Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich

🥪 Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich

A legendary New Orleans–style sandwich stacked with cured meats, cheeses, and a bold olive salad—perfect for sharing.

⏱ Time

• Prep: 20 minutes

• Rest: 30 minutes (recommended)

• Total: ~50 minutes

🍽 Serves

• 6–8 people

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🧾 Ingredients

Bread

• 1 large round muffaletta loaf
  (or sesame Italian round bread)

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Olive Salad (The Star!)

• 1 cup green olives, chopped

• ½ cup black olives, chopped

• ¼ cup giardiniera, chopped

• 2 tbsp capers

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ⅓ cup olive oil

• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• Black pepper, to taste

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Meats

• 150 g (5 oz) mortadella

• 150 g (5 oz) salami

• 150 g (5 oz) ham

• 100 g (3–4 oz) prosciutto

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Cheeses

• 200 g (7 oz) provolone cheese (sliced)

• 100 g (3–4 oz) mozzarella cheese (sliced)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Olive Salad

• Mix all olive salad ingredients in a bowl

• Cover and rest at least 30 minutes (overnight is even better)

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2️⃣ Prepare the Bread

• Slice loaf horizontally

• Hollow out a little bread from the center (optional but traditional)

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3️⃣ Assemble the Sandwich

Bottom half:

• Spread half the olive salad generously

• Layer mortadella, salami, ham, and prosciutto

• Add provolone and mozzarella

Top half:

• Spread remaining olive salad

• Close sandwich

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4️⃣ Press & Rest

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap

• Place a heavy pan or weight on top

• Rest 30 minutes–1 hour (key step!)

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5️⃣ Serve

• Cut into wedges

• Serve at room temperature or slightly warm

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❓ Q & A

❓ Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! Muffaletta actually tastes better after resting. Make up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerated.

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❓ What bread can I substitute?

• Round Italian loaf

• Ciabatta (pressed flat)

• Large focaccia

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❓ Do I need all the meats?

No. Use any combo of Italian cold cuts you like—just keep it balanced.

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❓ Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes!

• Skip meats

• Add roasted peppers, marinated artichokes, grilled eggplant, and extra cheese

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❓ Should it be toasted?

Traditional muffaletta is not toasted, but you can lightly warm it wrapped in foil.

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❓ Why is pressing important?

Pressing:

• Melds flavors

• Prevents slipping layers

• Softens bread slightly

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❓ How long does it last?

• Wrapped tightly, up to 3 days in the fridge

• Best flavor after the first few hours

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❓ Can I make mini muffalettas?

Absolutely! Use small rolls and press each one.