A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Pancetta
Pancetta is Italian cured pork belly, a flavorful ingredient often found on charcuterie boards and in pasta dishes.
pancetta
pan-CHET-uh
/panˈtʃɛt.ə/ · pan · chet · ta
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also a common ingredient in recipes for carbonara or as a flavorful addition to salads and sandwiches.
Where the word comes from
The word 'pancetta' comes from the Italian word 'pancia', meaning 'belly'. It's a direct reference to the cut of pork used.
Common ways people get it wrong
- pan-SEE-tuh Some English speakers might pronounce the 'c' like an 's' because of words like 'cent', but in Italian, 'ce' is pronounced like 'che' in 'check'.
- pan-SET-uh The stress is on the second syllable, 'chet', not the first. Make sure to emphasize that part of the word.
Frequently asked
What is pancetta made of?
Pancetta is made from cured pork belly, similar to bacon but typically not smoked. It's seasoned with salt and spices.
Is pancetta the same as bacon?
While both are pork belly, pancetta is usually cured and seasoned but not smoked, unlike most American bacon. This gives it a different flavor profile.
