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Classic Italian Muffuletta Sandwich

Classic Italian Muffuletta Sandwich

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Classic Italian Muffuletta Sandwich is a bold and hearty New Orleans favorite that layers Italian deli meats, cheeses, and a distinctive olive salad inside a round Sicilian sesame loaf. Perfect for picnics, game days, or casual gatherings, this sandwich is packed with savory, tangy flavors and is even better when made ahead to allow the ingredients to meld.

ingredients

Classic Italian Muffuletta Sandwich this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

round Sicilian sesame bread or Italian breadgreen olivesblack olivespickled cauliflowercarrotscelerygarliccapersred wine vinegarolive oreganofresh parsleyprovolone cheesemozzarella cheesegenoa salamihammortadellapepperoncini (optional)

directions

Slice the round bread in half horizontally and scoop out some of the interior to make room for the fillings.

Prepare the olive salad by combining chopped green and black olives, pickled cauliflower, carrots, celery, minced garlic, capers, red wine vinegar, olive oil, oregano, and fresh parsley. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor.

Spread a generous amount of the olive salad on the bottom half of the bread.

Layer slices of provolone cheese, mozzarella, Genoa salami, ham, and mortadella on top of the olive salad.

Top the meats and cheeses with additional olive salad if desired.

Cover with the top half of the bread and press down firmly.

Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) to allow the flavors to meld.

Slice into wedges and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings.Preparation time: 25 minutesMarinating time: 1 hour minimumChill time: 1-8 hoursTotal time: 1.5-9 hours

Variations

Use ciabatta or focaccia bread for a different texture.

Add roasted red peppers for a sweet and smoky touch.

Use spicy capicola or soppressata for a heat kick.

Replace provolone with fontina for a creamier flavor.

Make mini muffulettas with individual rolls for parties.

storage/reheating

Store leftover Muffuletta Sandwich in the refrigerator wrapped in plastic or foil for up to 3 days.Best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.Do not microwave as it will alter the texture and flavor of the olive salad.

Classic Italian Muffuletta Sandwich

FAQs

What is a Muffuletta Sandwich?

It’s a New Orleans classic made with Italian cold cuts, cheeses, and olive salad in a round Sicilian sesame loaf.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, it’s ideal to prepare ahead to let the flavors meld. Overnight is best.

What kind of bread should I use?

Traditional muffuletta bread is round and sesame-crusted, but Italian bread or ciabatta works in a pinch.

Is it served hot or cold?

Typically served cold or at room temperature.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, skip the meats and add grilled veggies with cheese and olive salad.

Can I use jarred olive salad?

You can, but homemade has fresher flavor and more customization.

How long can I store it?

Up to 3 days in the fridge wrapped tightly.

Can I freeze the sandwich?

Not recommended, as freezing affects the texture of the olive salad and bread.

Is this good for picnics?

Perfectly suited for picnics and make-ahead lunches.

What cheeses work best?

Provolone and mozzarella are traditional, but fontina or Swiss can be used for variety.

Conclusion

The Classic Italian Muffuletta Sandwich delivers a punch of bold flavors in every bite, making it a standout option for gatherings, road trips, or a delicious lunch at home. With its mix of meats, cheeses, and zesty olive salad, it’s a layered masterpiece you’ll want to make again and again.

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Classic Italian Muffuletta Sandwich

Classic Italian Muffuletta Sandwich

  • Author: simplemealsbykim
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes (optional toasting)
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 wedges (serves 4–6)
  • Category: Sandwich
  • Method: Layering, Chilling, Toasting (optional)
  • Cuisine: Italian, Sicilian
Print Recipe

Description

A hearty Sicilian-origin sandwich loaded with layers of Italian cold cuts, cheese, and tangy olive salad, served on a round sesame-topped muffuletta roll—perfect for picnics or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

  • 1 (12‑inch) round sesame-seed muffuletta loaf
  • 6 tablespoons olive salad (with chopped olives, cauliflower, carrots, celery, peppers)
  • 6 ounces Genoa salami, thinly sliced
  • 6 ounces ham, thinly sliced
  • 6 ounces mortadella, thinly sliced
  • 4 ounces provolone cheese, sliced
  • 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for toasting)

Instructions

  1. Slice the muffuletta loaf horizontally into two equal halves.
  2. Spread half of the olive salad evenly on the cut surface of each half.
  3. Layer the salami, ham, and mortadella evenly on the bottom half.
  4. Top the meats with provolone and mozzarella slices.
  5. Place the top half of the loaf onto the sandwich, pressing gently.
  6. Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  7. Optional: prior to serving, unwrap and brush the sandwich exterior with olive oil, then toast in a panini press or skillet until the bread is crisp and cheese slightly melty.
  8. Slice into wedges and serve chilled or warm.

Notes

  • Olive salad can be store‑bought (e.g., Muffuletta salad) or homemade.
  • Sandwich tastes best after resting—up to several hours or overnight—for full flavor integration.
  • Variations: add capocollo or part‑skim mozzarella to lighten it up.
  • Keep refrigerated if not serving immediately; slice fresh to prevent sogginess.