Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich Recipe!

A Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich is a delicious, hearty sandwich that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Originating from New Orleans, the Muffaletta is famous for its combination of Italian deli meats, cheeses, and a tangy, savory olive salad, all piled between a round, soft loaf of bread. Here’s a full recipe to make your own Giant Muffaletta at home!

Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Olive Salad:

• 1 cup green olives, pitted and chopped (such as Castelvetrano or Kalamata)

• 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and chopped

• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped

• 1/4 cup giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables), chopped (optional)

• 2 tablespoons capers, drained

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sandwich:

• 1 large round Italian loaf or Muffaletta bread (about 12 inches in diameter)

• 1/4 pound sliced Genoa salami

• 1/4 pound sliced ham (preferably deli-style)

• 1/4 pound sliced mortadella (optional, can be replaced with more ham or salami)

• 1/4 pound sliced provolone cheese

• 1/4 pound sliced mozzarella cheese

• 1/4 pound sliced Swiss cheese (or more provolone, if preferred)

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Olive Salad

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the green olives, black olives, roasted red peppers, giardiniera, capers, garlic, parsley, and red onion. Mix well.

2. Add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.

3. Let the olive salad sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld together. You can make the olive salad a day ahead of time and refrigerate it for even more intense flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

1. Slice the round Italian loaf horizontally into two even halves. If the loaf is too thick, you can scoop out some of the soft interior to create a pocket for the fillings. This will prevent the sandwich from getting too soggy and ensure a better balance of fillings.

2. Lightly toast the cut sides of the bread in a dry skillet or oven for 3-5 minutes, just enough to give it some structure and prevent it from becoming soggy from the olive salad.

Step 3: Layer the Sandwich

1. On the bottom half of the bread, start layering the deli meats. Begin with the Genoa salami, followed by the ham, and then the mortadella (if using). Make sure each layer is even and covers the bread well.

2. Next, layer the cheeses. Start with the provolone, followed by the mozzarella, and finally the Swiss cheese. You can adjust the amount of cheese depending on your preference.

3. Spoon the olive salad generously over the top of the cheese layers. Make sure the salad covers the sandwich evenly, and let some of the oil from the salad soak into the bread for extra flavor.

Step 4: Assemble and Press the Sandwich

1. Place the top half of the bread onto the sandwich to close it.

2. To compress the sandwich and help the flavors meld, wrap the whole sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper. You can also place it in a pan and weigh it down with a heavy object (like a cast-iron skillet) for about 30 minutes. This helps the sandwich hold together better and makes it easier to slice.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

1. Once the sandwich has rested and compressed, slice it into wedges or quarters using a sharp knife.

2. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips:

• Bread Choice: A soft, round loaf is the classic choice for Muffaletta, but you can also use any sturdy bread that can hold up to the ingredients and won’t get too soggy. If you can’t find Muffaletta bread, any hearty round Italian bread will work.

• Olive Salad: The olive salad is key to the Muffaletta’s flavor. Don’t skip it! It’s best to let it sit for a while to develop its full flavor, but it can also be made ahead of time.

• Serving: Muffaletta sandwiches are great for parties, picnics, or casual gatherings because they’re easy to serve in large portions and don’t require any additional cooking once assembled.

• Add More Fillings: You can customize your Muffaletta with additional ingredients like pepperoni, Italian sausage, or different types of cheese.

This Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich is a hearty, flavorful sandwich that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a meal with family. The combination of tangy olives, savory meats, and melted cheeses inside soft, hearty bread creates a satisfying and delicious experience. Enjoy! 😋🍞