7 Best Substitute For Capicola Ham
The quest for authentic flavors often leads us to the exotic realm of Italian cold cuts, where Capicola ham holds a place of honor. Crafted from the neck or shoulder of the pig, Capicola, also known as Capocollo, is a treasure of Italian charcuterie. It’s renowned for its unique balance of fat and lean meat, the engaging dance of herbs and spices, and a curing process that imbues it with a flavor that’s rich, savory, and slightly spicy. This specialty meat has graced many a sandwich, pizza, and antipasto platter, leaving a memorable gustatory impression.
However, there may be times when Capicola ham isn’t readily available or when dietary restrictions require a different choice. In such instances, having a roster of reliable substitutes can be a game-changer. This article presents a selection of seven meats that can capably fill the shoes of Capicola, each bringing its distinct characteristics to the culinary table. While these substitutes might not perfectly replicate Capicola, they each carry a unique charm, offering an opportunity to explore new textures and flavors in your favorite recipes.
What is Capicola Ham?
Capicola ham, or Capocollo as it’s known in Italy, is a traditional Italian cold cut made from the neck or shoulder of a pig. It’s known for its delicate balance of fat and lean meat, and it’s typically seasoned with a variety of herbs, spices, and sometimes wine before being cured. The result is a rich, savory, and slightly spicy flavor profile that has made it a favorite in sandwiches, pizzas, and antipasto platters.
The Ham Stand-ins: A Quick View of Substitutes For Capicola Ham
- Prosciutto
- Pancetta
- Mortadella
- Soppressata
- Speck
- Salami
- Bresaola
Best Substitutes For Capicola Ham
Finding a suitable replacement for Capicola ham involves looking for a meat with similar characteristics—cured, slightly spicy, and with a balance of fat and lean meat. Here, we explore seven such alternatives that hold their own when it comes to substituting Capicola ham.
Prosciutto
Prosciutto is an Italian dry-cured ham that is typically thinly sliced and served uncooked. This delectable meat brings a savory and slightly sweet taste that somewhat mimics the flavor of Capicola ham. Like Capicola, Prosciutto is an unsmoked product. The main difference lies in the part of the pig used, with Prosciutto made from the hind leg or thigh and Capicola from the shoulder or neck.
Prosciutto’s distinctive flavor profile makes it a versatile option in your kitchen. It can easily substitute Capicola in sandwiches, salads, and pizzas. Moreover, it adds a pleasant texture contrast when combined with melon or figs, emulating Capicola’s ability to blend with sweet ingredients.
Although Prosciutto might not have the exact spicy kick of Capicola, you can compensate by adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to your recipe. This addition will bring the heat closer to what you’d typically experience with Capicola.
Pancetta
Another Italian gem, Pancetta, serves as an excellent substitute for Capicola ham. Made from pork belly, Pancetta is essentially Italian bacon. It’s cured, often with a blend of spices, but unlike American bacon, it isn’t smoked.
The texture of Pancetta is more delicate than Capicola, yet the flavor it provides is comparable—a fusion of rich, savory notes with a distinct porky taste. It can be used sliced in sandwiches or diced to enhance the flavor of pasta sauces or risotto, replicating the multifaceted usage of Capicola.
Though less spicy than Capicola, you can opt for the pepper-coated variety of Pancetta for an extra kick. Remember, Pancetta needs to be cooked before consumption, which gives it a crispy texture, another delicious difference from the tender chewiness of Capicola.
Mortadella
Mortadella is a large Italian sausage or luncheon meat made of finely hashed or ground heat-cured pork. Studded with fat and sometimes with pistachios, Mortadella presents a milder taste compared to Capicola but carries a rich, buttery flavor that can replace Capicola in many recipes.
Mortadella’s smooth, finely ground texture is different from Capicola’s, but its fat content provides a similar mouthfeel. It works well in sandwiches, as a pizza topping, or even wrapped around other ingredients for an appetizer.
