A legendary New Orleans sandwich that layers Italian meats, cheese, and a tangy olive salad on crusty bread. This crowd-pleasing favorite gets better with time as the flavors meld togethe
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This iconic New Orleans sandwich is a masterpiece of Italian-American fusion that will transport your taste buds straight to the French Quarter. Layered with various Italian meats, provolone cheese, and a signature olive salad, this sandwich isn’t just a meal – it’s an experience. What makes this Muffaletta truly special is how the flavors meld together over time, making it perfect for preparing ahead. The crusty round Italian bread soaks up the tangy olive oil from the olive salad, while the layers of meat and cheese create a harmonious blend of savory goodness. Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a picnic, or just craving something extraordinary, this giant sandwich serves multiple people and actually tastes better the longer it sits. It’s a show-stopping centerpiece that combines convenience with incredible flavor.
Pure Comfort
The Muffaletta represents the ultimate comfort food fusion, combining the heartiness of Italian cured meats with the soul-warming tradition of New Orleans cuisine. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 round Italian bread loaf (10-inch diameter)
- 1/4 pound sliced Genoa salami
- 1/4 pound sliced mortadella
- 1/4 pound sliced ham
- 1/4 pound sliced provolone cheese
- 1/4 pound sliced mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup olive salad
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
What You Need
- Large cutting board
- Sharp bread knife
- Kitchen scale (optional)
- Plastic wrap
- Heavy weight (like a cast-iron skillet)
- Serrated knife for serving
Time to Cook
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Assembly Time: 15 minutes
- Resting Time: 2-24 hours
- Total Time: 2.5-24.5 hours
Steps to Make It
- Slice the bread horizontally through the middle
- Hollow out some of the soft interior from both halves
- Brush both cut sides with olive oil
- Spread olive salad on both sides of bread
- Layer bottom half with mortadella, salami, ham
- Add provolone and mozzarella layers
- Close sandwich and wrap tightly in plastic wrap
- Weight down with heavy skillet and refrigerate
Make It Perfect
Press the sandwich down firmly but gently – you want to compress it without squashing it completely. Let it rest for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best flavor development.
Mix It Up
Try adding different Italian meats like capicola, prosciutto, or sopressata. Experiment with different cheeses such as aged provolone or fresh mozzarella.
Perfect Partners
Serve with crispy potato chips, marinated artichoke hearts, pepperoncini peppers, or a light Italian pasta salad.
Busy Day Hero
Make this sandwich up to 24 hours in advance. The flavors actually improve with time, making it perfect for busy schedules.
Work Ahead
Prepare the olive salad up to a week in advance. Layer and assemble the sandwich the day before serving.
Save Some For Later
Store leftover portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Everyone’s Happy
This sandwich is easily customizable – adjust meat and cheese quantities to preference, or create vegetarian versions with grilled vegetables.
Good For You Too
Choose whole grain Italian bread and load up on the vegetable-rich olive salad for added nutrition.
Easy Clean Up
Use parchment paper under the sandwich while assembling to catch any falling ingredients and make cleanup a breeze.
Switch It Up
Transform it into mini sandwiches using smaller rolls, perfect for parties or smaller portions.
Simply Perfect
The key to perfection lies in quality ingredients and patience – allow time for the flavors to meld together.
FAQs
How long can I keep this sandwich in the refrigerator?
The Muffaletta will stay fresh for up to 3 days when properly wrapped and refrigerated.
Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the meats with grilled vegetables, roasted peppers, and extra cheese.
What’s in the olive salad?
Traditional olive salad contains mixed olives, pickled vegetables, garlic, capers, and Italian seasonings in olive oil.
Why do I need to weight down the sandwich?
Weighting helps compress the ingredients and allows flavors to meld together better.
Can I use a different type of bread?
While traditional Italian round bread is best, any sturdy bread that can hold up to the olive oil will work.
How many people does this serve?
One 10-inch Muffaletta typically serves 6-8 people.
Can I freeze this sandwich?
Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture of the bread and vegetables.
Conclusion
The Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich is more than just a meal – it’s a celebration of flavors that brings together the best of Italian and New Orleans cuisine. This impressive sandwich has stood the test of time for good reason: it’s practical, delicious, and perfect for feeding a crowd. The beauty of the Muffaletta lies in its versatility and make-ahead convenience, making it ideal for everything from casual family gatherings to elegant parties. The way the flavors develop and meld together over time creates an eating experience that’s truly unforgettable. Whether you’re a first-time maker or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers consistent, spectacular results that will have everyone asking for seconds. With its perfect balance of meats, cheeses, and that signature olive salad, the Muffaletta is a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something truly extraordinary.
More Delicious Italian Creations to Try
If you loved the bold flavors of the Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich, why not explore more irresistible Italian-inspired dishes? For a hearty and comforting meal, try the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta, a perfect blend of tender chicken and rich, cheesy goodness. Looking for the perfect side dish? These Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes, Carrots, and Zucchini add a flavorful touch to any meal. If you’re craving a touch of decadence, indulge in Prosecco-Braised Artichoke Risotto with Crispy Sage Breadcrumbs—a true gourmet delight. For sandwich lovers, the Avocado, Mozzarella, and Tomato Grilled Cheese is a fresh, cheesy twist on a classic favorite. And if you’re looking for a sweet treat, don’t miss out on the Bergamot Orange and Mascarpone Tiramisu with Pistachio Praline—an elegant Italian dessert that pairs perfectly with your next indulgent meal. Buon appetito! 🍽️🇮🇹