Salami Pizza: A Classic Italian Favourite That Never Disappoints

Pizza always offers new flavours and characteristics that make it one of the most unforgettable Italian dishes. However, salami pizza is one of those dishes that never fails to hit the spot. With its deep Italian roots and timeless appeal, it offers an authentic taste with the rich, savoury flavour of salami. In this article, we will explore what salami pizza actually is, the different types, and help you find which pizza suits your taste the most.

A Slice of History 

Salami pizza is a traditional pizza known for its well-balanced blend of salami, melty cheese, and a crispy crust. It is always suitable for any occasion, even at your family gathering, to bring a warm, comfortable vibe. However, it originated in Naples, Italy, in the 18th century. Salami pizza evolved from ancient flatbreads topped with various ingredients, eventually becoming the pizza we know today, which uses salami (a cured sausage originating in Italy) and tomato sauce as toppings. This hearty topping has become a staple for pizza lovers around the world, adding both depth and variety to the dish.

Types of Salami Pizza

Napoli Salami

One type of salami pizza, known for its rustic, savoury flavour, is Napoli salami pizza. Seasoned with garlic and black pepper, Napoli salami pizza delivers a rich, satisfying taste with every bite. Whether paired with a classic margherita base or something more adventurous, Napoli salami is a staple in Italian dishes.

Genoa Salami

Genoa salami is a pizza made primarily with pork, seasoned with spices, red wine, and garlic, for a bold, rich flavour. The pizza can have a dry, crispy texture, or a soft, moist texture, like Genoa salami. This makes it unique, smooth, and an excellent choice for people who prefer a subtle yet bold, well-balanced topping.

Calabrese Salami

Calabrese salami pizza is known for its spicy kick, making it suitable for those who love spicy flavours. The ingredients that add those spicy flavours are pork seasoned with hot red pepper flakes. Its zesty punch complements the melty cheese and savoury tomato sauce beautifully.

Soppressata Salami

Soppressata pizza offers a more varied taste and texture, featuring ground pork seasoned with black pepper, garlic, and red wine, along with salami. The resulting taste will never be bland, offering a spicy, robust flavour suitable for any time of day. Moreover, you can choose the milder or spicier version, even though both produce a very delightful taste.

How to Make Salami Pizza

Making a delicious salami pizza recipe at home is easier than you might think. To start, you'll need to prepare a pizza dough base. You can either make your dough from scratch or use a pre-made base, depending on your time and preference. Once your dough is ready, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over it, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Next, generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce, evenly covering the surface.

Now, it's time to add your chosen salami. Whether you go for Napoli, Genoa, Calabrese, or Soppressata, slice the salami thinly and evenly distribute it across the cheese. If you like a bit of extra flavour, you can sprinkle on some dried oregano or fresh basil. To finish, preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) and bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling with that deliciously gooey texture. Then, your homemade salami pizza is ready, and you can serve it with your loved ones!

What's the Difference Between Salami and Pepperoni?

Both salami and pepperoni are toppings that pair well with pizza dough because they have bold flavours and offer a good balance. Although they are both cured meats, they have slight differences that you may not have noticed before. However, salami has deep roots in European cuisine, while pepperoni is a uniquely American creation.

The flavours produced by the two can also differ, as salami is usually seasoned with bold ingredients and savoury flavours like garlic or chilli to add spiciness. On the other hand, pepperoni has a smoky, spicy flavour because it is seasoned with chilli peppers. Therefore, pepperoni adds more spiciness, but salami brings a broader range of flavours to the table.

In the end, salami pizza remains a timeless favourite for good reason. Its combination of rich, savoury salami and melted cheese on a crispy base delivers a satisfying bite every time.  

For more mouthwatering Italian cuisine, head over to Piccolino Woodfired Pizza and Homemade Pasta.

‍