The Different Styles of Salami and Which is Best for Pizza

What meat do you have on your pizza? Pepperoni is an easy choice for many people. This is your classic pizza topping. However, did you know that pepperoni is only one type of salami? Did you know that there are many different types of salami? Salami pizza has become a favorite for many people and if you’re looking to try something new, you can’t go wrong with these Italian-style meat toppings. In fact, each style brings its own unique flavor and texture to a pizza. Your pizza experience will be different with each style of meat you use for your topping. Below, we explore the different styles of salami and provide our top tips on how to determine the best one to use as a topping on your pizza.

Types of Salami

If you’re trying to decide on the best salami pizza toppings for your pizza, it’s a good idea to get to know what your options are. Salami is a word that has been used for centuries to describe different types of Italian-style cured meats. It was derived from the ‘salume,’ the Italian word that refers to salted meat.

Salami has come a long way over the centuries. There are now different types of salami with different flavors and textures. The differences in the cured meats are a result of the types of ingredients used in their preparation, how the meat was cut, and how it was prepared. Many of these meats feature complex blends of spices to create their unique flavors.  Others may have more simple spice blends. However, what they don’t have in the complexity of spices is made up in how they are prepared. Below are some of the most popular types of salami you may want to consider for your salami pizza.

Genoa Salami

As the name suggests, the salami originated in the Genoa region of Italy. This meat is garlic-heavy and has a smooth rich flavor. It is medium-grind salami that has a softer texture than most other types of salami. Its ingredients include pork, garlic (of course), sugar, sea salt, and a blend of natural spices. It pairs well with warm bread, roasted peppers, fontina cheese, and sparkling prosecco.

Napoli Salami

If you want a spicy salami pizza then Napoli salami is the best choice for your pizza topping. Napoli Salami is one of the finest Italian spicy salamis. It originated in the Campania region in Southern Italy and has been around since the end of the 17th century. It was considered a special food reserved for celebrations and festivals. The meat is aged for more than 4 months and preserved in oil in pottery vats. It features Italian pork and spices such as black pepper. It has an intense red color and a dense consistency. It also has a slightly smoky smell.

Calabrese Salami

Calabrese salami is another great topping for those that love spicy food. This spicy salami will be sure to add a kick to your pizza from the paprika and cayenne used to prepare it. There are two flavors of Calabrese salami: hot (picante) and mild (dolce). You, therefore, have control over how spicy your pizza will be. The salami features ground pork, red wine, salt, and of course, peppers. Some Calabrese recipes also feature fennel seeds and others exclude wine. This salami is loved for its simple, spicy flavor and high-quality pork.

Sopressata Salami

Sopressata is a well-loved salami, especially here in the US. It is a simple salami that also comes with a mild and spicy version. The mild flavor is prepared using black peppercorns while the spicy flavor features Calabrian red pepper flakes. There are various spices that are used in the preparation of this meat including garlic. It is then hung up to dry resulting in a smooth and extraordinarily bold flavor.

Pepperoni

If you prefer to play it safe, you can’t go wrong with pizza salami pepperoni topping. Pepperoni is a favorite all over the world. It is one of the most popular pizza toppings with more than 35 percent of pizza orders in the US featuring pepperoni. It is loved for its smoky and sweet flavor. It features ingredients including sugar, sea salt, paprika, sunflower oil, and a blend of natural spices.

Choosing The Best Salami for Pizza

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to salami pizza toppings. Your choice will depend largely on your preferences. However, if you want to explore different toppings, consider their flavor profiles and texture. For example, if you want to achieve a spicy pizza, you can’t go wrong with calabrese or saprosseta toppings. If you want to achieve a mild and sweet flavor, genoa salami is a great choice. However, if you’re not sure, go for pepperoni. You can’t go wrong with everyone’s favorite salami.

Conclusion

Salami offers various options for pizza toppings. It’s perfect for experimenting with different flavors of pizzas. Visit or order your pizza from Big Mario’s Pizza and experience different salami pizzas.