A Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich is a towering, flavorful sandwich with layers of Italian meats, cheeses, and a tangy olive salad, all piled high on a large, round loaf of bread. This iconic New Orleans sandwich is perfect for parties, gatherings, or a big family meal. It’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with savory goodness!
Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich:
Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich
Ingredients:
For the Sandwich:
- 1 large round loaf of Italian bread or Muffaletta bread (about 12-14 inches in diameter)
- 1/2 lb salami, sliced
- 1/2 lb ham, sliced
- 1/2 lb mortadella, sliced (optional but adds authentic flavor)
- 1/2 lb provolone cheese, sliced
- 1/2 lb mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1/2 lb Genoa salami, sliced
- 1/4 lb roasted red peppers (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
For the Olive Salad:
- 1 cup green olives, pitted and coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and coarsely chopped
- 1/4 cup pickled giardiniera (Italian mixed pickled vegetables), chopped
- 1/4 cup capers, drained
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Make the Olive Salad:
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the green olives, Kalamata olives, giardiniera, capers, onion, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir well to combine, making sure all the ingredients are coated in the oil and vinegar mixture.
- Cover and refrigerate the olive salad for at least 1 hour (ideally 2-4 hours) to let the flavors marinate and meld together.
2. Prepare the Bread:
- Cut the top off the loaf of Italian bread (or Muffaletta bread) to create a “lid.” Hollow out some of the bread from the inside to make room for the fillings, leaving enough bread around the edges for stability. This helps prevent the sandwich from becoming too soggy.
- You can lightly toast the inside of the bread to help it hold up better if you’d like.
3. Assemble the Muffaletta:
- Spread a generous layer of the olive salad on the bottom half of the bread. Make sure to use the olive oil and all the bits of pickled vegetables and capers to ensure full flavor.
- Begin layering the meats: salami, ham, mortadella, and Genoa salami, in an even stack.
- Add a layer of cheese: provolone and mozzarella, evenly distributing it over the meats.
- Add more of the olive salad on top of the cheese layer. You can drizzle some extra olive oil from the salad mixture onto the sandwich as well.
- Place the top half of the bread back onto the sandwich, pressing down gently to compress the layers.
4. Let It Rest:
- To help the sandwich flavors meld together, wrap the entire sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper. Place a heavy object (like a baking sheet or pot) on top of the wrapped sandwich to press it down slightly.
- Let the sandwich rest in the fridge for 1-2 hours before serving. This will allow the olive salad to soak into the bread and make the sandwich even more flavorful.
5. Slice and Serve:
- When ready to serve, unwrap the sandwich and cut it into wedges or slices, depending on your preference.
- Serve the Muffaletta as a whole for a party platter or as individual sandwiches for a family meal.
Tips for Success:
- Bread Choice: Muffaletta bread is traditionally used for this sandwich, but if you can’t find it, any large, round Italian loaf or focaccia will work.
- Customizing the Olive Salad: The olive salad can be customized with your favorite olives, pickled vegetables, or even a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness.
- Make-Ahead: This sandwich is perfect for making ahead of time. It actually tastes better after sitting for a while, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Enjoy!
This Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich is packed with layers of savory meats, melty cheese, and a flavorful, tangy olive salad that brings it all together. It’s a showstopper for any occasion and will definitely impress your family and friends!