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Packed with bold Italian flavors, layers of meat and cheese, and that irresistible olive salad, this iconic New Orleans sandwich is perfect for parties, picnics, or game day gatherings!
Ever bitten into a sandwich so hearty, so flavorful, that it instantly transported you to another place? That’s exactly what the Muffaletta sandwich does. Originating from the heart of New Orleans, this giant Italian sandwich has become a culinary legend. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, learning how to make a Muffaletta at home will change your sandwich game forever.
This recipe is easy to follow, incredibly customizable, and delivers bold, briny, cheesy goodness in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Giant Muffaletta
• Perfect for parties or picnics
• Make-ahead friendly (actually gets better overnight!)
• Packed with layers of flavor
• No cooking required — just assemble and chill
• Instagram and Pinterest-worthy — seriously, it’s a showstopper
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What Is a Muffaletta Sandwich?
The Muffaletta (or Muffuletta) is a famous sandwich invented by Italian immigrants in New Orleans. It’s typically made with a large, round Italian loaf, sliced horizontally and filled with:
• An olive salad (the star of the show)
• Layers of cured meats like salami and mortadella
• Provolone and mozzarella cheese
The result? A giant, flavor-packed sandwich that’s rich, tangy, and totally addictive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Olive Salad
• 1 cup green olives, chopped
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives, chopped
• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
• 1/4 cup pickled cauliflower (optional, but authentic)
• 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons capers
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• Salt & pepper to taste
For the Sandwich
• 1 large round Italian bread or boule
• 1/4 lb Genoa salami
• 1/4 lb mortadella (or deli ham)
• 1/4 lb capicola (or spicy ham)
• 1/4 lb provolone cheese
• 1/4 lb mozzarella cheese
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Olive Salad
This is where all the magic starts. In a large bowl, mix together all your chopped olive salad ingredients. Pour in the olive oil and red wine vinegar, stir, then let it marinate while you prep the bread.
Pro Tip: Make this a day ahead — it gets better the longer it sits!
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
Slice your Italian loaf in half horizontally. Scoop out a bit of the soft bread from the center to make room for all the filling.
Brush the insides with a bit of olive oil or olive salad juice to amp up the flavor.
Step 3: Layer Like a Pro
Start layering! Go meat, cheese, meat, cheese — whatever order you love. Add a generous layer of the olive salad in the middle. Press down slightly to compact the layers.
Step 4: Wrap and Chill
Wrap the entire sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place a heavy skillet or books on top to press it down. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Unwrap, slice into wedges like a pizza, and serve cold or room temp. Great with chips or a cold drink!
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Serving Tips
• Serve with zesty pasta salad or classic kettle chips
• Slice into wedges and secure with toothpicks for parties
• Wrap individual slices for lunches all week long
Variations to Try
• Spicy Muffaletta: Add banana peppers or hot giardiniera
• Vegetarian Version: Use grilled eggplant, roasted peppers, and vegan cheese
• Mini Muffalettas: Use ciabatta rolls or focaccia squares for single-serve
Storage Tips
This sandwich holds up incredibly well! Store in the fridge, tightly wrapped, for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This giant Muffaletta Italian sandwich is everything a sandwich should be — bold, colorful, hearty, and easy to share. It’s the ultimate make-ahead meal that only gets better with time. Whether you’re hosting a party or meal-prepping with style, this sandwich is about to become your new go-to