Description
A classic New Orleans-inspired muffuletta sandwich featuring layers of Italian cured meats, cheeses, and tangy olive salad spread inside a large, round Italian bread loaf. Perfectly assembled and chilled to meld the bold flavors, this muffuletta is ideal for a hearty lunch or picnic.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 large round Italian bread loaf or muffuletta bread (about 10 inches wide)
Olive Salad
- 1 cup olive salad (store-bought or homemade)
Meats and Cheeses
- 4 oz sliced Genoa salami
- 4 oz sliced mortadella
- 4 oz sliced ham
- 4 oz sliced provolone cheese
- 4 oz sliced mozzarella cheese
Optional
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing bread, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the large round Italian bread loaf in half horizontally. To make more room for the filling, optionally hollow out some of the soft interior from both halves.
- Spread Olive Salad: Spread half of the olive salad evenly over the bottom half of the bread, pressing it into the surface to ensure it adheres well.
- Layer Meats and Cheeses: Arrange the salami, mortadella, ham, provolone cheese, and mozzarella cheese in even layers on top of the olive salad, distributing them evenly for balanced flavor in every bite.
- Add Remaining Olive Salad: Spoon the remaining olive salad over the top of the layered meats and cheeses to add tang and moisture throughout the sandwich.
- Assemble and Compress: Place the top half of the bread onto the sandwich and press down gently but firmly to compact the layers together.
- Chill to Meld Flavors: Wrap the entire sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, chill overnight.
- Serve: When ready, unwrap and slice the muffuletta into wedges or quarters. Serve cold or at room temperature for optimal taste.
Notes
- Hollowing out the bread interior creates more space for fillings without making the sandwich too bulky.
- The olive salad is key to authentic muffuletta flavor; use store-bought or prepare your own with olives, pickled vegetables, and seasonings.
- Chilling the sandwich for several hours or overnight enhances the melding of flavors and softens the bread slightly.
- Optional olive oil brushing on bread before assembling can add moisture and richness.
- Perfect for picnic or party platters as it holds well and tastes great when pre-made.
