Best Pancetta Substitute for Soup and Italian Dishes

Asked Apr 11, 2024 by Levine M.

Don't eat pork products. What is the best substitution for pancetta for Italian wedding soup, chicken dishes, vegetable dishes?

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Recipe

Gâteau de Ménage (“Household Cake”)

From the Franche-Comté area of France, gâteau de ménage translates as “household cake.” (Is it any wonder we prefer the French name?) With a base of rich, yeasted brioche-like dough that’s shaped into a tart shell and filled with a sweet, eggy cream c

By Lawman JohnsonMay 21, 2026

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COMMENTS

Chris KimballMilk Street Staff
August 6, 2024
Hi,
Circling back to this. If you can find it, prepared duck confit is a great way to go. Scrape off the fat and use a combo of the shredded meat and fat. Confit is typically prepared with spices and bay leaves, which mimic (some) of the flavor of cured pancetta.

Recipe

Gâteau de Ménage (“Household Cake”)

From the Franche-Comté area of France, gâteau de ménage translates as “household cake.” (Is it any wonder we prefer the French name?) With a base of rich, yeasted brioche-like dough that’s shaped into a tart shell and filled with a sweet, eggy cream c

By Lawman JohnsonMay 21, 2026