Proscuitto alternative

[u/Low_Investigator1497]

Hi, I’m a big fan of prosciutto, especially the pre-sliced kind, but the price makes it hard to enjoy regularly. Does anyone know of a good, more affordable alternative? Or maybe a place to buy sliced prosciutto for cheaper? I’ve tried Schwarzwälder Schinken as a substitute, but it didn’t quite do it for me. It’s too smokey.

I’m in Belgium if that helps :)

[u/Due-Butterscotch-292]

Find a butcher or producer near you that can slice it fresh for you. Huge difference compared to packaged ones in both flavour and texture. Some other styles to look out for that I think are delicious and possibly substitutable would be Copa, or Bresaola. Bresaola will have a totally different flavour profile because it comes from beef not pork.

[u/comicsnerd]

There are dozens of raw ham varieties. Just go to a big butcher/supermarket and try several until you find a cheaper alternative.

[u/goldfool]

The fresh sliced is cheaper than the package one..maybe not much. Just look at the price per pound. Fresh will slice it thinner, so you can take more bites.

[u/Pinhal]

It’s somewhat of a luxury food, it’s never going to be cheap. You could make simple home-cured bacon for a salty porky hit. That is cheap.

[u/SirWEM]

The only way your going to get “cheaper” prosciutto is to make it yourself. Which can be done. But your looking 18-24months until you its ready. But depending how, and what you start with will dictate how good or not good it is. But you have to take into consideration the other costs, time, electricity, etc. but it is totally doable. Look up Virginia Hams. That is our version, and will give you an idea of the process.

[u/blkhatwhtdog]

I think prosciutto is the less expensive option. Look at the price of Westphalian ham or Iberico

[u/Low_Investigator1497 → u/blkhatwhtdog]

I bought Serrano which was half the price of the proscuitto di parma yesterday, and honestly I prefer the Serrano. It’s less fatty and has a richer taste. Maybe they’re cured longer? Idk