Below is a list of ideas for what you can potentially do with charcuterie leftover meat. After that, I will highlight some of the most common leftover charcuterie meats and what recipes and ideas you can do with them.
Since I’ve been making charcuterie and whole-muscle meats for decades, I’ve definitely used the ideas to enhance the flavor of many meals.
Vacuum packing or freezing are always options as mentioned below. Although ideally it should be with whole pieces and not slices.
What to do With Charcuterie Meat Leftovers
Whether you have prosciutto, Jamon, bresaola, pancetta, lonza, lomo, coppa, chorizo, spalla, or any type of dry cured salami.
All of these options are available to you for the leftovers.
Ideas for Leftover Charcuterie Meat
- Sandwiches
- Pizza Toppings
- Toasted Panini
- Pasta Salad Addition
- Add to a Pasta Sauce
- Lasagne
- Add into Bean Stew
- Frittata
- Add into Soup
- Quiche
- Omelette
- Pita Bread Topping
- Macaroni and Cheese Addition
- Hors d’oeuvres or Crostini toppings
- Caponata (Eggplant/Tomato)
- Green Salad Addition
- Freeze the Dry Cured Meats
All the below are dry-cured meats, they have been salt cured and 30% moisture reduced during the drying phase. They are considered preserved – if in whole muscle chunks if not – they will dry out with exposure to air.
These are the ones I make and I savor. My website is all about my passion for making, eating and exploring charcuterie and cured meats.
What to Do with Leftover Prosciutto
Prosciutto is made from a pork leg with salt and the addition of mastery crafting and at least 12 months of drying/aging.
Italians often serve prosciutto very simply with melon, figs, pears or peaches – plated together with punchy cheese and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil (creamy not too robust ideally).
Wrapping it around vegetables or not-too-sweet fruits works really well because of its salty fat. Rock melon, for example, is a great option for left-over-Prosciutto slices.
Recipes & Links for Leftover Prosciutto
What to Do with Leftover Pancetta
The classic spaghetti carbonara is with dry-cured pancetta (pork belly) or guanciale -jowl- (the classic for traditional carbonara). If you haven’t made the classic dish – you should.
Pancetta is a dry-cured pork belly with spices, it’s not smoked and is similar to bacon but more refined.
Recipes & Links for Leftover Pancetta
What to Do with Leftover Salami
Salami comes in many forms and flavors – you can use it diced and add it to any pasta, salad, soup – anything!
Of course, sandwiches/paninis are a great option for the leftovers: lunch is easily sorted for the next days!
Recipes for leftover Salami
17 Smart Ways to use it I can Think of Right Now
How to Freeze Charcuterie Leftover Meats
For whole muscle dry cured meat like prosciutto, pancetta, or salami freeze whole or slices for up to 3 months. If vacuum-packed and frozen, this meat can last up to a year.
Other Resources:
Most of the research I did to add content for this post, I found, was similar to the list above.
The nice pictures and some good ideas for the ‘charcuterie leftovers’ are from “Bon Apetit”.
If you want to get inspired by gourmet sandwiches look at ‘Florence’s Legendary Street Sandwiches’ in this video below:
Tom Mueller
For decades, immersed in studying, working, learning, and teaching the craft of meat curing, sharing the passion and showcasing the world of charcuterie and smoked meat. Read More