Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich

Alright, let’s talk big. Like, really big. This Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich is a total showstopper.

I remember the first time I made it—my kitchen smelled like a little deli in New Orleans. The layers of meats, cheese, and that bold olive salad? Just… wow.

If you’re craving something filling, salty, cheesy, and kinda fancy without the fuss, this is the one. And hey, it’s super easy to share (or not—no judgment here).

So come on, let’s build this flavor-packed beast together. Trust me, you’re gonna want to make it again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Muffaletta Flavor: A perfect balance of salty, tangy, and meaty goodness.
• Great for Sharing: Feeds a crowd, making it perfect for gatherings and game days.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The sandwich gets even better as it rests, allowing flavors to meld.
• Customizable: Swap meats, cheeses, or even make a vegetarian version.
• Easy to Assemble: No cooking required—just slice, stack, and press!

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this classic Muffaletta sandwich, you’ll need:

• Sharp Knife or Bread Knife – For slicing the bread and meats.
• Cutting Board – A sturdy surface for assembling the sandwich.
• Mixing Bowl – To prepare the olive salad.
• Large Spoon or Spatula – For spreading the olive salad evenly.
• Plastic Wrap & Heavy Object (Cast Iron Skillet or Books) – To press the sandwich.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious sandwich (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

For the Olive Salad

• Green Olives – Chopped for a salty, briny kick.
• Giardiniera (Italian Pickled Vegetables) – Adds crunch and acidity.
• Roasted Red Peppers – Sweet and smoky flavor.
• Shallot – Mild onion-like flavor that complements the olives.
• Capers – Brings in a tangy, salty punch.
• Garlic Cloves (Minced) – Essential for bold flavor.
• Olive Oil – The base of the olive salad dressing.
• Red Wine Vinegar – Adds brightness and tanginess.
• Dried Basil & Oregano – For classic Italian seasoning.
• Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper – To taste.

For the Sandwich

• Large Round Italian Bread Loaf (10 inches in diameter) – Traditional muffaletta bread is soft with a thin crust.
• Turkey Breast – Lean and tender.
• Mortadella – Classic Italian cold cut with a mild, slightly nutty taste.
• Salami – Brings in a rich, bold, slightly spicy flavor.
• Sliced Provolone Cheese – Adds a creamy, slightly sharp bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Olive Salad

The olive salad is what makes a Muffaletta stand out. Here’s how to make it:

1. Chop green olives, giardiniera, and roasted red peppers into small pieces.
2. Mince shallot, garlic, and capers finely.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine all chopped ingredients.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar.
5. Add basil, oregano, salt, and pepper, then mix well.
6. Cover and let sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) to enhance the flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Continued)

2. Slice and Prepare the Bread

The bread serves as the foundation of this sandwich, so it’s important to prep it correctly.

1. Use a sharp bread knife to carefully slice the large round Italian loaf in half horizontally.
2. If the bread is too thick, scoop out a bit of the inside to make room for the fillings.
3. Lightly brush both cut sides with olive oil to enhance the flavor and prevent sogginess.
4. Optional: If you prefer a slight crunch, toast the bread under the broiler for 2-3 minutes.

3. Spread the Olive Salad

The secret to a great Muffaletta is making sure every bite is packed with flavor!

1. Spoon half of the olive salad onto the bottom half of the bread, spreading it evenly.
2. Press the mixture slightly into the bread to let the oils and seasonings soak in.
3. Reserve the remaining olive salad for the top half.

4. Layer the Meats and Cheeses

Now it’s time to stack up the layers of flavor!

1. Layer the turkey breast evenly across the bottom half of the bread.
2. Add mortadella, ensuring full coverage.
3. Place salami slices in an overlapping pattern to distribute the flavor.
4. Top with sliced provolone cheese, covering the meats completely.

💡 Pro Tip: If you prefer extra cheesiness, add a second layer of provolone.

5. Add the Remaining Olive Salad

Now, bring it all together:

1. Spread the remaining olive salad over the top half of the bread.
2. Press it gently so the oils soak into the bread, enhancing the flavor.

6. Assemble and Press the Sandwich

To achieve the signature Muffaletta texture, the sandwich needs to be pressed.

1. Place the top half of the bread over the fillings.
2. Wrap the entire sandwich tightly in plastic wrap.
3. Place a heavy object (like a cast iron skillet or heavy books) on top.
4. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, but preferably 1-2 hours, to allow flavors to meld.

erving and Decoration

7. Slice and Serve

Once the sandwich has been properly pressed, it’s time to slice and enjoy!

1. Unwrap the sandwich and place it on a cutting board.
2. Use a sharp serrated knife to cut the Muffaletta into 4 or 6 wedges, depending on your preference.
3. Serve immediately or wrap the slices individually for easy grab-and-go meals.

Pro Tip: For a restaurant-style presentation, serve each wedge with extra olive salad on the side.

How to Serve a Giant Muffaletta Sandwich

This sandwich is perfect for any occasion! Here are some ideas on how to serve it:

• As a Party Appetizer: Slice into smaller squares and serve with toothpicks.
• For Lunch or Picnics: Wrap individual portions in parchment paper for easy transport.
• With Sides: Pair with potato chips, a side salad, or a cup of soup for a complete meal.
• With Drinks: Goes great with lemonade, iced tea, or a classic Italian soda.

Storing the Muffaletta

The Muffaletta actually tastes better the next day because the flavors continue to meld! Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerate: Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the sandwich a day in advance for maximum flavor infusion.
• Do Not Freeze: The texture of the bread and olive salad does not freeze well, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Variations & Customizations

Want to change things up? Try these fun Muffaletta variations:

Meat Variations

• Spicy Kick: Swap turkey for spicy capicola or add hot soppressata.
• Vegetarian Option: Use grilled eggplant, roasted red peppers, and artichokes instead of meat.
• Classic New Orleans Style: Use traditional ham, Genoa salami, and mortadella.

Cheese Variations

• Extra Sharp Flavor: Use aged provolone or Parmesan shavings.
• Milder Taste: Substitute provolone with mozzarella or Swiss cheese.

Bread Alternatives

• Ciabatta Loaf: Offers a crispier texture.
• Focaccia Bread: Adds extra Italian herbs and richness.
• French Bread: Works well for a crunchier bite.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450-550
Protein	30g
Fat	25g
Carbohydrates	40g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	High (Varies by ingredients)

Muffaletta FAQs

1. Can I make Muffaletta ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

2. Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! If you can’t find traditional muffaletta bread, try focaccia, ciabatta, or French bread.

3. Is Muffaletta served hot or cold?

It’s traditionally served cold, but you can warm it slightly if you prefer.

4. Can I freeze Muffaletta?

No, freezing is not recommended as the olive salad makes the bread soggy.

5. What’s the best way to press the sandwich?

If you don’t have a heavy pan, use a cutting board with cans or books on top to weigh it down.

Conclusion

The Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich is the ultimate combination of bold flavors, satisfying textures, and effortless assembly. With its signature olive salad, layers of savory meats and cheeses, and soft-yet-sturdy Italian bread, this sandwich is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a party, preparing it for a picnic, or making it ahead for easy meals, the Muffaletta only gets better with time—making it one of the best make-ahead sandwiches you’ll ever try.

With its rich New Orleans heritage, this sandwich brings a little taste of Louisiana to your kitchen. So slice it up, savor every bite, and enjoy the perfect balance of salty, tangy, and meaty goodness!

Now it’s your turn! Have you ever tried making a Muffaletta at home? Let me know your favorite variations in the comments below! And if you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with fellow sandwich lovers.