What Is Soppressata and How Do You Use It?

What is soppressata? Soppressata is a type of Italian salami made with traditional meat curing techniques. This salty and slightly spicy snack is delicious on its own or served with cheese, crackers, or a sandwich.

Interested in upgrading the cured meats section of your next charcuterie board? Try incorporating soppressata for an upscale take on traditional salami. As is a specialty of Southern Italy, it has become a charcuterie board staple. Read this handy guide to the ins and outs of soppressata and discover how to source this tasty treat.

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• What Is Soppressata?
• Soppressata vs. Salami
• Soppressata vs. Pepperoni
• How To Make Soppressata
• Is Soppressata Healthy?
• Where To Buy Soppressata
• How To Store Soppressata

What Is Soppressata?

Originally from the Calabria region of Southern Italy, soppressata is a type of salami that is seasoned with local herbs and dried. Italy takes its soppressata very seriously and true soppressata can only come from five distinct areas of Southern Italy: Basilicata, Puglia, Calabria, Abruzzo and Campania.

Soppressata from these areas are stamped with a Protected Designation of Origin, meaning the meat was produced while adhering to strict guidelines and production methods. Northern Italy has its own version of soppressata called soppressa which is commonly made in Tuscany and Veneto.

What Is Soppressata Made Of?

This salty treat is made with coarsely ground lean cuts of pork such as pork loin, pork shoulder or ham scraps. Some manufacturers also use less desirable, fattier cuts of pork in the production process. Once the meat is ground it is mixed with seasonings such as peppercorns, salt, red wine, cinnamon, chile peppers and rosemary. The herb mix is not exact and different makers each have their own unique spice blends.

The spiced mixture is then stuffed into a natural or synthetic casing and hand-tied with twine. The tied soppressata is then packed between weights for a few days to achieve the desired oblong shape. After being pressed, the soppressata is hung to dry in a temperature-controlled curing room and aged for anything between two and six months. 

What Does Soppressata Taste Like?

Soppressata is a firm, salty meat in the salami family with rich, fatty pork flavors. The taste of soppressata is dependent on the herbs used to season it. Some manufacturers add red wine, fennel and red chiles which can all change the taste slightly. The best soppressatas are delicate and melt in your mouth with flavor. 

Is Soppressata Spicy?

Like all meats, the spiciness level is dependent on the recipe. Soppressata can be sweet, salty or spicy depending on the manufacturer. If you prefer a spicy soppressata look for meats containing red chile peppers for an extra kick. Traditionally, soppressata is spicier than salami or prosciutto. 

How To Pronounce Soppressata

Soppressata is a traditional Italian word that can be challenging to pronounce for native English speakers. Don’t panic, this quick pronunciation guide will have you ordering soppressata like a professional the next time you visit the deli counter. Soppressata is pronounced like "soap-press-satta" with a soft "a" like in "salt," as opposed to a hard "a" like in "sat." 

Soppressata vs. Salami

Salami uses fattier cuts of meat and is generally chewier and more marbled than a traditional soppressata. Soppressata is drier than salami due to the leaner cuts of pork used. Salami is usually generously spiced with salt and pepper while soppressata can be spiced with chiles making it noticeably spicier.

Unlike salami, soppressata is usually a more vibrant red color similar to pepperoni. Soprressata is also shaped differently than salami due to the pressing in production. Salami is a round shape while soppressata is oblong. 

Soppressata vs. Pepperoni

Pepperoni and soppressata are dried meats commonly used as pizza toppings. Though they are pretty similar, they aren't the same. Pepperoni is typically spiced with paprika giving it a warming, smokey flavor that soppressata lacks. Pepperoni and soppressata also have different countries of origin. Soppressata traditionally comes from Southern Italy while pepperoni originated in New York among Italian-American communities in the city. 

How To Make Soppressata

Making cured meats at home can be quite a time-consuming and expensive process. You will need many costly kitchen tools such as a meat grinder, a sausage stuffer, a fermentation chamber and a meat curing chamber. If you're the type who likes to make everything yourself, however, it's an incredibly rewarding process.

After purchasing all the necessary supplies it's time to start making your soppressata. To make homemade soppressata, grind the pork, season it and stuff it into a sausage casing. Once it's in the casing, press the meat with weights to achieve the desired shape and then ferment the soppressata for 12 hours.

