When you think of a classic salami sandwich, a few key ingredients can come to mind; salami, bread and something to spice it up.
But what about finishing off the sandwich with some delicious cheese?
With so many options to choose from, how can one know which is the best cheese for their salami sandwich?
From cheddar to provolone, this article will showcase the twelve best cheeses that pair well with a salami sandwich.
Everything you need to know about types of cheeses, textures and flavor profiles will be discussed in order to help you make your choice while preparing the perfect sandwich.
Start exploring now and find out which cheese best suits your favorite salami sandwich.
Why Consider Adding Cheese To Your Salami Sandwich?
Cheese can add an interesting flavor and texture to a salami sandwich that elevates the dish.
Cheese can create an entirely different experience from the same sandwich with no cheese and different types of cheese offer different flavors.
The saltiness of cheese can cut through the saltiness of salami, creating pleasant and contrasting flavors.
Additionally, some cheeses melt when heated, giving your sandwich gooey goodness that adds even more depth to your bite.
When considering which type of cheese to top your salami sandwich, there are many options available.
The traditional American choice is Cheddar but there are also several other delicious cheeses that pair well with a salami sandwich: provolone, pepper jack, Swiss, mozzarella, Gruyère, manchego, Roquefort and Boursin all have their own unique tastes and textures that bring something new to the meal.
Even some vegan cheeses such as daiya and soy version could be used instead if you’d like to avoid animal products.
Adding any type of cheese goes beyond just bringing flavor – it also helps bind together other ingredients while adding moisture and texture to the overall taste experience.
Whether you’re looking for extra richness or something milder to balance out stronger tastes in your sandwich, adding one of these 12 cheeses is sure to make it a mouthwatering success.
What Cheese Goes Best with A Salami Sandwich? 12 BEST Options
Choosing the right cheese for a salami sandwich is an important part of making sure the flavors work together in the best possible way.
Some types of cheeses may not go as well with salami as others, so it is useful to get an idea of what could pair best with this type of sandwich.
Below are 12 types that have been deemed ideal:
1. American Cheese
American cheese is a mild-tasting, smooth and creamy cheese with a slight yellow hue.
It is often considered the best choice for a salami sandwich due to its mild flavor that does not overpower other ingredients.
It also melts easily, making it ideal for a grilled or toasted sandwich.
Additionally, depending on the type of salami used, American can provide contrast in both texture and flavor.
2. Cheddar
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for salami sandwiches.
It’s flavor pairs perfectly with the savory taste of salami, and its mild yet tangy aroma adds a delightful kick to the sandwich.
It is an excellent melting cheese and can be sharp or mild in flavor depending on how long it has been aged.
Cheddar is a great all-around go-to cheese for any type of sandwich and holds up well when served cold or hot.
3. Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese is a distinctive type of cheese that can be added to a salami sandwich to create an even more flavorful, textured bite.
Swiss cheese originates from Switzerland, and it has a mild, slightly tangy flavor, with a hint of sweetness.
The cheese has large eyes or holes in it that are formed when carbon dioxide is released during the aging process as the bacteria breaks down proteins into amino acids and fatty acids.
This type of cheese is known for its nutty flavor that works well with the salty flavor of salami making for a unique and classic combination in sandwich form.
Swiss cheese pairs great with hearty breads such as French or Italian loaf and can be melted with salami for an even tastier sandwich or eaten at room temperature for some extra crunch.
4. Pepper Jack
Pepper Jack is a flavorful American-style cheese.
It has a creamy texture and traditionally features diced jalapeños or chili peppers.
This spice-infused cheese is the perfect accompaniment to a salami sandwich, adding some zip and spice to the traditional flavors.
Pepper Jack melts easily and adds a wonderful kick to any salami sandwich.
For an even more decadent experience, try adding strips of bacon or some hot sauce for an extra sheram boost.
5. Muenster
Muenster cheese is a semi-soft American cheese made from pasteurized cow’s milk with a unique flavor and texture.
It has milder taste than its European counterpart, with a soft, buttery texture that’s slightly sweet and unctuous.
It’s perfect for melting in sandwiches and the soft interior gives it a smooth feeling in the mouth.
Perfect for those looking to add a mild touch to sandwiches, Muenster can be used instead of traditional salami cheese.
6. Gouda
Gouda is one of the most popular cheeses in the world.
It is a mild and creamy cheese with a slightly smoky flavor.
Gouda goes great with salami on a sandwich because its strong flavor adds depth and richness to the dish.
Look for gouda that is aged at least six months, as it will have more intense flavor and aroma than younger varieties.
It pairs well with olives, onions, tomatoes, mustard, and pickles.
7. Havarti
Havarti is a semi-soft Danish cheese made from cow’s milk.
This creamy, buttery cheese has a mild flavor with hints of butter or nuts and is often served with fruit or jams.
It is particularly mild when compared to other cheeses and can be used as both a table cheese and in cooking.
When paired with salami, Havarti provides a smooth, creamy contrast to the savory flavors of cured meats.
It can be melted for sandwiches or grilled for added texture, creating the ideal balance of salty and sweet.
8. Brie
Brie is a soft cheese that has a mild, buttery flavor.
It pairs perfectly with salami for a creamy contrast against the savory salami sandwich.
Brie is made from cow’s milk and has a white or yellowish rind.
It directly melts, so it can be spread on the sandwich base like butter.
Brie typically stands out and carries its flavor into the sandwich well, so you don’t need to use too much – just enough to give your sandwich an extra creamy kick.
To pair brie with your salami sandwich, experiment with different flavors of brie such as black pepper brie and other seasonal varieties.
9. Camembert
Camembert is a French, soft-ripened cheese produced in Normandy.
It’s a bloomy rind cheese made from cow’s milk, with a smooth and creamy texture that gets stronger as the cheese ages.
When paired with salami, camembert brings out the flavor of spices and herbs without dominating other flavors.
The pungent aromas of this cheese also pair well with cured pork products like prosciutto or chorizo.
10. Chevre
Chevre, also known as goat cheese, is a soft, white cheese with a tangy and slightly tart flavor.
The cheese is made from 100 percent pure goat’s milk and is low in fat and sodium.
This makes it a great choice for those who are following a health-conscious diet.
Chevre is ideal for adding a creamy texture and subtle flavor to salami sandwiches.
Furthermore, its mild flavor won’t overpower the deliciously fragrant salts in the salami or disrupt its smoky taste.
11. Roquefort
Roquefort is a type of French blue cheese that carries a sharp, salty flavor.
This semi-soft cheese is the result of sheep’s milk that has been left to ripen and is usually found in blue veined form.
Roquefort packs a spicy and tangy kick over the original salami sandwich with its creamy texture, so it’s best to limit it to just one or two thin slices.
It pairs especially well with hearty rye bread and strong flavors like Dijon mustard, horseradish and capers.
12. Gorgonzola
Gorgonzola is an Italian blue cheese that lends a unique flavor to any dish.
It has a pungent and slightly spicy quality that means it works particularly well when combined with other stronger flavors, such as those found in salami.
Gorgonzola can be used as a spread on the sandwich or included in the mix.
It will add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to complement the salty taste of the salami.
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