To mimic the spiciness of Capicola, consider adding a dash of spicy mustard or pepper to your dish. These additions can help bridge the flavor gap and provide a worthy alternative to the beloved Capicola ham.
Soppressata
Soppressata is an Italian dry salami, and although there are many varieties, two types are most prevalent: a cured, fermented version typical of Tuscany and a fresh variety typical of Apulia. While its flavor varies depending on the specific type and the spices used, Soppressata generally provides a robust, tangy taste.
Although Soppressata is a bit leaner than Capicola, it makes up for this by offering a complex flavor profile—sweet, salty, and sometimes spicy. This flavorful punch can effectively replace Capicola in dishes requiring a meaty, spicy component.
As Soppressata comes in a more hardened, salami-like form, it can be diced and used in cooking, grated over pasta, or sliced and used in sandwiches. For a spicier version, look for Soppressata Piccante.
Speck
Speck, a smoked ham from Italy’s Alto Adige region, offers a depth of flavor that can effectively stand in for Capicola. Speck is made from the hind leg of a pig (like prosciutto) and combines the curing methods of air-drying and smoking.
Speck’s distinctive smoky flavor sets it apart from Capicola, but it offers the same level of savoriness and a comparable texture—making it a good substitute in recipes calling for Capicola. It shines in sandwiches and salads, and it can be used in cooking to provide a smoky, meaty flavor.
Although Speck isn’t typically spicy, its rich, smoky notes can add a new dimension to your dishes. If you’re looking for heat, you can always sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes to your recipe.
Salami
Salami, a generic term for any encased meat product, is available in an array of flavors and styles. Italian salami, such as Genoa salami, often have a similar spice profile to Capicola, offering a harmonious blend of salt, pork, and spices.
The texture of salami can vary significantly, but most tend to be harder than Capicola, offering a different mouthfeel. Despite this, it can be a reliable substitute for Capicola, especially in sandwiches or on charcuterie boards.
If you’re after the spiciness found in Capicola, opt for a hot salami variety. These typically include chili and other spices, providing a heat level similar to that of Capicola.
Bresaola
Bresaola is an air-dried, salted beef that has been aged for several months until it becomes hard and turns a dark red or almost purple color. Although it’s made from beef instead of pork, Bresaola can mimic Capicola’s rich, savory flavor profile, making it a viable alternative for those who don’t consume pork.
Despite having a leaner texture than Capicola, Bresaola’s intense flavor can fill the flavor gap left by Capicola. It can be used in a similar way to Capicola, sliced thin for sandwiches, or included in antipasto platters.
The lack of spiciness in Bresaola can be compensated by adding some hot spices or ingredients to your dish, aligning it closer to Capicola’s flavor characteristics.
Substitutes for Capicola Ham: Nutritional Profile
The following table provides an overview of the nutritional values for each substitute, based on a ¼ cup serving.
| Ham Substitute | Gluten | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Fiber (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prosciutto | Gluten-Free | 60 | 3.7 | 0 | 0 | 7.4 |
| Pancetta | Gluten-Free | 120 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| Mortadella | Gluten-Free | 90 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 5 |
| Soppressata | Gluten-Free | 110 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Speck | Gluten-Free | 70 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 11 |
| Salami | Gluten-Free | 100 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 5 |
| Bresaola | Gluten-Free | 80 | 2.5 | 0 | 0 | 15 |
Please note: Nutritional values can vary depending on the specific brand or type of each substitute. Always check the nutritional information on the packaging for the most accurate data.
A Fork in the Road: Final Thoughts
Whether you’re seeking to replicate the spice-laden, savory flavor of Capicola ham in your favorite recipes or searching for a non-pork alternative, these substitutes are sure to please your palate. Each one has its unique qualities and flavor profiles, and while they might not precisely match Capicola’s taste, they offer an exciting change of pace for your culinary adventures. So next time you find yourself without Capicola, don’t hesitate to reach for Prosciutto, Pancetta, Mortadella, Soppressata, Speck, Salami, or Bresaola. Bon appétit!
