Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich

🥪 Recipe Description

The iconic Muffaletta is a hearty Italian-American sandwich hailing from New Orleans. Built on a round, crusty Sicilian sesame loaf and packed with layers of deli meats, cheeses, and tangy olive salad, this giant sandwich is pressed to perfection for bold flavor in every bite — ideal for feeding a crowd!

📋 Ingredients for Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich

• 1 cup pimento-stuffed green olives, chopped

• 1 cup pitted kalamata or black olives, chopped

• ½ cup giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables), chopped

• 2 tbsp capers, rinsed

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup roasted red peppers, chopped

• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• ½ cup olive oil

• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar

For the Sandwich

• 1 large round Italian or Sicilian sesame loaf (10–12 inch)

• ¼ lb (115 g) Genoa salami, sliced

• ¼ lb (115 g) mortadella, sliced

• ¼ lb (115 g) capicola or ham, sliced

• ¼ lb (115 g) provolone cheese, sliced

• ¼ lb (115 g) mozzarella cheese, sliced

🛠️ Instructions

1. Make Olive Salad (Best 1 day ahead):
   Combine olives, giardiniera, capers, garlic, roasted peppers, parsley, oregano, red pepper flakes, olive oil, and vinegar. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

2. Prep Bread:
   Slice loaf horizontally. Hollow out some bread from the inside to make room for fillings.

3. Layer Olive Salad:
   Spread half of olive salad (with juices) on bottom half of bread.

4. Add Meats & Cheeses:
   Layer salami → mortadella → capicola → provolone → mozzarella, evenly across.

5. Top with Remaining Salad:
   Spoon remaining olive salad over the top of the cheese.

6. Press and Wrap:
   Place top half of bread back on. Wrap entire sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place a sheet pan or heavy skillet on top to press. Weight it down with cans and refrigerate 2–4 hours (or overnight).

7. Slice & Serve:
   Unwrap, cut into wedges, and serve at room temperature.

🍽️ Servings

Serves 8–10 people

💡 Notes & Tips

• Muffaletta tastes even better the next day after flavors settle.

• Use high-quality meats & cheeses for authentic flavor.

• Can’t find the proper loaf? Use round focaccia or ciabatta.

• Add arugula for a peppery crunch if desired.

• Great make-ahead sandwich for parties, picnics & game day.

⚖️ Approximate Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

(Values may vary based on ingredients used.)

Health & Lifestyle Benefits

• High in protein — keeps you full longer

• Packed with healthy fats from olives and olive oil

• Easily customizable—remove meats or swap to whole-grain bread for a lighter twist

• Make-ahead nature reduces mealtime stress

❓Common Q & A

Q: Can I make a vegetarian version?
A: Yes! Replace meats with grilled veggies (eggplant, zucchini, peppers) and keep the olive salad and cheese.

Q: Do I have to press the sandwich?
A: Pressing helps meld flavors and makes it easier to slice, but in a pinch, you can serve immediately.

Q: How long will a Muffaletta keep?
A: Wrapped and refrigerated, it stays fresh 2–3 days (bread may soften slightly).

Q: Is it served hot or cold?
A: Traditionally at room temperature, but some enjoy it lightly warmed.