Prosciutto lends a salty, savory, melt-in-your-mouth vibe to a range of dishes, from pizza to pasta. But you can’t always find prosciutto, especially if Walmart is the fanciest grocery store in your town.
The good news is, you can make those salty prosciutto dishes with other meats and even some non-meat options. Here are seven tasty alternatives to prosciutto that you can use your culinary endeavors.
1. Serrano ham
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Substitute the same quantity of serrano ham for prosciutto.
This Spanish cured ham is similar in texture and saltiness to prosciutto. It goes great with antipasto plates, salads, and charcuterie boards. Serrano is a little drier and saltier, so if you’re using it raw, you might want to drizzle some olive oil over it.
2. Jamon Iberico
Substitute slightly less Jamón Ibérico than prosciutto in your recipes.
Jamón Ibérico is dry-cured and aged for months, just like prosciutto. This gives it the same silky texture and umami flavor. Use sparingly. It has a stronger flavor — and higher price.
3. Speck
Substitute speck for prosciutto in the same quantity.
Speck has a smoky flavor, so it goes well with creamy cheeses or eggs. It is an Italian cousin to prosciutto and has a thin, delicate texture.
4. Pancetta
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Substitute pancetta for prosciutto in the same quantity. You may want to reduce the salt in the recipe.
Pancetta is not usually eaten raw, so if you want to use it in pasta or cooked dishes, cook it first. When you crisp it up, pancetta gives you the same salty, meaty flavor. It’s delicious on top of roasted vegetables or in carbonara.
5. Bacon
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For every two slices of prosciutto, use one slice of cooked bacon.
Opt for milder bacon flavors with minimal smoke. Cook the bacon until it’s just crisp, then let it drain on paper towels. Try bacon as a prosciutto substitute with pasta, pizza, or stuffed chicken. The chewy texture and sweet-salty balance mimics prosciutto in these cooked recipes.
6. Turkey bacon
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Use one slice of turkey bacon for every one slice of prosciutto in your recipe.
Turkey bacon is a leaner choice that still adds salt and umami. It works well in sandwiches, for breakfast, and for light meals. You can brush the turkey bacon slices with olive oil to add more flavor.
7. Thin-sliced smoked salmon
You can use thinly sliced smoked salmon in the same quantity as prosciutto.
Smoked salmon works well as a substitute on cold dishes. Like prosciutto, it has a smooth texture and salty flavor. Try it with with crostini, burrata, or melon.
Substituting prosciutto FAQs
Is it safe to eat prosciutto raw?
Yes, it is safe to eat prosciutto raw. It is dry-cured. The curing process takes out moisture and stops bacteria from growing.
What makes prosciutto, bacon, and pancetta different from each other?
Prosciutto is raw meat that has been dry-cured and aged. Bacon is cured, then smoked, and requires cooking. Pancetta is cured, but not smoked.
Is prosciutto just ham that’s been cut thin?
Prosciutto is not thin-sliced ham exactly. Both prosciutto and ham come from the back leg of a pig, but prosciutto is air-dried and aged for months, which gives it a rich, nutty flavor and soft texture that regular ham doesn’t have.
Are there vegetarian substitutes for prosciutto?
Yes, there are vegetarian substitutes for prosciutto. Try thinly sliced roasted eggplant, sun-dried tomatoes, or even mushrooms that have been marinated. When you drizzle olive oil or balsamic glaze on them, they taste even better and have more umami.
Last update on 2026-03-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
