Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich

A Giant Muffaletta is an iconic Italian-American sandwich from New Orleans that’s loaded with layers of flavorful cold cuts, cheese, and an olive salad. It’s a perfect choice for a big crowd because it’s usually served as a whole, and everyone can enjoy a hearty slice. Here’s how to make a Giant Muffaletta Sandwich!

Giant Muffaletta Sandwich Recipe

Ingredients:

For the sandwich:

• 1 large round loaf of Italian bread or muffuletta bread (about 10-12 inches in diameter)
• 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin)
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Meats and cheeses:

• 1/2 lb (225g) salami, thinly sliced
• 1/2 lb (225g) ham, thinly sliced
• 1/2 lb (225g) mortadella (or bologna), thinly sliced
• 1/4 lb (115g) provolone cheese, sliced
• 1/4 lb (115g) mozzarella cheese, sliced

For the olive salad:

• 1 cup green olives, pitted and chopped
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
• 1/2 cup giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables) or pepperoncini, chopped
• 2 tbsp capers, drained
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Make the olive salad:

   • In a medium bowl, combine the chopped green olives, Kalamata olives, giardiniera, capers, minced garlic, parsley, and red onion.
   • Drizzle in the olive oil and red wine vinegar. Add the oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together to combine.
   • Let the salad sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. (You can make this a day ahead to save time.)

2. Prepare the bread:

   • Slice the loaf of bread in half horizontally (like you would a sandwich bun, but for a giant sandwich).
   • Drizzle the inside of both halves with olive oil, then sprinkle the garlic powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). This helps add some extra flavor to the bread.

3. Assemble the sandwich:

   • Start by layering the meats on the bottom half of the bread. First, add a layer of salami, followed by the ham, mortadella, provolone, and mozzarella cheese.
   • Generously spoon the olive salad mixture on top of the cheeses and meats. Be sure to get plenty of the olive oil and juice from the salad to soak into the bread for extra flavor.
   • Place the top half of the bread over the sandwich and press down gently to help compact the layers.

4. Serve:

   • Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for about 1 hour to let all the flavors blend together.
   • When ready to serve, slice the sandwich into wedges or large pieces.

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The muffuletta is famous for being a party sandwich due to its bold, salty flavors and hearty size. It’s perfect for gatherings or picnics! The olive salad is key to the sandwich’s signature taste—its tangy, briny punch cuts through the richness of the meats and cheeses.

Are you planning on making this for a special occasion, or just craving some delicious sandwiches?