What Can I Substitute For Capicola, 10 Best List

When you’re planning a meal and have your heart set on using capicola, it can be really frustrating if you can’t find it at your local store. Capicola, also known as coppa, is a type of Italian cured meat that’s often used in sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and various dishes for its rich, slightly spicy flavor. It’s made from pork, and its unique taste comes from the way it’s seasoned and cured over time.

But what do you do when capicola is nowhere to be found? Maybe you don’t eat pork, or you’re trying to find something a bit different for a recipe. Thankfully, there are several other ingredients that can stand in for capicola, providing a similar taste or texture.

Finding a substitute that works well for capicola might seem tricky at first, but it’s all about knowing what you need for your dish. Do you want something with a similar spice level? Or perhaps you’re just looking for something with a rich, savory taste that will work in a sandwich or on a pizza?

Whether you’re looking for something spicy, sweet, or just plain savory, this guide will walk you through ten great substitutes for capicola, so you can keep your meal on track.

10 Best Substitute For Capicola

1. Prosciutto

One of the first substitutes you might think of is prosciutto. It’s another type of Italian cured meat, but it’s made from the hind leg of a pig instead of the shoulder-like capicola. Prosciutto is typically a bit saltier and milder in flavor, but it has a similar texture.

It’s usually sliced very thin, just like capicola, making it a good choice for sandwiches or appetizers. While it might not have the same spiciness as capicola, prosciutto’s rich, salty taste can bring a lot to a dish.

2. Ham

Ham is a very common meat that most people can find in their grocery stores. It’s not as fancy as capicola or prosciutto, but it’s often cured or smoked, which gives it a flavor that’s not too far off.

Depending on how it’s prepared, ham can be sweet, salty, or smoky, so you can choose a type that best matches what you’re looking for. Whether you’re making a sandwich or adding it to a salad, ham can easily fill in for capicola when needed.

3. Pancetta

Pancetta is another Italian meat that can work well as a capicola substitute. Like capicola, it’s made from pork, but it comes from the belly of the pig rather than the shoulder. Pancetta is usually seasoned with pepper and spices before being cured, giving it a flavor that’s somewhat similar to capicola.

Pancetta is often used in cooking rather than being eaten raw, so if you’re adding it to a hot dish like pasta or pizza, it can be a great alternative.

4. Bacon

Bacon might be the most familiar of all these options, and it can work as a substitute for capicola in some cases. Bacon is usually smoked, which gives it a rich, deep flavor that can add a lot to a dish.

It’s also typically crispier than capicola, so while it might not have the exact same texture, it can still bring a satisfying crunch and a savory taste. If you’re using it in a sandwich, on a pizza, or in a salad, bacon can be a tasty stand-in for capicola.

Read also 11 Best Substitutes For Sirloin

5. Salami

Salami is another type of cured meat that’s popular in many dishes. It’s often seasoned with a mix of spices, giving it a bold flavor that can be similar to capicola, especially if you choose a variety that has some heat to it.

Salami is usually a bit denser and chewier than capicola, but it’s still sliced thin and can work well in many of the same dishes. Whether you’re putting together a charcuterie board or making a sandwich, salami can be a strong substitute for capicola.

6. Mortadella

Mortadella is another Italian deli meat that can be used as a substitute for capicola. It’s made from finely ground pork and often has small cubes of fat and sometimes pistachios or olives mixed in.

Mortadella is very mild and smooth in flavor, which is a bit different from the spicy kick you get with capicola. However, its creamy texture and light flavor can still be a nice addition to sandwiches and other dishes where you might use capicola.

7. Soppressata

Soppressata is a type of dry-cured salami that comes from Italy, and it can be a good substitute if you’re looking for something with a bit of spice. Soppressata is often made with a mix of pork and beef, and it’s seasoned with a variety of spices, including pepper and sometimes even red pepper flakes.

This gives it a flavor profile that can be quite similar to capicola, especially if you choose a spicy variety. Like capicola, soppressata is usually sliced thin, making it easy to use in the same kinds of dishes.

8. Turkey Breast

If you’re looking for a non-pork option, turkey breast can be a good choice. It’s much leaner than capicola, but it can be seasoned and cooked in a way that gives it a rich, savory flavor. While it won’t have the same spice or fattiness as capicola, turkey breast is a versatile meat that can work well in many dishes.

You can use it in sandwiches, salads, or even on a pizza. It’s a great option if you’re looking for something lighter or if you have dietary restrictions.

9. Chorizo

Chorizo is a type of sausage that’s popular in Spanish and Mexican cuisine. It’s made from pork and seasoned with paprika, garlic, and other spices, which gives it a bold, smoky flavor. Depending on the variety, chorizo can be quite spicy, making it a good substitute for capicola if you’re looking for something with a kick.

Chorizo can be found in both cured (dry) and fresh forms, so you can choose the type that works best for your recipe. The cured version is sliced and used similarly to capicola, while the fresh version is often cooked.

10. Roast Beef

Roast beef might seem like an unusual substitute for capicola, but it can actually work quite well in certain dishes. Roast beef has a rich, savory flavor that can add a lot to a sandwich or salad.

While it doesn’t have the spiciness or fattiness of capicola, it’s still a hearty, flavorful meat that can be sliced thin and used in many of the same ways. If you’re looking for something with a bold, meaty flavor but want to avoid pork, roast beef is a solid option.

Conclusion

While capicola is a unique and flavorful ingredient, there are many other options out there that can work just as well in your recipes. Whether you’re looking for something with a similar spice level, a rich, savory taste, or just a good meat to use in a sandwich or on a pizza, there’s a substitute out there that can meet your needs. From other Italian cured meats like prosciutto and pancetta to more familiar options like ham and bacon, you have plenty of choices to explore. And if you’re avoiding pork altogether, meats like turkey breast and roast beef can still provide that satisfying, savory flavor you’re looking for. So the next time you find yourself without capicola, don’t worry—just try one of these substitutes and keep your meal on track.