The fermentation step is crucial when making salami-type meats and making a mistake here will end in bad soppressata. To ferment your meat, keep it at 85 degrees with 95 percent humidity for 12 hours. Next, the soppressata has to be hung and dried inside a meat curing chamber for up to six months. 

While it can be fun to learn to make tasty meats from scratch, curing meats at home can be an arduous process with lots of room for error. Unless you want to make a sizable commitment to your new meat-curing hobby, it is recommended to simply purchase a good-quality soppressata at your local deli or grocery store and save yourself the headache. 

How To Eat Soppressata

Soppressata is a versatile and flavorful addition to any meal. It is delightful on a fancy date night charcuterie board, where its rich taste pairs nicely with cheeses, olives and fresh bread. It also makes a great filling for a hearty sandwich—layer it with greens, cheese and condiments on a crusty roll for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

If you're interested in exploring more ways to use soppressata, online cooking classes are a great option. Learn from experienced chefs and discover new recipes, including how to make a delicious soppressata pizza, all from your own kitchen.

Explore cooking classes near you to dive into Italian cuisine. Whether you’re looking to enhance your cooking skills or try something new, these classes offer a range of experiences for every level.

Is Soppressata Healthy?

Like most foods, soppressata can be healthy for certain lifestyles. Soppressata has a high protein content with an average of nine grams per one-ounce serving making it a filling snack. It contains essential vitamins B1 and B12 which provide an energy boost. This meat is also keto and seamlessly fits into a low-carb diet. 

Like all dried meats, soppressata has a high sodium content due to the salt used to preserve the meat. Eating too much sodium can cause high blood pressure, bloating and an increased risk of stomach cancer. Enjoying soppressata in moderation can be a part of a healthy diet, but it is not recommended for those who struggle with high blood pressure or other related health issues.

Where To Buy Soppressata

If you are ready to taste soppressata for yourself you can find it in the deli section of most major grocery stores. This salty, delicious meat may also be available at locally owned meat markets or Italian delis in your city. Alternatively, you can get authentic soppressata imported from Italy from online retailers for a gourmet Italian treat that's sure to impress your dinner guests. 

Soppressata Substitutes

If you can’t find soppressata at your local grocery store, there are several good substitutes. For pizza, try using dry-aged pepperoni to add an authentic Italian touch. If you prefer a milder flavor, prosciutto is a great option — it's a less-spicy dried pork that works well both on sandwiches and when pan-fried or added to pasta.

When putting together a charcuterie board and soppressata isn’t available, capicola is an excellent alternative. This French and Italian cold cut made from pork shoulder offers a similar flavor profile. Since soppressata is part of the salami family, you can also substitute any other dried cured meat to achieve a comparable taste.

How To Store Soppressata

While soppressata is technically shelf stable, it should be stored in the fridge after opening. Once sliced, this meat should be put in a fridge-safe container and stored in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. Experts recommended wrapping soppressata in parchment paper to slow down the drying process while stored in the refrigerator. Soppressata will continue to dry out while in the fridge, but it stays tasty for quite a while. 

Can You Freeze Soppressata?

Can you freeze soppressata? Yes, you can technically freeze-dried meats but it may degrade the texture and flavor of the soppressata. Due to the drying process, soppressata can be stored on the shelf for up to a year before eating. Dry storage is the ideal way to store this meat. If you must store soppressata in the freezer, tightly wrap it in aluminum foil then put it in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn. Make sure to label and date the bag for food safety.  

Soppressata can be stored in the freezer for up to six months but after two to three months the flavor and texture of the meat will start to degrade. When defrosting soppressata be sure to let it fully thaw in the refrigerator. It is not safe to thaw soppressata at room temperature because of the increased risk of harmful bacterial growth that causes food poisoning. If the thawed soppressata is slimy, smelly or tastes off, throw it out. 

Excellent in pizza, pasta and on show-stopping charcuterie boards that are sure to wow your guests, its spicy flavor and delightfully delicate texture place soppressata high on the list of the finest Italian cured meats. This, when added to the Protected Designation of Origin that serves as its hallmark of authenticity, makes soppressata a highly coveted, must-try meat for anybody who relishes the inimitable flavors of Italy. Commonly available at grocery stores and local delis, it's an easy and delicious way to elevate any meal to which you decide to add it.

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.