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Muffuletta Italian Sandwich

Muffuletta Italian Sandwich

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  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes (+ marinating time for olive salad)
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour marinating)
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: No baking required (assembly and pressing)
  • Cuisine: Italian-American / New Orleans
  • Diet: Contains Gluten, Dairy, and Meat (Vegetarian option available by substituting meats)

Description

The Muffuletta Italian Sandwich is a classic New Orleans-inspired sandwich that layers savory Italian cured meats, creamy cheeses, and a tangy olive salad on a round sesame loaf. This hearty sandwich combines bold flavors and diverse textures for a satisfying meal perfect for lunch, gatherings, or meal prep. It celebrates authentic Italian ingredients and offers versatility with easy variations to suit different tastes.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Bread

  • 1 sturdy round muffuletta bread loaf with sesame seeds

Olive Salad

  • 1 cup green olives, chopped
  • 1 cup black olives, chopped
  • 1/2 cup pickled vegetables (cauliflower, carrots), chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as oregano and parsley), finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Meats

  • 6 oz sliced salami (spicy and cured)
  • 6 oz thinly sliced ham
  • 6 oz mortadella, sliced

Cheeses

  • 4 oz provolone cheese, sliced
  • 4 oz Swiss cheese, sliced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Olive Salad: Finely chop green and black olives, pickled vegetables like cauliflower and carrots, and fresh herbs. Toss everything with olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture marinate for at least an hour or preferably overnight to develop its tangy, briny flavor.
  2. Slice the Muffuletta Bread: Cut the round muffuletta loaf horizontally into two even halves. Scoop out some of the soft interior on both halves to make space for generous fillings without making the sandwich overly bulky.
  3. Layer the Olive Salad: Spread a thick and even layer of the olive salad onto the cut side of both bread halves, ensuring every bite will have its signature tangy punch.
  4. Add the Meats: Arrange slices of salami, ham, and mortadella evenly over the bottom half of the bread, distributing the savory flavors uniformly across the sandwich.
  5. Layer the Cheeses: Place provolone and Swiss cheese slices on top of the layered meats to add a creamy, melty balance to the robust fillings.
  6. Assemble and Press the Sandwich: Place the top half of the bread over the layered fillings and press down gently but firmly. This helps meld the flavors and compresses the sandwich slightly for easier handling.
  7. Slice and Serve: Cut the assembled muffuletta sandwich into wedges or smaller sections for sharing. Serve immediately or wrap tightly and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld further.

Notes

  • Use the freshest muffuletta bread possible for the best texture and taste.
  • Prepare the olive salad a day ahead to deepen and enhance its flavor.
  • Maintain a good balance between bread, meat, cheese, and olive salad to avoid an overloaded sandwich.
  • Lightly press the sandwich to bring all ingredients together but avoid compressing it too densely.
  • Serve the sandwich at room temperature to fully enjoy the blend of flavors.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of sandwich
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

Find it online: https://cooktune.com/muffuletta-italian-sandwich/