Gourmet Hacks: 5 BEST Substitutes for Tasso Ham

Finding the right substitute for Tasso ham isn’t rocket science.

You’ve got options, and we’re here to break them down for you.

Tasso ham, with its rich and spicy flavor, kicks any dish up a notch.

But hey, not having it in your pantry isn’t a deal-breaker.

We’re all about working with what you’ve got.

And believe us, common ingredients can work wonders as substitutes.

Ever thought about using chorizo instead? It’s got that kick.

Plus, it’s pretty easy to find. Smoked sausage is another great swap.

It brings the smoky goodness you’re after.

And if you’re all about that spice, amp it up with a little Cajun seasoning.

Who said you can’t be a gourmet chef with everyday ingredients?

Not us, that’s for sure. Get creative, and let’s make your dish a show-stopper.

What is Tasso Ham?

First, what is Tasso Ham? Tasso ham is a style of cured pork that originated in the Cajun region of Louisiana.

It typically comes from the shoulder butt, but other cuts can be used.

The cut is heavily seasoned with salt and ground black pepper before being smoked over pecan wood or sugar cane for several hours at about 160 °F.

This dried, smoked meat is then used in traditional Louisiana dishes like jambalaya and gumbo, imparting its distinctive spicy flavor.

The meat is cut into cubes and added to casseroles or combined with vegetables, then cooked in liquid.

Tasso ham can substitute for other cured meats like bacon or pancetta when making soups, stews, and casseroles.

If you would like to try it for yourself, visit a meat shop or specialty store that carries a selection of cured meats.

You can certainly find tasso ham at your local grocery store, but it may be difficult to find.

Make sure to check the ingredients list on the packaging if the product contains unwelcome additives.

If you’re in a hurry, shop online for tasso ham and have it delivered to your home or office.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Tasso Ham

Tasso ham is a flavorful and spicy cured meat used in various Cajun and Creole dishes.

However, if you find yourself without tasso ham or simply prefer alternatives, there are several substitutes available that can provide similar characteristics.

In this guide, we will explore the top 5 substitutes for tasso ham, comparing their key characteristics and providing the proper ratios to ensure the best results in your recipes.

Substitute	Key Characteristics	Proper Ratio
Pancetta	Cured Italian pork belly with a rich, savory flavor	Replace 1 cup of tasso ham with 1 cup of diced pancetta
Jamon Iberico de Bellota	Cured Spanish ham from acorn-fed pigs, known for its rich flavor	Replace 1 cup of tasso ham with 1 cup of thinly sliced Jamon Iberico de Bellota
Prosciutto Cotto	Cooked Italian ham with a delicate and slightly sweet flavor	Replace 1 cup of tasso ham with 1 cup of sliced prosciutto cotto
Spicy Chorizo	Spanish pork sausage with a spicy and smoky flavor	Replace 1 cup of tasso ham with 1 cup of crumbled spicy chorizo
Canadian Bacon	Lean and lightly smoked pork back bacon	Replace 1 cup of tasso ham with 1 cup of diced Canadian bacon

Now let’s dive into each substitute in more detail:

1 – Pancetta

Pancetta is an Italian cured meat often used in soups, stews, and pasta dishes.

It can be substituted one-to-one for tasso ham.

Pancetta is slightly saltier than tasso ham, but it has similar colors and textures.

Pancetta is typically made from pork belly instead of the shoulder butt used to make tasso ham.

It is important to note that pancetta is typically rolled into a cylindrical shape before it’s cured, whereas tasso ham is not.

Pancetta comes in its natural casing to be removed before cooking or serving it.

• Key Characteristics: Pancetta is a cured Italian pork belly with a rich and savory flavor. It can be used as a substitute for tasso ham, providing a similar depth of flavor.
• Proper Ratio: Replace 1 cup of tasso ham with 1 cup of diced pancetta. Adjust the quantity based on your recipe’s requirements.

2 – Jamon Iberico de Bellota (cured Spanish ham)

Without question, this is an excellent substitute for tasso ham.

This is because it tastes almost identical to the original product and adds a lot of flavor to your dishes.

