This classic Muffuletta sandwich is a mouthwatering combination of Italian meats, cheeses, and a tangy olive salad, all layered on a crusty bread. Originating from New Orleans, this sandwich is packed with flavor and is perfect for picnics, parties, or a hearty lunch. Follow this easy recipe to recreate the iconic Muffuletta sandwich at home.
Ingredients
- 1 round loaf of Italian bread
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 ounces Genoa salami, thinly sliced
- 4 ounces mortadella, thinly sliced
- 4 ounces ham, thinly sliced
- 4 ounces provolone cheese, thinly sliced
- Olive Salad:
- 1 cup green olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Slice the Italian bread horizontally, creating a top and bottom half.
- Remove some of the dough from the center of both halves, creating a hollow space for the filling.
- Brush the inside of the bread with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, combine the green olives, black olives, roasted red peppers, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well to make the olive salad.
- Spread a generous amount of the olive salad on the bottom half of the bread.
- Layer the Genoa salami, mortadella, ham, and provolone cheese on top of the olive salad.
- Top with the other half of the bread and press down gently.
- Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
- When ready to serve, unwrap the sandwich and cut it into wedges.
- Enjoy the delicious Muffuletta sandwich!
Interesting Facts
The Muffuletta sandwich was first created by Italian immigrants in the French Quarter of New Orleans in the early 1900s.
The name 'Muffuletta' comes from the round Sicilian bread that is traditionally used for this sandwich.
The olive salad used in the Muffuletta is a key ingredient that gives the sandwich its distinct tangy flavor.