If you love stacked sandwiches packed with bold, savory flavors, the Muffuletta Sandwich is a must-try! This iconic Italian-American creation, originating from New Orleans, is a hearty and satisfying dish filled with layers of deli meats, cheeses, and a tangy olive salad. Perfect for picnics, game nights, or make-ahead lunches, this sandwich develops even better flavor when left to rest before serving. With a crispy, crusty bread holding everything together, each bite is a delightful combination of textures and tastes.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Resting Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour (optional but recommended)
- Total Time: 45 minutes – 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
- 1 large round Italian bread loaf (about 10 inches in diameter)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ¼ lb thinly sliced turkey ham
- ¼ lb thinly sliced beef salami
- ¼ lb thinly sliced mortadella
- ¼ lb sliced provolone cheese
- ¼ lb sliced mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup olive salad (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
- Slice the Italian bread loaf in half horizontally. If the bread is very thick, you can scoop out some of the interior to create more space for the fillings.
- Brush both cut sides with olive oil, ensuring even coverage.
- Sprinkle oregano and basil over the olive oil for a fragrant, herbaceous touch.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
- Spread half of the olive salad evenly over the bottom half of the bread. The juices from the salad will soak into the bread, enhancing the flavor.
- Start layering the meats: lay down the turkey ham first, followed by the beef salami, and then the mortadella. Ensure an even distribution so every bite has a mix of flavors.
- Next, add the provolone cheese and then the mozzarella cheese. These cheeses provide a smooth and creamy contrast to the salty meats.
- If using, sprinkle sliced pepperoncini peppers over the top to add a mild, tangy kick.
Step 3: Final Assembly and Pressing
- Spread the remaining olive salad onto the top half of the bread. This ensures both sides of the sandwich are infused with the zesty, briny flavors.
- Carefully place the top half of the bread over the stacked ingredients, pressing down gently.
- For the best results, wrap the entire sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and let it rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This step allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. If you’re short on time, you can serve it immediately, but the resting time enhances the taste.
Serving Suggestions
- Cut the sandwich into quarters or smaller wedges for easier serving.
- Serve with a side of chips, pickles, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- If you prefer a warm version, heat the sandwich in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until slightly toasted.
Tips & Variations
- Homemade Olive Salad: If you’d like to make your own, mix together chopped green and black olives, roasted red peppers, capers, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar for a rich, tangy spread.
- Bread Alternatives: A ciabatta or focaccia loaf can be used instead of Italian bread for a slightly different texture.
- Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of spicy mustard for a little heat.
The Muffuletta Sandwich is a true deli classic that never fails to impress. Whether served at a casual lunch, packed for a picnic, or sliced into bite-sized pieces for a party, this sandwich is sure to become a favorite. The combination of cured meats, creamy cheeses, and the bold, briny olive salad creates an irresistible experience with every bite. Plus, with its easy make-ahead nature, it’s perfect for those who want a meal full of rich flavors without last-minute stress.
Try making this sandwich today and enjoy a taste of New Orleans right at home!