Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Muffuletta sandwich is not only delicious but easy to prepare. The combination of tangy olives, creamy cheese, and flavorful meats wrapped in crusty Italian bread creates a sandwich that’s both filling and full of character. The olive salad adds an extra punch of flavor that melds beautifully with the other ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Olive Salad:
- 1 cup green olives, pitted and coarsely chopped
- 1 cup black olives, pitted and coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables), drained and coarsely chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1/4 cup capers, drained
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Sandwich:
- 1 large round Italian sesame seed bread (about 10 inches in diameter)
- 4 oz thinly sliced mortadella
- 4 oz thinly sliced salami
- 4 oz thinly sliced capicola
- 4 oz thinly sliced provolone cheese
- 4 oz thinly sliced mozzarella cheese
Directions
- Prepare the Olive Salad: In a large bowl, combine the green olives, black olives, giardiniera, roasted red peppers, capers, celery, and garlic. Add olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Season with black pepper and mix well. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for the best flavor.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Slice the round bread horizontally. If needed, scoop out some of the inner crumb. Spread half of the olive salad on the bottom half of the bread, then layer with mortadella, salami, capicola, provolone, and mozzarella. Top with the remaining olive salad and cover with the top half of the bread.
- Press the Sandwich: Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and press it with a heavy skillet for at least 30 minutes.
- Slice and Serve: Unwrap the sandwich, slice it into wedges, and enjoy! For best results, serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Refrigeration time: 1 hour or overnight
- Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes (if refrigerating for 1 hour)
Variations
- Vegetarian Muffuletta: Replace the meats with grilled vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers.
- Spicy Version: Add some chopped pepperoncini or hot sauce to the olive salad for an extra kick.
- Cheese Variation: Experiment with different cheeses like sharp cheddar or brie for a twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Wrap the sandwich tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheating: This sandwich is best served cold or at room temperature, but you can warm it in a skillet if you prefer a melted cheese effect.
FAQs
Can I make the olive salad ahead of time?
Yes, the olive salad can be made up to 1 day in advance to allow the flavors to develop.
Can I use different bread?
Yes, while sesame seed bread is traditional, you can use any sturdy, round bread as a substitute.
What if I can’t find giardiniera?
You can use any pickled vegetables you like, such as pickled carrots, cauliflower, or jalapeños.
Can I freeze the Muffuletta sandwich?
It’s best to consume the sandwich fresh, but you can freeze individual portions and thaw them in the fridge before serving.
How long should I press the sandwich?
Pressing for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together, but you can press it for longer if desired.
Conclusion
The Classic Italian Muffuletta Sandwich is a hearty, flavorful option that’s perfect for any occasion. With its layers of savory meats, creamy cheeses, and zesty olive salad, this sandwich is sure to be a crowd favorite. Whether you’re making it for a casual meal or a festive gathering, this classic sandwich will always deliver delicious results!
PrintThe Classic Italian Muffuletta Sandwich
The Classic Italian Muffuletta Sandwich is a flavorful Italian-American creation, layered with a tangy olive salad, savory Italian meats, and creamy cheeses. This hearty sandwich is perfect for picnics, casual lunches, or any gathering, offering a bold and satisfying combination of textures and flavors.
- Prep Time: 15min
- Cook Time: 1 hour or overnight
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (if refrigerating for 1 hour)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Sandwich, Italian-American
- Method: Assembling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
For the Olive Salad:
- 1 cup green olives, pitted and coarsely chopped
- 1 cup black olives, pitted and coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables), drained and coarsely chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1/4 cup capers, drained
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Sandwich:
- 1 large round Italian sesame seed bread (about 10 inches in diameter)
- 4 oz thinly sliced mortadella
- 4 oz thinly sliced salami
- 4 oz thinly sliced capicola
- 4 oz thinly sliced provolone cheese
- 4 oz thinly sliced mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- repare the Olive Salad: In a large bowl, combine green olives, black olives, giardiniera, roasted red peppers, capers, celery, and garlic. Add olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Slice the round bread horizontally and scoop out some of the inner crumb. Spread half of the olive salad on the bottom half of the bread, then layer with mortadella, salami, capicola, provolone, and mozzarella. Top with the remaining olive salad and cover with the top half of the bread.
- Press the Sandwich: Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and press with a heavy skillet for at least 30 minutes.
- Slice and Serve: Unwrap the sandwich, slice into wedges, and serve. For best results, serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Notes
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the meats with grilled vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers for a vegetarian option.
- Spicy Kick: Add pepperoncini or hot sauce to the olive salad for an extra heat boost.
- Cheese Variations: Try sharp cheddar or brie for a new flavor twist
