Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich

A Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich is a hearty, flavorful sandwich loaded with Italian deli meats, cheeses, and an olive salad. Originating from New Orleans, this sandwich has become a favorite for its bold, tangy flavors and hearty size. Here’s a recipe to make your own giant Muffaletta sandwich:

Ingredients:

For the Olive Salad:

• 1 cup green olives, chopped
• 1 cup kalamata olives, chopped
• 1/2 cup pickled carrots, chopped (optional, but adds a nice crunch)
• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
• 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons capers
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sandwich:

• 1 large round loaf of Italian bread or muffaletta bread (about 12 inches in diameter)
• 1/2 lb sliced salami
• 1/2 lb sliced ham (preferably Genoa or a good Italian ham)
• 1/2 lb sliced mortadella
• 1/2 lb sliced provolone cheese
• 1/2 lb sliced mozzarella cheese (or a combination of mozzarella and Swiss)

Instructions:

Prepare the Olive Salad:

1. Mix the olives: In a medium bowl, combine the green olives, kalamata olives, pickled carrots (if using), roasted red peppers, celery, onion, capers, and garlic powder.
2. Add oil and vinegar: Pour in the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Marinate: Stir the mixture well and cover it. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour for the flavors to meld. You can also make the olive salad a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator for even more flavor development.

Assemble the Muffaletta Sandwich:

1. Prepare the bread: Cut the loaf of Italian bread or muffaletta bread in half horizontally. If the bread is very thick, you can hollow out the insides a little to make more room for the fillings. Be sure not to cut all the way through.
2. Layer the meats and cheese:
   • On the bottom half of the bread, layer the salami, ham, mortadella, provolone cheese, and mozzarella cheese in even layers.
3. Add the olive salad:
   • Generously spoon the olive salad mixture on top of the meat and cheese layers. Make sure to spread it evenly to cover the entire sandwich.
4. Top the sandwich: Place the top half of the bread on the sandwich, pressing it down gently to compact the layers.

Serve:

1. Slice the sandwich: Cut the giant Muffaletta into wedges or quarters to serve. You can also wrap it in parchment paper and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to settle.
2. Enjoy! Serve with some chips, a pickle, or a simple salad on the side.

Tips:

• If you’re not able to find muffaletta bread, any large round Italian bread or focaccia can work as a substitute.
• You can customize the meats and cheeses to your preference, but keeping it traditional with salami, ham, mortadella, and provolone is key for the authentic flavor.
• For extra flavor, you can toast the bread slightly before assembling the sandwich for a crispier texture.

This Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich is a satisfying, savory dish that’s perfect for a picnic, party, or a delicious lunch. Enjoy!