Description
The Classic Italian Muffuletta Sandwich is a vibrant, layered sandwich originating from New Orleans with Mediterranean influences. Featuring a robust, round loaf of Italian bread generously spread with olive tapenade and layered with an assortment of Italian cold cuts, cheeses, and pickled vegetables, this sandwich offers a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and aromatic flavors. Ideal for a hearty lunch or picnic, the Muffuletta is best when allowed to meld flavors overnight.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Spread
- 1 large round loaf of Italian bread (Muffuletta bread, or ciabatta/focaccia as alternatives)
- 1/2 cup olive tapenade (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1/4 cup green olives, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Meats and Cheeses
- 1/4 lb Genoa salami, thinly sliced
- 1/4 lb ham, thinly sliced
- 1/4 lb mortadella, thinly sliced
- 1/4 lb provolone cheese, thinly sliced
- 1/4 lb mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Loaf and Spread: Slice the Italian bread horizontally through the middle. Mix olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder to create a seasoned drizzle. Spread olive tapenade evenly on both cut sides of the bread.
- Layer the Vegetables: On the bottom half of the bread, layer the sliced roasted red peppers and green olives evenly. These pickled vegetables add tanginess and depth to the sandwich.
- Add the Meats: Begin layering the Genoa salami, ham, and mortadella slices over the vegetables. Distribute them evenly to ensure each bite contains a variety of flavors.
- Add the Cheeses: Top the meats with thin slices of provolone and mozzarella. Cheese adds creaminess and balances the salty meats.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Place the top half of the bread over the layered ingredients. Press down gently to compact the sandwich.
- Rest for Flavor: For best results, wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the olive oil and vinegar mixture for a moist, flavorful bite.
- Serve: Remove from the refrigerator, slice into servings, and enjoy your classic Italian Muffuletta sandwich. Optionally, add lettuce or tomatoes for extra freshness, though these are not traditional.
Notes
- Letting the sandwich sit overnight enhances the flavor by allowing ingredients to meld together.
- Feel free to adjust the selection of cold cuts and cheeses to suit your preference or availability.
- Additional toppings such as lettuce or tomatoes can be added but are not part of the traditional recipe.
- Use a sturdy Italian bread like a muffuletta loaf or ciabatta to hold the sandwich fillings well without becoming soggy.
- Homemade olive tapenade can be used for a fresher, personalized flavor compared to store-bought.
