Introduction
The Muffaletta Italian sandwich is a New Orleans classic with bold flavors and a delicious mix of cured meats, cheeses, and an iconic olive salad.** Originating from Sicilian immigrants**, this sandwich is a must-try for any food lover.
Perfect for parties, picnics, or game day gatherings, the Giant Muffaletta is easy to make and packed with Mediterranean flavors. This recipe will guide you through every step, from making the homemade olive salad to layering the sandwich for the ultimate bite.
Ingredients
For the Muffaletta Bread:
- 1 large round Italian loaf (or a traditional muffaletta loaf)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Olive Salad:
- 1 cup green olives, chopped
- 1 cup black olives, chopped
- ¼ cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- ¼ cup pickled giardiniera, chopped
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
For the Sandwich Fillings:
- ¼ pound Genoa salami
- ¼ pound mortadella
- ¼ pound capicola
- ¼ pound ham
- ¼ pound provolone cheese
- ¼ pound mozzarella cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Olive Salad
- In a medium bowl, combine green and black olives, roasted red peppers, giardiniera, capers, garlic, parsley, and red pepper flakes.
- Drizzle in olive oil and red wine vinegar, then mix well.
- Let the olive salad marinate for at least 30 minutes to develop flavors.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
- Cut the Italian loaf in half horizontally.
- Brush the inside of both halves with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano.
- If desired, lightly toast the bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
- Spread a generous layer of olive salad on both halves of the bread.
- Begin layering the meats: salami, mortadella, capicola, and ham.
- Add a layer of provolone and mozzarella cheese.
- Press the sandwich together firmly and let it rest for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Slice into wedges or quarters for easy serving.
- Enjoy with a side of chips, pickles, or a fresh salad!
Tips for the Best Muffaletta Sandwich
✔ Use Fresh Bread – A crusty, dense loaf works best to hold all the fillings. ✔ Let It Rest – Allowing the sandwich to sit before serving enhances the flavors. ✔ Customize It – Swap out meats or cheeses based on your preference. ✔ Make Ahead – Muffalettas taste even better the next day!
Conclusion
The Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich is a flavor-packed masterpiece that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping, this sandwich delivers authentic Italian flavors in every bite.
Try this recipe and let us know how it turned out! Buon appetito! 🇮🇹🥪
