The Muffaletta is a towering Italian sandwich that originated in New Orleans, combining the best of both Italian and Southern flavors. With layers of savory cured meats, rich cheese, and a tangy, zesty olive salad, the Muffaletta is the ultimate sandwich for those who enjoy bold, complex flavors. Whether you’re preparing for a party, a family gathering, or simply craving a hearty meal, this Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich is sure to satisfy.
Why This Recipe Works
Bold, Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of Italian cold cuts, cheeses, and olive salad creates a robust flavor profile that’s both savory and tangy.
Perfect for Sharing: This giant sandwich is great for feeding a crowd, making it an excellent choice for parties or potlucks.
Easy to Customize: You can adjust the ingredients based on your preferences, adding or omitting any meats or vegetables you like.
Make-Ahead Meal: The sandwich can be prepared ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together for a more delicious and satisfying bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 large round loaf of Italian or French bread (about 10-12 inches in diameter)
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 cup sliced green olives
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1/4 cup pickled pepperoncini (optional, for extra tanginess)
1/2 cup roasted red peppers (optional, for added sweetness)
2 cups sliced Genoa salami
2 cups sliced ham
2 cups sliced mortadella
1 cup sliced provolone cheese
1 cup sliced mozzarella cheese
1 cup sliced Italian dry salami
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (optional for added flavor)
How to Make a Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich
Step 1: Prepare the Olive Salad
In a medium bowl, combine the green olives, black olives, pepperoncini, roasted red peppers, and any other optional ingredients you like. Add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Mix everything together until well-combined. Set the salad aside to marinate for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and become more flavorful.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
Cut the loaf of bread in half horizontally, creating a top and bottom half. Remove some of the interior of the bread from both halves, creating space to hold the filling without the bread becoming too soggy. If desired, lightly toast the inside of the bread to add some extra crunch.
Step 3: Layer the Meats and Cheeses
Start by layering the meats on the bottom half of the bread. Begin with the Genoa salami, followed by the ham, mortadella, and dry salami. Be sure to spread the layers evenly across the bread for maximum flavor in every bite. Next, layer the cheeses on top of the meats, starting with the provolone and finishing with the mozzarella.
Step 4: Add the Olive Salad
Once the meats and cheeses are layered, spread a generous amount of the prepared olive salad evenly over the top of the cheese layer. Be sure to include some of the olive oil dressing for added flavor.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich
Place the top half of the bread on top of the layered ingredients. Press down gently to help the sandwich hold together. If the bread is too large or doesn’t fit in your pan or serving area, you can use a sharp serrated knife to trim it down to a more manageable size.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
For the best flavor, wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1–2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes the sandwich easier to slice. When ready to serve, slice the sandwich into wedges and enjoy!
Tips for Recipe Success
Use a Round Loaf: The traditional Muffaletta is made with a round loaf of bread, which gives it that authentic New Orleans look. You can use a French or Italian bread loaf as long as it’s large enough to hold all the fillings.
Let the Olive Salad Marinate: The longer the olive salad sits, the more flavorful it becomes. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if possible, prepare it a few hours or even a day ahead of time for maximum flavor.
Customize the Meats and Cheeses: While this recipe uses classic Italian cold cuts, feel free to switch up the types of meats or cheeses you use. Try adding pepperoni, salami, or a different variety of cheese for a personal twist.
Make Ahead: This sandwich is perfect for making ahead of time. Preparing it in advance allows the ingredients to meld together, making it even more flavorful.
Why You’ll Love the Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich
Hearty and Filling: This giant sandwich is perfect for a group, offering hearty portions of meats, cheeses, and flavorful olive salad.
Flavor-Packed: The combination of salty meats, melty cheese, and tangy olive salad creates a symphony of flavors in every bite.
Versatile: Perfect for a casual meal, picnic, party, or even as a make-ahead lunch.
Easy to Customize: Tailor the sandwich to your taste by adjusting the meats, cheeses, and olive salad ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with Chips or Fries: The crunchy texture of chips or fries pairs perfectly with the soft, savory sandwich.
Pickles: Pickles, especially dill or bread-and-butter pickles, provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sandwich.
Green Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the Muffaletta.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2–3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits.
Reheating: While Muffaletta is traditionally served cold, you can reheat individual slices in a toaster oven for a crispy texture on the outside and a melted interior.
Final Thoughts
The Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich is the ultimate sandwich for anyone craving bold, savory flavors and a hearty meal. With its layers of delicious meats, cheeses, and tangy olive salad, this sandwich brings together the best of Italian and Southern cuisines in one satisfying bite. Whether you’re sharing it with friends at a party or enjoying it on a weekend afternoon, this Muffaletta is sure to become a favorite in your household.