why make this recipe

Making a Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich is a great way to bring a taste of New Orleans to your home. It combines flavorful meats, cheeses, and a zesty olive salad all stacked between fresh Italian bread. This sandwich is perfect for gatherings, picnics, or a hearty family meal. Plus, it’s simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy days.

how to make Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich

Ingredients :

1 large round Italian bread loaf (about 10 inches in diameter)
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 (store-bought or homemade)
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 sandwich cold or at room temperature. Cut it into wedges and arrange them on a platter. You can serve it with extra olive salad on the side for a flavorful dip. This sandwich goes well with pickles or chips for added crunch.

how to store Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich

If you have leftovers, wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. The sandwich is best enjoyed within 2-3 days but can remain safe to eat for up to a week. Just remember that the bread may get softer over time.

tips to make Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, especially the bread and meats.
You can make your own olive salad for a more personal touch; just mix olives, pickled vegetables, and some Italian herbs.
Let the sandwich sit overnight for the best flavor. The ingredients will meld nicely together.

variation

You can customize the Giant Muffaletta by adding your favorite meats or cheeses. Some people like to include ham or switch out the mortadella for a spicier salami. You can also add roasted red peppers or arugula for extra flavor and health benefits.

FAQs

Q: Can I use different types of bread for this sandwich?
A: Yes, while a round Italian loaf is traditional, you can use ciabatta, focaccia, or any crusty bread that can hold up to the filling.

Q: Is it necessary to refrigerate the sandwich before serving?
A: Yes, refrigerating helps the flavors to blend and makes the sandwich easier to cut into wedges.

Q: Can I make this sandwich vegan?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute the meats and cheeses with plant-based options and use a vegan olive salad to make a delicious vegan version.