If you’ve ever been to New Orleans, chances are you’ve encountered the legendary Muffaletta sandwich. Originating from Italian immigrants in the Big Easy, this hearty sandwich is a symphony of bold flavors and textures. With layers of cured meats, cheeses, and a signature olive salad, all piled high on a round loaf of sesame-studded bread, the Muffaletta is a true culinary icon. In this recipe, we’ll walk you through every step to create the perfect Muffaletta sandwich that will transport your taste buds straight to the French Quarter.
Ingredients
For the Olive Salad:
- 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/4 cup giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables), chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sandwich:
- 1 large round loaf of sesame bread (about 10 inches in diameter)
- 1/4 pound Genoa salami, thinly sliced
- 1/4 pound mortadella, thinly sliced
- 1/4 pound capicola, thinly sliced
- 1/4 pound provolone cheese, thinly sliced
- 1/4 pound mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced