Delicious Combinations for Your Deli Meat Sandwiches and Platters

When creating a deli meat sandwich or platter, combining different types of meats can elevate the flavors and textures, making your meal more enjoyable and satisfying. Here are some popular and delicious combinations that work harmoniously together:

Mixing Mellow with Nuttiness: Turkey and Swiss Cheese

The mild flavor of turkey pairs exceptionally well with the nutty taste of Swiss cheese. This combination is a delightful balance, offering a smooth and creamy texture that complements each other flawlessly.

Sweet and Sharp Synergy: Ham and Cheddar

The sweetness of honey or smoked ham complements the sharpness of cheddar cheese beautifully. This combination can be enhanced further with added honey butter or smoked cheddar, providing layers of flavor that are hard to resist.

Spicy Creaminess: Salami and Provolone

The spiciness of salami works well with the creamy texture of provolone cheese. Adding a bit of pepper or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can intensify the spicy notes, making this a robust and flavorful option.

Rich and Sharp: Roast Beef and Horseradish

The rich flavor of roast beef is elevated by the sharpness of horseradish sauce. This combination is perfect for adding a kick to your sandwich, providing both a warming and cooling sensation with each bite.

Spicy Richness: Capicola and Mortadella

The spicy notes of capicola pair nicely with the rich, fatty flavor of mortadella. These meats offer a unique blend of tastes and textures, making them an exciting choice for any charcuterie board or sandwich.

Strong and Crunchy: Pastrami and Pickles

Pastrami’s strong flavor goes well with the crunch and acidity of pickles. Adding shredded pickles or a spicy pickled cucumber relish can enhance the overall flavor profile of your sandwich.

Mild and Creamy: Bologna and American Cheese

A classic combination, Bologna’s mild flavor is complemented by the creaminess of American cheese. This straightforward yet delicious pairing is perfect for a quick, comforting meal.

Grilled Flavor: Chicken and Bacon

Grilled chicken with crispy bacon adds both protein and texture to a sandwich. It’s a versatile combination that can be dressed up with spicy or mild toppings to suit your taste.

Classic Pairings for Your Deli Platters

Pastrami and Turkey: Go together especially with coleslaw, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing. This combination is a hit, offering a mix of smoky and spicy flavors that are hard to beat. Ham, Turkey, and Bacon: Perfect for a classic club sandwich on a classic three-slices-of-toast, this combination adds layers of flavor and texture with mayonnaise or honey mustard, lettuce, and tomatoes. Roast Beef and Turkey: With Jack cheese and green Chiles on sourdough, this combination brings out the best in each meat, providing a robust and flavorful sandwich. Corned Beef and Pastrami: Paired with spicy mustard and Swiss cheese on rye, this is a comforting and delicious choice for any deli platter. Italian Combo: Layers of ham, capicola, and salami with lettuce, tomato, onion, and oregano dressing on French bread, this Italian-style combo is a delight for the palate.

My Favorite: A Classic Italian Hero

My favorite combination is a classic Italian hero, also known as a sub, hoagie, or grinder. It's packed with salami, capocollo, calabrese, and mortadella, offering a medley of flavors and textures that make it a crowd-pleaser.

Other Choices

Chicken, Chorizo, and Bacon: A mix of uncooked bacon and peppered salami, including chorizo for a touch of heat, can add a unique flavor profile to your sandwiches. Pastrami and Corned Beef: Deli corned beef, not the Irish American variety, is a classic choice that pairs well with pastrami for a hearty and delicious sandwich. Duck and Turkey: A combination that can bring out the flavors of both meats, providing a fresh and exciting twist.

When building a sandwich or a charcuterie board, consider adding complementary toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and condiments such as mustard or mayonnaise to enhance the overall flavor. Mixing and matching these ingredients can help you create a variety of delicious and satisfying meals.