A classic New Orleans Muffaletta sandwich packed with Italian cold cuts, cheeses, and a tangy olive salad, all in a hearty round Italian loaf. Perfect for gatherings!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic New Orleans Flavor – A delicious blend of meats, cheeses, and zesty olive salad.
- Perfect for Sharing – Large enough to serve multiple people.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – The flavors improve as it sits.
- Customizable – Swap in your favorite meats and cheeses.
Ingredients
For the Olive Salad:
- 1 cup green olives, chopped
- 1 cup giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables), chopped
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1 shallot, minced
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Sandwich:
- 1 large round Italian bread loaf (about 10 inches in diameter)
- 1/2 pound thinly sliced turkey breast
- 1/2 pound thinly sliced mortadella
- 1/2 pound thinly sliced salami
- 1/2 pound sliced provolone cheese
Directions
- Prepare the Olive Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped green olives, giardiniera, roasted red peppers, minced shallot, capers, and minced garlic. Add olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried basil, and dried oregano. Mix well and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the Italian bread loaf horizontally. If desired, hollow out some of the interior to accommodate the fillings.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread a generous amount of the olive salad on the bottom half of the bread. Layer the turkey breast, mortadella, salami, and provolone cheese over the olive salad. Top with additional olive salad if desired. Place the top half of the bread over the fillings.
- Rest the Sandwich: Wrap the assembled sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Allow it to rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the olive salad to soak into the bread.
- Serve: Unwrap the sandwich and cut it into wedges. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Resting Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Calories: 650 per serving
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Replace meats with grilled vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and roasted peppers.
- Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes or spicy giardiniera to the olive salad.
- Different Meats: Use ham, prosciutto, or capicola for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese Swap: Try mozzarella, Swiss, or cheddar instead of provolone.
- Whole Wheat Option: Use whole wheat or multigrain bread for a healthier alternative.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended as the bread may become soggy.
- Reheating: Best served at room temperature, but can be lightly toasted if desired.
FAQs
What type of bread is best for Muffaletta?
A large round Italian or Sicilian loaf is traditional, but ciabatta or focaccia work well too.
Can I make this sandwich in advance?
Yes! It actually tastes better when made ahead and allowed to rest.
How long does Muffaletta last in the fridge?
It can be stored for up to 2 days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Can I use black olives instead of green?
Yes, but green olives provide the traditional tangy flavor.
What’s the best way to slice this sandwich?
Use a sharp serrated knife to prevent crushing the layers.
Can I omit the olive salad?
The olive salad is essential to the classic flavor, but you can reduce the amount if preferred.
Is Muffaletta served hot or cold?
It’s traditionally served at room temperature, but some enjoy it slightly warmed.
Can I add lettuce or tomatoes?
You can, but they may make the sandwich soggy if stored for too long.
What can I serve with Muffaletta?
It pairs well with chips, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.
Can I make individual Muffalettas?
Yes, you can use smaller sandwich rolls to create personal-sized servings.
Conclusion
The Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich is a bold and flavorful dish that’s perfect for sharing. Packed with layers of meats, cheese, and a zesty olive salad, this sandwich is a must-try for any sandwich lover. Whether you make it for a party, picnic, or casual meal, it’s sure to impress!
Print
Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
A classic New Orleans Muffaletta sandwich packed with Italian cold cuts, cheeses, and a tangy olive salad, all in a hearty round Italian loaf. Perfect for gatherings!
Ingredients
For the Olive Salad:
- 1 cup green olives, chopped
- 1 cup giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables), chopped
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1 shallot, minced
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Sandwich:
- 1 large round Italian bread loaf (about 10 inches in diameter)
- 1/2 pound thinly sliced turkey breast
- 1/2 pound thinly sliced mortadella
- 1/2 pound thinly sliced salami
- 1/2 pound sliced provolone cheese
Instructions
Prepare the Olive Salad:
- In a large bowl, mix the chopped green olives, giardiniera, roasted red peppers, shallot, capers, and minced garlic.
- Add olive oil, red wine vinegar, basil, and oregano. Mix well and season with salt and black pepper.
- Let sit for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Prepare the Bread:
- Slice the Italian loaf horizontally.
- If needed, hollow out some of the bread’s interior to better hold the fillings.
Assemble the Sandwich:
- Spread a generous amount of olive salad on the bottom half of the bread.
- Layer the turkey breast, mortadella, salami, and provolone cheese.
- Add extra olive salad if desired.
- Place the top half of the bread over the fillings.
Rest the Sandwich:
- Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
Serve:
- Unwrap and slice into wedges. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American