Name: Classic Muffaletta
Prep time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 large round loaf of Italian bread or muffaletta bread.; 4 ounces Genoa salami, thinly sliced.; 4 ounces ham, thinly sliced.; 4 ounces provolone cheese, thinly sliced.; 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced.; 4 ounces mortadella, thinly sliced.; 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, thinly sliced.; 1/4 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced.; 1/4 cup black olives, sliced.; 1/4 cup green olives, sliced.; 1/4 cup red wine vinegar.; 2 tablespoons olive oil.; 1 teaspoon dried oregano.; 1 teaspoon dried basil.; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.; Salt and pepper to taste.

The Muffaletta Sandwich is a culinary gem from New Orleans, celebrated for its robust flavors and satisfying layers. This sandwich features a delightful combination of Genoa salami, ham, provolone, mozzarella, and mortadella, all neatly stacked in a large round loaf of Italian bread. The star of the show, however, is the zesty olive salad, which includes a mix of olives, roasted red peppers, pepperoncini, and a blend of herbs and spices. This vibrant salad not only adds a tangy kick but also keeps the sandwich moist and flavorful. Traditionally served chilled, the Muffaletta is perfect for making ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for picnics, parties, or a hearty lunch. The layers of flavors meld together as the sandwich rests, creating a truly unique and delicious experience with every bite.

The Muffaletta Sandwich is a quintessential New Orleans classic, renowned for its rich flavors and hearty layers. This iconic sandwich features a combination of savory meats, creamy cheeses, and a tangy olive salad, all packed into a large, round loaf of bread. It's the perfect choice for a satisfying lunch or a delicious picnic option. Let's dive into the ingredients that make this sandwich so special.

INGREDIENTS

Italian Bread or Muffaletta Bread: 1 large round loaf. The foundation of the sandwich, providing a sturdy base to hold all the delicious fillings.
Genoa Salami: 4 ounces, thinly sliced. Adds a rich and flavorful layer.
Ham: 4 ounces, thinly sliced. Provides a mild, savory taste.
Provolone Cheese: 4 ounces, thinly sliced. Offers a creamy and slightly tangy flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese: 4 ounces, thinly sliced. Adds a mild and creamy texture.
Mortadella: 4 ounces, thinly sliced. Brings a delicate and slightly nutty flavor.
Olive Salad: A mix of roasted red peppers, pepperoncini peppers, black olives, green olives, red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This tangy and flavorful salad ties everything together.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:: Begin by preparing the olive salad. In a small bowl, combine the black olives, green olives, roasted red peppers, pepperoncini peppers, red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly coated. Allow the salad to marinate for at least 30 minutes to develop its flavors.
Step 2:: While the olive salad marinates, slice the loaf of Italian bread or muffaletta bread horizontally. This creates a top and bottom half for your sandwich. If the bread is particularly thick, you may wish to scoop out a bit of the interior to make room for the fillings.
Step 3:: Once the olive salad has marinated, spread it generously over the bottom half of the bread. Be sure to cover the entire surface to ensure every bite is packed with flavor. Next, layer the Genoa salami, ham, provolone cheese, mozzarella cheese, and mortadella over the olive salad. Arrange the ingredients evenly to create a balanced stack.
Step 4:: Place the top half of the bread over the layers of meats and cheeses. Press down gently but firmly to compact the sandwich. This helps to meld the flavors together and makes it easier to cut and serve.
Step 5:: Wrap the entire sandwich tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible. Chilling the sandwich allows the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb some of the dressing from the olive salad, enhancing the overall taste.
Step 6:: When ready to serve, unwrap the sandwich and use a sharp knife to cut it into wedges. Serve the Muffaletta Sandwich chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy the perfect blend of flavors and textures!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve the Muffaletta Sandwich chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor. The sandwich can be enjoyed immediately after assembling but benefits from resting in the fridge to let the flavors meld together.
This sandwich is perfect for picnics, lunches, or casual gatherings. Slice it into wedges or smaller pieces for easy serving.
To store, wrap any leftover sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. It can be kept for up to 2 days, though the bread may absorb moisture from the olive salad over time.
If the bread becomes too soggy, you can toast the slices lightly before serving to refresh the texture.

Helpful Notes

The olive salad is the key flavor component of the Muffaletta Sandwich. Feel free to adjust the ingredients and proportions according to your taste preferences.
For a spicier kick, add more pepperoncini peppers or include some crushed red pepper flakes in the olive salad.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the meats with additional cheeses or grilled vegetables such as zucchini or eggplant.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

Chef Emeril Lagasse suggests using a mix of different olives for the salad to create a complex flavor profile.
Chef Alton Brown recommends pressing the sandwich with a heavy pan while it chills to compress the ingredients and blend the flavors better.
Chef Giada De Laurentiis advises serving the Muffaletta with a side of Italian pasta salad or fresh greens for a complete meal.