This type of cured meat comes from Iberian pigs raised with acorns in Spain.

These acorns add an unmistakable depth of flavor to the pork, which cures into a rich, juicy, and flavorful meat.

Importantly, Jamon Iberico de Bellota is considered a delicacy in Spain.

It is usually served as a starter, called a “Piece of Armor,” or added to pasta or stews.

This type of cured ham can be difficult to find if you don’t live in a country where it is served.

However, you can order it online.

• Key Characteristics: Jamon Iberico de Bellota is a cured Spanish ham from acorn-fed pigs. It is known for its rich and intense flavor, making it a suitable alternative for tasso ham.
• Proper Ratio: Replace 1 cup of tasso ham with 1 cup of thinly sliced Jamon Iberico de Bellota. Adjust the quantity based on your recipe’s needs.

3 – Prosciutto Cotto

If Jamon Iberico de Bellota is too difficult to find, there’s another great substitute that tastes almost the same as tasso ham.

This is prosciutto cotto. It has a similar color to tasso ham, but it’s slightly more tender.

This cured ham is made from pork leg or thigh that has been lightly smoked and aged for 8 to 12 months.

It may be sold in its original form, which is shelf-stable.

However, it can be difficult to find prosciutto cotto that isn’t refrigerated.

In addition, prosciutto cotto is typically sold in a rolled form with the fleshy side out and skin on.

This version may be difficult to find if you’re looking for a substitute for tasso ham.

Regardless, this type of cured meat is tasty and can be added to stews or pasta dishes like tasso ham.

• Key Characteristics: Prosciutto cotto is a cooked Italian ham with a delicate and slightly sweet flavor. While it may not provide the same spiciness as tasso ham, it can contribute to the overall taste profile.
• Proper Ratio: Replace 1 cup of tasso ham with 1 cup of sliced prosciutto cotto. Adjust the quantity based on your recipe’s requirements.

4 – Spicy Chorizo

Spicy chorizo is another good substitute for tasso ham that adds a lot of flavor to your dishes.

This sausage gets its heat from spicy paprika, which gives it a distinctive reddish color.

It may contain smoked paprika for additional smokiness.

The overall result is a deliciously spicy sausage with the same color and flavor as tasso ham.

Spicy chorizo typically comes in links, but it can be bought loose if you want to cube it for use in stews or pasta dishes.

This type of meat is typically sold refrigerated or frozen, making it easy to buy online.

• Key Characteristics: Spicy chorizo is a Spanish pork sausage known for its smoky and spicy flavor. It can add a similar level of heat and complexity to dishes as tasso ham.
• Proper Ratio: Replace 1 cup of tasso ham with 1 cup of crumbled spicy chorizo. Adjust the quantity based on your desired level of spiciness.

5 – Canadian Bacon

Last but not least is Canadian bacon.

This substitute has a similar texture to tasso ham but is slightly saltier.

This type of cured meat is made from lean pork loin brined and smoked.

It gets its name because it was originally imported from Canada in the early 20th century and first marketed as a substitute for ham.

When it comes to substitutes for tasso ham, Canadian bacon is a great option.

It can be eaten on its own or added to pasta and other dishes.

It’s also typically sold either refrigerated or frozen, so there’s no need to worry about it spoiling quickly after you buy it.

Remember to remove the fatty layer before cooking this type of bacon.

• Key Characteristics: Canadian bacon is lean and lightly smoked pork back bacon. While it may not provide the same level of spice, it can offer a savory and meaty alternative to tasso ham.
• Proper Ratio: Replace 1 cup of tasso ham with 1 cup of diced Canadian bacon. Adjust the quantity based on your recipe’s requirements.

Conclusion

Tasso ham is an important ingredient in many dishes.

However, it can be difficult to find this type of cured meat outside of Louisiana and other areas that serve it regularly.

Luckily, there are plenty of substitutes for tasso ham that taste almost as good: Jamon Iberico de Bellota (Spanish ham), prosciutto cotto, spicy chorizo, and Canadian bacon are all great options.

Which substitute for tasso ham will you use next time?