Muffuletta

If you’ve never had a Muffuletta, you’re in for a seriously satisfying, flavor-packed treat. This classic New Orleans sandwich is a glorious stack of cured meats, cheeses, and a zesty olive salad all piled into a round, sesame-seeded loaf of bread. It’s hearty, salty, tangy, and completely addictive—basically the sandwich equivalent of a Mardi Gras parade for your tastebuds. Whether you’re serving a crowd or making lunch ahead for the week, this one’s a winner.

Why You’ll Love Muffuletta

Bold, Briny Flavors: The star of the show is the olive salad—bright, garlicky, and briny with a splash of vinegar and oil that ties everything together.

Hearty and Filling: This sandwich is stacked with layers of meats and cheese, making it the kind of meal that truly satisfies.

Great for Make-Ahead: Muffulettas get even better as they sit! The flavors meld beautifully after a few hours, making this a perfect make-ahead option for parties, picnics, or road trips.

No-Fuss Assembly: While the ingredients are layered high, there’s nothing complicated about putting this beauty together.

Ingredients

Bread:

Muffuletta Bread (or round Italian loaf): Traditionally a soft, sesame-crusted round loaf. You can substitute focaccia or ciabatta if needed.

Olive Salad:

Green Olives
Kalamata Olives
Giardiniera (pickled vegetable mix)
Capers
Garlic
Celery
Red Wine Vinegar
Olive Oil
Oregano
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

Meats & Cheese:

Mortadella
Capicola (or ham)
Genoa Salami
Provolone Cheese
Mozzarella Cheese

Instructions

1. Make the Olive Salad

Roughly chop the olives, giardiniera, capers, celery, and garlic. Mix them with vinegar, olive oil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Let the mixture marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.

2. Prepare the Bread

Slice your loaf horizontally and scoop out a little of the soft interior if it’s very thick—this makes more room for the fillings.

3. Layer the Sandwich

Start by spreading half the olive salad on the bottom half of the bread. Then layer the meats and cheeses—mortadella, salami, capicola, provolone, and mozzarella. Top it off with the rest of the olive salad and close the sandwich.

4. Press and Chill

Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge with a weight on top (like a cast-iron skillet) for at least 1–2 hours. This helps the flavors meld and the sandwich compress into a delicious, cohesive whole.

5. Slice and Serve

Cut into wedges and serve cold or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 570
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 1550mg
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 28g

FAQs

Q1: Can I use store-bought olive salad?
Yes! It’s a great shortcut if you’re short on time, though homemade has a fresher flavor.

Q2: Can Muffulettas be served warm?
Traditionally, they’re served cold or room temp, but you can warm it slightly to melt the cheese if you prefer.

Q3: What’s a good substitute for Muffuletta bread?
Look for a soft Italian round loaf or focaccia. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the fillings.

Q4: How long does Muffuletta last?
It keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge, and the flavor improves as it rests.

Q5: Can I make it vegetarian?
Totally—swap the meats for grilled veggies or marinated tofu, and keep the olive salad and cheese.

Q6: Is this sandwich freezer-friendly?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it tightly wrapped and reheat for a more melty, toasted version.

Q7: What if I don’t like olives?
You can make a roasted red pepper or artichoke spread instead—still delicious with the meats and cheese.

Q8: How many people does it serve?
One full Muffuletta loaf usually serves 6–8 people.

Q9: What sides go well with it?
Chips, pickles, coleslaw, or a simple green salad make great pairings.

Q10: Is Muffuletta spicy?
The olive salad can be mildly spicy if you add crushed red pepper—but it’s easy to adjust.

Conclusion

The Muffuletta is a bold, beautiful sandwich that’s as much about the layers of flavor as it is about the layers of filling. Whether you’re prepping for a party, picnic, or just making your weekday lunches a whole lot more exciting, this classic New Orleans favorite delivers every time. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked! Want me to build out a printable recipe card too?

Print