Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich is a show-stopping, hearty creation that brings together an impressive combination of meats, cheeses, and vibrant olive salad, all sandwiched between a crusty round loaf of Italian bread. It’s a flavor-packed meal that’s as satisfying as it is visually striking. Whether you’re hosting a party, having a picnic, or just craving a sandwich that’s as indulgent as it is delicious, this muffaletta will surely be a hit. It’s easy to prepare in advance and gets even better after a few hours of chilling, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
Ingredients
1 large round Italian bread loaf (about 10 inches in diameter)
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/4 lb each of the following:
Thinly sliced turkey ham
Thinly sliced beef salami
Thinly sliced mortadella
Sliced provolone cheese
Sliced mozzarella cheese
1 cup olive salad (store-bought or homemade)
1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers (optional)
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Slice the Bread: Carefully cut the large round Italian bread loaf horizontally to create a top and bottom half.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, dried oregano, and dried basil. (If you wish to include red grape juice, add approximately 1 tablespoon to the dressing mix, though it is optional.)
Brush the Bread: Generously brush the dressing onto both cut sides of the bread, ensuring an even coating.
Layer the Meats and Cheeses: On the bottom half of the bread, layer the meats and cheeses in the following order:
Turkey ham
Beef salami
Mortadella
Provolone cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Add the Olive Salad: Spread the olive salad evenly over the cheese layer. If desired, add sliced pepperoncini peppers on top for an extra zesty kick.
Assemble: Place the top half of the bread over the layered ingredients, gently pressing down to compact the sandwich.
Wrap & Compress: Wrap the entire sandwich tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place a heavy weight (such as a cast-iron skillet or heavy books) on top to help the sandwich compress and meld the flavors together.
Refrigerate: Refrigerate the sandwich for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best for the flavors to fully develop.
Serve: Unwrap the sandwich and slice it into wedges using a sharp knife. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
Servings: 8-10
Prep time: 15 minutes
Refrigeration time: 2 hours (preferably overnight)
Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes (or overnight)
Variations
Add More Veggies: For a crunchier, fresher twist, add some shredded lettuce or thinly sliced tomatoes inside the sandwich before assembling.
Change the Meats: If you prefer other deli meats, you can easily swap the turkey ham, beef salami, or mortadella with items like capicola, pepperoni, or prosciutto for different flavor profiles.
Use a Different Cheese: If you’re not a fan of provolone or mozzarella, you can substitute them with other Italian cheeses like fontina, gouda, or cheddar.
Spicy Option: Add more pepperoncini or sliced jalapeños for an extra kick of heat.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store the Muffaletta in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to 3 days. The sandwich will stay fresh and flavorful as the ingredients meld together.
Reheating: This is a cold sandwich, so it’s meant to be served chilled. However, if you prefer a warm version, you can slice individual portions and heat them in a panini press or on a skillet.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of bread for this sandwich?
Yes, you can use any hearty bread with a good crust, such as ciabatta or baguette, but traditional Italian bread or round loaf works best to hold the ingredients together.
2. Do I have to use pepperoncini peppers?
No, pepperoncini peppers are optional. If you don’t like their tangy flavor, feel free to skip them or replace them with a milder pepper variety like banana peppers.
3. Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the meats with grilled vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers, or use vegetarian deli slices.
4. How far in advance can I make the Muffaletta?
You can prepare the sandwich up to 24 hours in advance. The longer it sits, the more the flavors develop, but be sure to refrigerate it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap.
5. Can I freeze this sandwich?
While the sandwich can be frozen, it is best enjoyed fresh or after refrigeration. Freezing may alter the texture of the bread and cheese when reheated.
6. What kind of olive salad should I use?
You can use store-bought olive salad, or make your own by combining green and black olives, pickled vegetables, capers, and a bit of olive oil and vinegar for flavor.
7. Can I add more dressing to the sandwich?
Yes, if you prefer a stronger dressing flavor, feel free to brush extra dressing onto the bread or add a bit more olive salad for extra flavor.
8. Can I use regular mustard or mayonnaise in this sandwich?
While some variations of Muffaletta might include mustard or mayonnaise, the classic version relies on the olive salad and dressing for flavor, so these ingredients are typically not needed.
9. Is this sandwich served warm or cold?
Traditionally, Muffaletta sandwiches are served cold or at room temperature. The refrigeration allows the flavors to meld and the sandwich to hold its shape better.
10. Can I serve the Muffaletta as individual servings?
Yes, you can cut the Muffaletta into individual portions before serving, especially if serving it at a party or picnic.
Conclusion
The Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich is a spectacular sandwich that combines layers of delicious deli meats, cheeses, and tangy olive salad into a perfectly compacted meal. Ideal for gatherings, picnics, or a satisfying dinner, this sandwich offers bold, Mediterranean flavors in every bite. With minimal preparation and a bit of chilling time, you’ll have a delicious, crowd-pleasing sandwich that’s sure to impress!
[tasty-recipe id=”19891″]