The Muffuletta Sandwich is an Italian-American classic that originated in New Orleans. Created by Italian immigrants, this hearty sandwich features a rich blend of cured meats, cheeses, and a distinctive olive salad, all packed into a round, sesame-seed-studded loaf. Perfect for sharing or enjoying over several meals, the Muffuletta is a testament to the fusion of Italian flavors with New Orleans flair.
Ingredients
For the Olive Salad:
- 1 cup green olives, pitted and coarsely chopped
- 1 cup black olives, pitted and coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables), drained and coarsely chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1/4 cup capers, drained
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Sandwich:
- 1 large round Italian sesame seed bread (about 10 inches in diameter)
- 4 oz. thinly sliced mortadella
- 4 oz. thinly sliced salami
- 4 oz. thinly sliced capicola
- 4 oz. thinly sliced provolone cheese
- 4 oz. thinly sliced mozzarella cheese
Instructions
1. Prepare the Olive Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the green olives, black olives, giardiniera, roasted red peppers, capers, celery, and garlic. Add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Season with freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Assemble the Sandwich:
- Prepare the Bread:
Slice the round bread loaf in half horizontally. If the bread is very thick, you may remove some of the interior crumb to make room for the fillings. - Layer the Olive Salad:
Evenly spread half of the prepared olive salad over the bottom half of the bread. This ensures every bite is infused with the robust flavors of the salad. - Add the Meats and Cheeses:
Layer the mortadella, salami, capicola, provolone, and mozzarella over the olive salad. Ensure an even distribution of the meats and cheeses for balanced flavors. - Top with More Olive Salad:
Spread the remaining half of the olive salad over the layered meats and cheeses. - Close the Sandwich:
Place the top half of the bread loaf over the fillings. Press down gently but firmly to compact the sandwich.
3. Press and Serve:
For the best results, wrap the assembled sandwich tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped sandwich under a heavy skillet or pan and press it for at least 30 minutes. This step helps to meld the flavors and compact the ingredients, making the sandwich easier to slice and eat.
4. Slice and Enjoy:
Unwrap the sandwich and use a sharp knife to cut it into wedges or slices. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours. The Muffuletta’s flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day.
Tips and Variations
- Bread Choice: Traditional Muffuletta bread is essential for authenticity, but you can substitute with a large round focaccia or another sturdy Italian bread if necessary.
- Olive Salad Variations: Feel free to add or substitute ingredients in the olive salad, such as artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes, to suit your taste.
- Meat and Cheese Options: Besides the classic choices, you can experiment with other cured meats and cheeses like pepperoni or Swiss cheese for a unique twist.
- Make Ahead: The sandwich can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. It often tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
Conclusion
The Classic Muffuletta Sandwich is a delightful blend of Italian and New Orleans culinary traditions. Whether you’re serving it at a party, packing it for a picnic, or enjoying it as a hearty meal, this sandwich is sure to impress with its bold flavors and satisfying textures. Buon appetito!
