The Muffuletta Sandwich is a classic Italian-American sandwich that originated in New Orleans. It’s a towering masterpiece of meats, cheeses, olives, and a tangy olive tapenade, all piled high on a large, soft Italian-style bread. Here’s how you can recreate this iconic sandwich at home.
Ingredients:
For the Sandwich:
- Italian Bread: A large, round loaf of Italian bread (also known as Muffuletta bread) is traditional, but if you can’t find it, ciabatta or focaccia work as excellent substitutes.
- Olive Tapenade: This is the heart and soul of the Muffuletta sandwich. A blend of olives, capers, and garlic creates a tangy and briny paste that’s spread generously on the bread. You can use store-bought or make your own.
- Roasted Red Peppers: These peppers bring a sweet, smoky flavor to the sandwich, perfectly complementing the salty olives and rich meats.
- Sliced Olives: Green olives add a briny pop and texture to balance out the richness of the meats and cheeses.
For the Meats:
- Genoa Salami: Adds a rich, savory flavor and slight fattiness.
- Ham: Provides a mild, slightly sweet taste that pairs well with the salami.
- Mortadella: This mild Italian sausage with a soft texture adds richness and depth to the sandwich.
For the Cheeses:
- Provolone: A sharp, slightly tangy cheese that adds flavor and meltability.
- Mozzarella: A creamy, mild cheese that contributes to the sandwich’s creamy texture.
For the Seasonings & Dressing:
- Olive Oil: Drizzle on the bread for richness and flavor.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Adds a tangy acidity to balance out the richness of the meats and cheeses.
- Oregano & Basil: Classic Italian herbs that infuse the sandwich with aromatic, earthy flavor.
- Crushed Red Pepper: For a little heat and kick.
- Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory flavor profile of the sandwich.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the Italian bread in half horizontally to create a top and bottom. If your loaf is particularly thick, you can hollow out some of the bread to make room for the fillings.
- Make the Olive Tapenade (if using homemade):
- In a food processor, combine a mix of green olives, black olives, capers, and minced garlic.
- Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped, then drizzle in olive oil until it forms a paste. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Meats & Cheeses: Lay down a layer of Genoa salami, ham, and mortadella on the bottom half of the bread. Then, top with slices of provolone and mozzarella.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread a generous amount of olive tapenade on the top half of the bread. Layer on the roasted red peppers and sliced green olives. Sprinkle with oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper for flavor.
- Drizzle with Oil & Vinegar: Drizzle a little olive oil and red wine vinegar over the ingredients on the sandwich for a final burst of flavor.
- Press and Serve: Place the top half of the bread over the assembled fillings and gently press down to compact the sandwich. For best results, wrap the sandwich in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least an hour or overnight to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve: Slice the sandwich into wedges and serve. Enjoy this flavorful, savory sandwich that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or any special occasion.
Tips:
- Make-Ahead: This sandwich is even better after sitting for a few hours or overnight, allowing the tapenade to soak into the bread and flavors to intensify.
- Customizing: Feel free to swap or add any other ingredients like provolone, olives, or peppers to suit your taste.
- Serving: This sandwich is great for picnics, parties, or a simple meal. Pair with a side of chips or a light salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This Classic Italian Muffuletta Sandwich brings together all the flavors of Italy in one delicious and hearty sandwich. The combination of savory meats, melty cheeses, tangy tapenade, and a variety of seasonings makes it a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you enjoy it fresh or chilled, this sandwich is sure to satisfy your cravings!
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Classic Italian Muffuletta Sandwich Recipe
- Total Time: 15-120 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A deliciously hearty and savory sandwich, the Classic Italian Muffuletta is packed with layers of cold cuts, cheeses, and a tangy olive tapenade, all piled between slices of soft, Italian bread. Roasted red peppers and sliced olives add a burst of flavor, while a zesty dressing infuses the bread with irresistible Italian seasoning. Perfect for picnics, gatherings, or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Sandwich:
- 1 large round loaf of Italian bread (Muffuletta bread, or ciabatta/focaccia as alternatives)
- 1/2 cup olive tapenade (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1/4 cup green olives, sliced
- 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
For the Seasoning and Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- For a more intense flavor, let the sandwich sit overnight in the refrigerator.
- Feel free to adjust the cold cuts and cheese to your preference or availability.
- You can add additional toppings like lettuce or tomatoes, but these are not traditional for a Muffuletta sandwich.
Notes
- For a more intense flavor, let the sandwich sit overnight in the refrigerator.
- Feel free to adjust the cold cuts and cheese to your preference or availability.
- You can add additional toppings like lettuce or tomatoes, but these are not traditional for a Muffuletta sandwich.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1-2 hours (recommended for best flavor)
- Category: Sandwich, Lunch, Picnic
- Method: Assembling
- Cuisine: Italian