Why Make This Recipe

The Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich is a delicious and hearty dish that highlights the flavors of Italy. It’s perfect for gatherings, picnics, or simply a satisfying meal at home. The combination of meats, cheeses, and olive salad stacked between fresh bread makes this sandwich a real crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

How to Make Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich

Ingredients:

1 large round Italian bread loaf
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/4 lb thinly sliced turkey ham
1/4 lb thinly sliced beef salami
1/4 lb thinly sliced mortadella
1/4 lb sliced provolone cheese
1/4 lb sliced mozzarella cheese
1 cup olive salad
1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers (optional)

Directions:

Cut the bread loaf in half horizontally to create top and bottom halves.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, oregano, and basil. Brush this mixture generously on both cut sides of the bread.
On the bottom half of the bread, layer ingredients in this order: turkey ham, beef salami, mortadella, provolone, and mozzarella.
Spread the olive salad evenly over the cheese layer. If using, add pepperoncini peppers on top.
Place the top half of the bread on the sandwich and press down gently.
Wrap the entire sandwich tightly in plastic wrap. Place a heavy weight on top of the wrapped sandwich and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Before serving, unwrap the sandwich and cut it into wedges.

How to Serve Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich

Serve the Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich as a full sandwich or cut into wedges for easy sharing. It pairs well with a side of salad, chips, or pickles. Enjoy it with a nice cold beverage, and your meal is complete!

How to Store Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich

If you have leftovers, store the sandwich wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days. To enjoy later, simply re-cut the sandwich into wedges and serve.

Tips to Make Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh bread and quality meats and cheeses make a big difference.
Feel free to customize the sandwich by adding additional vegetables like lettuce or tomatoes for a fresh crunch.
For more flavor, let the sandwich sit wrapped in the refrigerator overnight to allow the ingredients to marinate.

Variation

You can create a vegetarian version of this sandwich by replacing the meats with roasted vegetables or a variety of cheeses. This will still give you a tasty, filling meal without the meat.

FAQs

1. Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
Yes! It’s best to make the sandwich a few hours ahead or even the night before. This allows the flavors to blend together.

2. What can I substitute if I can’t find olive salad?
You can make a quick version using chopped olives, capers, and some olive oil. This will give a similar flavor profile.

3. Is this sandwich suitable for freezing?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the sandwich before wrapping it. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn. Thaw and enjoy later!