How to best enjoy cured pancetta: ideas, tips, and pairings

Cured pancetta is one of the most versatile and fascinating cured meats in Italian cuisine. Its intense yet balanced flavor, soft texture, and endless culinary possibilities make it a perfect ingredient for both rustic appetizers and more refined recipes . But how do you eat cured pancetta properly? In this article, we'll guide you through the cutting techniques, the best pairings, and tips for making the most of it.

Let's start with quality: seasoning and cutting

To fully enjoy this extraordinary product, it's essential to start with the raw ingredients. Colonnata cured pancetta is handcrafted, cured in marble basins, and enriched with natural flavors like black pepper, garlic, and rosemary. This traditional technique, which we explored in depth in our article on curing in marble basins , produces an aromatic, digestible product free of chemical preservatives.

To best cut it, it's best to use a very sharp knife and cut thin, almost transparent slices , best enjoyed at room temperature. This allows the pancetta to fully express its aromatic components and the natural melt-in-your-mouth quality of the fat.

How to enjoy it raw: bread, wine, and simplicity

The most authentic way to eat cured pancetta is to slice it and serve it raw , perhaps on a slice of freshly toasted rustic bread. The warmth of the bread enhances the aromas of the pancetta and slightly melts the fat, making every bite a true explosion of flavor. It's a perfect appetizer, simple yet elegant, to be paired with a glass of full-bodied red wine or an amber craft beer .

Those who love to experiment can add ingredients to the pancetta that enhance its flavor: chestnut honey, red onion or fig jams, or even a simple walnut to counteract the sweetness of the fat with a crunchy, bitter note.

In the kitchen: how to enhance it in hot dishes

Cured pancetta can also be a staple in the kitchen. Unlike fresh pancetta, it doesn't require long cooking: simply searing it briefly releases intense aromas and makes it crispy on the outside, while keeping the inside tender. It's perfect for:

- wrap vegetables (asparagus, courgettes) or cheeses before gratinating
- flavor pasta sauces (with tomato or plain)
- accompany eggs, omelettes or rustic croutons
- enrich risottos or peasant soups

If you are curious to know what bacon is good for , know that – consumed in moderation and chosen in its most genuine form – it can offer proteins and good fats , and can be perfectly integrated into a balanced diet.

Vergazzata: How to Eat the Rustic Version

An equally tasty variant is Vergazzata , a hand-rolled cured meat, more rustic and bold. Again, the recommendation is to slice it thinly and enjoy it on warm bread or paired with local products . Its rough texture makes it perfect for hearty dishes, such as polenta, savory pies, or homemade pasta with seasonal vegetables.

And what about the carbonara?

Many people wonder if cured pancetta can be used for carbonara. Technically, the traditional recipe calls for guanciale. But if you use artisanal cured pancetta like Colonnata , you can achieve a more delicate yet equally flavorful version . The key is to adapt the cooking method: cut it into thin strips, sear it gently, and use the fat to blend the egg yolk and pecorino cheese. We discussed this in detail in the article Carbonara: guanciale or pancetta?

Which is better: pancetta or guanciale?

The answer depends on the recipe, but also on personal taste. Guanciale is fattier , while cured pancetta has a more balanced profile. If you'd like to learn more, we invite you to read our guide on the difference between pancetta and guanciale , which will help you choose the right cured meat for every occasion.

Conclusion

Eating cured pancetta isn't just a gastronomic experience, but a journey through history, local produce, and authentic flavors. Whether raw on a slice of bread or cooked to enhance a recipe, cured Colonnata pancetta offers a truly satisfying experience . And if you'd like to discover all the different types of pancetta available and how to best use them, we have a dedicated article just for you.

Want to taste the best of Tuscan tradition? Discover our cured Pancetta and Vergazzata di Colonnata , two artisanal cured meats crafted with passion , perfect for every palate and every table.