Introduction: A Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich is a mouth-watering, hearty sandwich that combines layers of Italian meats, cheeses, and a flavorful olive salad, all stacked inside a large round loaf of bread. Originally from New Orleans, this sandwich was inspired by Italian immigrants, and its name “Muffaletta” refers to the round, flat loaf of bread that is traditionally used. This sandwich is perfect for large gatherings or meal prepping as it can be served to many people and is often better when made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Ingredients:
For the Olive Salad:
1 ½ cups mixed green olives, pitted
1 cup mixed black olives, pitted
½ cup giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables)
1 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
1 small red onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Sandwich:
1 large round loaf of Italian bread (about 10-12 inches)
1 lb salami, thinly sliced
1 lb ham, thinly sliced
1 lb mortadella, thinly sliced
1 lb provolone cheese, sliced
1 lb mozzarella cheese, sliced
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional)
Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Olive Salad:
In a food processor, pulse the mixed green olives, black olives, giardiniera, red peppers, onion, and garlic until finely chopped but not pureed.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the olive oil, vinegar, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix well and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Prepare the Bread:
Cut the loaf of bread in half horizontally, so you have a top and bottom. If desired, hollow out some of the soft bread from the interior of both halves to make room for the filling.
Assemble the Sandwich:
Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard (if using) on the inside of the bottom half of the bread.
Layer the meats in this order: salami, ham, mortadella, provolone cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
Spoon a generous amount of olive salad over the cheeses, ensuring that it’s evenly spread out.
Finish and Press:
Place the top half of the bread on the sandwich and press down gently to compress the sandwich.
Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld.
Serve:
Slice the sandwich into wedges and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Description: The Giant Muffaletta is a bold, flavor-packed sandwich that brings together savory Italian deli meats, creamy cheeses, and a tangy, zesty olive salad. The bread, which is soft yet sturdy, holds all the ingredients together without becoming soggy. The beauty of this sandwich is that it gets even better as it sits, allowing the olive salad to soak into the bread, creating an incredibly delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a party, picnic, or casual dinner.
Tips:
Use good-quality, fresh Italian deli meats and cheeses for the best flavor.
Allow the sandwich to sit in the fridge for at least an hour before slicing. This gives the flavors time to meld and ensures a more cohesive sandwich.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes to the olive salad or use spicy salami.
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the meats and use more cheese and vegetables in the filling.
Variations:
Vegetarian Muffaletta: Skip the meats and use more cheese such as mozzarella and provolone, plus roasted vegetables like zucchini and eggplant for added flavor.
Spicy Muffaletta: Add more hot peppers or jalapeños to the olive salad to give the sandwich an extra spicy kick.
Smoked Muffaletta: Substitute smoked meats like smoked turkey or smoked ham to introduce a smoky flavor.
Corrections:
If you are using pre-sliced deli meats, be sure to layer them evenly to avoid an imbalanced sandwich.
Adjust the seasoning in the olive salad based on your personal preference; if it’s too tangy, you can reduce the amount of vinegar.
Enjoy:
Now that you’ve made the perfect Giant Muffaletta, enjoy it with family and friends! It’s a perfect dish for any gathering, providing a delicious mix of textures and bold flavors. Happy eating!