creamier texture. It is often eaten as a main course or appetizer.
One of the most popular ways to enjoy Guanciale is with an egg on top. The fatty richness of the Guanciale pairs perfectly with the egg’s runny yolk, making for a delicious and satisfying breakfast or lunch.
Guanciale can also be used in dishes like pasta carbonara or the place of bacon in a BLT sandwich. It is a great way to add flavor and depth to any dish.
If you’re searching for something unusual to add to your next meal, give Guanciale a try! You won’t be disappointed!
5.Italian Sausage MORTADELLA
There are many types of Italian sausage, but one of the most popular is mortadella. Mortadella is a type of pork sausage made from ground pork and pork fat.
Mortadella is seasoned with spices like black pepper, fennel seed, and salt. Mortadella is usually smoked and then cooked in a water bath.
Mortadella is popular sandwich meat, and it can also be served as an appetizer or main course. It is often served with some type of mustard or pickles. Mortadella can also be used in dishes like pasta and pizza.
6. Italian Smoked Cured Meat CAPICOLA
Italian Smoked Cured Meat CAPICOLA is another excellent replacement for Prosciutto Crudo or Prosciutto cotto.
Capicola is made from the shoulder of pork, but if you are looking for pork products, it will probably also be called Pork Shoulder Blade Roast.
It’s a little bit salty and spicy meat product, but not as dry as Prosciutto Cotto or cooked ham. The flavor of Capicola is a little bit sweet too.
The main difference between Capicola and Prosciutto is that Capicola is smoked while Prosciutto is not.- This gives Capicola a smoky flavor, while Prosciutto has a milder flavor.
Additionally, Capicola is a bit fattier than Prosciutto, making it a bit juicier.
7. PANCETTA
More often known as Italian Bacon, Pancetta is an essential ingredient of many dishes, both in Italy and abroad.
Pancetta experts fond of its taste can easily distinguish it from bacon because of its intense fragrance and bright red color with the veins rich of fat whitish.
Pancetta makes pork belly meat, which has always been known as a very flavorful cut of meats, including the famous bacon. It similar taste to Prosciutto, but Pancetta is not as dry.
Making Pancetta is a bit different from bacon; it involves curing the meat in salt, sugar, and spices for about three weeks before it is smoked.
Pancetta can be eaten cooked or uncooked as part of an appetizer or main course.
Read More- Replacement for Salt Pork from Your Kitchen
8. Delicate Balance CULATELLO
Pronounced koo-lah-tell-oh, this cured meat is made from the muscle of the neck and shoulder of a pig.
The pork is salted and air-dried for two to three months, resulting in a sweet and salty sausage.
The Culatello is one such meat. It hails from the Parma region of Italy, and it is a type of ham.
But unlike other hams, which are usually made from the pig’s hind leg, Culatello is made from the front leg. -This makes it a very special cut of meat, as the front leg is the most delicate part of the pig.
9. Delicacy Spanish Ham- SERRANO HAM
Serrano ham is a type of Spanish ham that comes from the Serrano Mountains in the province of Seville. It is made from the pig’s hind leg and has a delicate flavor and a slightly salty taste.
There are many similarities between Serrano ham and Prosciutto, both of which are made from the hind leg.
Both Serrano and Prosciutto have a delicate flavor and slightly salty taste. They are also often served as an appetizer or used in dishes like paella.
10. Spanish Cured Meat JAMON IBERICO
There are numerous famous types of cured meat in Spain. Jamón Iberico is one of the most famous and well-known.
Jamón Iberico type of meat is made from pigs that have been raised in the wild and fed a special diet of acorns, which gives the meat its unique flavor.
The taste of Jamón Iberico is one of the best tasting food I have ever eaten. The taste is unimaginable to describe since it is very complex.
11. BEEF BRESAOLA- prosciutto substitute non pork
Beef Bresaola is best to substitute for Prosciutto for those are not favor pork meat but like the meat texture. The beef bresaola provided quite a different flavor and taste from Prosciutto.
When you have a chance to go to the northern part of Italy, try this simple but special dish that originated from Milan.
As usual for making a dry sausage as Prosciutto, the beef must be carefully selected because a leaner one will give better results.
Beef Bresaola tastes excellent; It is a very lean cut of beef that has been trimmed of all visible fat and then dry-cured in salt, spices, and herbs.
The end result is a thin, reddish-brown slice of meat that is flavorful and slightly salty.
12. Salted Cured DUCK PROSCIUTTO- prosciutto Alternative to non pork
The last, not the least alternative source for Prosciutto is Salted Cured Duck Prosciutto (Prosciutto de Pò), as we call it.
It is derived from the legs of a male Muscovy duck (pò in Piemontese), which is a species of duck. The meat is dark and flavorful, making it an excellent choice for prosciutto.
Like the other types of prosciutto, duck prosciutto is also aged and smoked, but for a much shorter period. It can be eaten both raw and cooked.
Due to its strong flavor, duck prosciutto is not a popular choice for most people, but those who like it really like it. It can be challenging to spot in stores, but it is usually available online.
What is a vegetarian alternative to Prosciutto?
There are a few vegetarian alternatives to Prosciutto. One is called “Himself” and is made from mushrooms, tamari, and walnuts. It has a smoky, earthy flavor and a chewy texture.
Another option is “Beet Ham,” which is made from roasted beets, tamari, and spices. It is served cold but can also be seared like a natural ham. Finally, the Lupini bean ham even tastes similar to Prosciutto di Parma.
I prefer vegetarianism instead of meat because these are a healthy alternative to prosciutto.
Wrap Up On- Substitues for Prosciutto
There are many substitutes for Prosciutto, but some of the more popular ones include Pancetta and bacon.
If you want a cheap alternative to Prosciutto that tastes similar, try making your own with ham or turkey slices by cooking them in olive oil until they get crispy on both sides.
These substitutions can be used as an ingredient in salads, pizza toppings, sandwiches, and more! What other foods have you found good alternatives to Prosciutto?
If you have any other ideas on substituting Prosciutto, feel free to leave your comments below.
FAQs Prosciutto Alternatives
Q1.What are the reasons for vegans not to eat Prosciutto?
While some vegetarian versions of Prosciutto exist, vegans do not eat pork or any other meat products and would not consume Prosciutto.
There are many vegan-friendly substitutes for ham, such as tofu, tempeh, and seitan.
These options have a similar texture and flavor to ham but are made from plant-based ingredients.
Vegans are typically very aware of all non-dietary ingredients in their food, so they are certain to check for animal products in prosciutto.
Q2.Are Prosciutto and Parma Ham the same thing?
No, they are not the same thing. Prosciutto is an Italian ham made by curing a leg of pork.
Parma Ham is a type of Prosciutto that comes from the area around Parma, Italy. It is typically made with the milk-fed pig, making it more tender than many other hams.
Q3.What is the difference between prosciutto crudo and prosciutto cotto?
Prosciutto Crudo and prosciutto Cotto are pretty similar, but there is a difference between the two.
The most significant difference is the cooking method. Prosciutto Crudo (or “uncooked”) is made from raw meat that has been cured and aged, which gives it its distinctive flavor and deep red color.
Prosciutto Cotto (or “cooked”) is made from cooked meat, which gives it a milder flavor and pink color.
Both types of Prosciutto can be eaten either cold or warm. Still, most people prefer Prosciutto Crudo cold and Prosciutto Cotto warm.
Prosciutto Cotto is also a bit cheaper than prosciutto Crudo, so it’s a good option if you’re on a budget.
