Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich

 

Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich: A Bold Bite of New Orleans Flavor

Looking for a sandwich that steals the show at any gathering? Say hello to the Giant Muffaletta—a bold, flavor-packed Italian sandwich with deep roots in New Orleans tradition. Layered with cured meats, tangy olive salad, and melty cheese on a hearty round loaf of Italian bread, this sandwich isn’t just big in size—it’s big in personality.

Perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for parties, game day, or picnics, the muffaletta (pronounced "muff-uh-LET-uh") is as unforgettable as it is delicious.

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The History Behind the Muffaletta

The muffaletta sandwich was born in the French Quarter of New Orleans, created in the early 1900s by Sicilian immigrants. It was first served at Central Grocery, where Italian laborers wanted a portable lunch combining their favorite meats, cheeses, and olives. The result was this stacked, flavor-loaded sandwich—now a local legend.

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What Makes a Muffaletta?

The key to a classic muffaletta lies in two things: the olive salad and the round Italian loaf. The olive salad is punchy and briny, made from chopped olives, pickled vegetables, and herbs—all marinated in olive oil. It soaks into the bread, infusing every bite with flavor.

Then come the layers: salami, mortadella, capicola, provolone, and mozzarella—all sliced thin and stacked thick.

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own Giant Muffaletta:

For the Olive Salad:

• 1 cup green olives, pitted and chopped

• ½ cup kalamata or black olives, chopped

• ½ cup pickled giardiniera, chopped

• ¼ cup roasted red peppers, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp capers

• ¼ cup parsley, chopped

• ½ cup olive oil

• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sandwich:

• 1 large round Italian or sesame loaf (about 10–12 inches wide)

• ¼ lb sliced Genoa salami

• ¼ lb sliced mortadella

• ¼ lb sliced capicola or ham

• ¼ lb sliced provolone cheese

• ¼ lb sliced mozzarella cheese

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How to Make It

1. Make the Olive Salad

Combine all the olive salad ingredients in a bowl and stir well. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for the best flavor).

2. Prepare the Bread

Slice the loaf horizontally and hollow out some of the soft interior (optional, to make room for fillings). Drizzle olive oil on both cut sides, then spread a generous amount of the olive salad over the bottom half.

3. Layer the Meats and Cheeses

Start layering: salami, provolone, capicola, mozzarella, and mortadella—then top with more olive salad if desired.

4. Assemble and Press

Place the top half of the bread over the layers. Wrap the entire sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or parchment, then press it down using a heavy skillet or weight. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

5. Slice and Serve

Cut into wedges and serve cold or at room temperature. It’s even better the next day.

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Tips for Muffaletta Success

• Make ahead: This sandwich actually gets better after sitting a few hours or overnight.

• Use quality deli meats and cheeses for the best flavor and texture.

• No round loaf? A large ciabatta or focaccia works great in a pinch.

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A Showstopper for Every Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a party, tailgating, or just craving something hearty and satisfying, the Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich brings serious wow-factor. It’s salty, savory, a little tangy, and 100% crave-worthy.

This isn’t your average sandwich—it’s a full-on flavor experience. So stack it high, slice it thick, and get ready for everyone to ask for the recipe.