Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich

Big, Bold, and Bursting with Flavor

Looking to wow a crowd with minimal effort and maximum flavor? Say hello to the Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich — a New Orleans classic stacked sky-high with layers of Italian meats, cheeses, and the signature olive salad that takes it over the top.

Originally created in the early 1900s by Sicilian immigrants in New Orleans, the muffaletta (also spelled muffuletta) is more than just a sandwich — it's a full-on flavor explosion. This oversized, pressed sandwich is perfect for game day, parties, picnics, or any time you want to feed a hungry group with something impressive, hearty, and irresistibly tasty.

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🧀 What Is a Muffaletta?

A muffaletta is traditionally made with a round, crusty loaf of Italian bread (or Sicilian sesame bread), layered with Italian deli meats like salami and mortadella, provolone cheese, and a zesty olive salad spread that gives it its iconic flavor. The sandwich is typically made ahead of time and pressed, allowing all the flavors to soak into the bread for maximum deliciousness.

This giant version stays true to tradition — and it’s guaranteed to be the hit of your next gathering.

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🥖 Ingredients

For the Olive Salad:

• 1 cup green olives, chopped

• 1/2 cup black olives, chopped

• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped

• 1/4 cup pickled giardiniera (Italian mixed pickled vegetables), chopped

• 2 tablespoons capers

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1/3 cup olive oil

• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Sandwich:

• 1 large round loaf of Italian bread or muffaletta bread (about 10–12 inches wide)

• 1/4 lb Genoa salami, thinly sliced

• 1/4 lb mortadella or ham, thinly sliced

• 1/4 lb capicola or spicy deli ham, thinly sliced

• 1/4 lb provolone cheese, sliced

• 1/4 lb mozzarella cheese, sliced

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🔪 How to Make It

1. Make the Olive Salad

In a medium bowl, mix all the olive salad ingredients. Stir well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight) to let the flavors blend. The longer it sits, the better it gets.

2. Prepare the Bread

Slice the loaf of bread horizontally. Hollow out some of the soft interior from the top and bottom halves to make room for the fillings. Be careful not to remove too much — you still want a good bread base.

3. Layer the Sandwich

Spread half of the olive salad on the bottom half of the bread. Layer with salami, mortadella, capicola, provolone, and mozzarella. Top with the remaining olive salad, then place the top half of the bread over everything.

4. Press and Chill (Optional but Recommended)

Wrap the entire sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place a heavy skillet or pan on top and refrigerate for 1–2 hours to press the sandwich. This step helps meld the flavors and makes slicing easier.

5. Serve

Unwrap, slice into wedges or squares, and serve cold or at room temperature. Perfect for sharing!

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🧠 Pro Tips & Variations

• Bread Substitute: Can’t find a traditional muffaletta loaf? Use ciabatta, focaccia, or a round sourdough boule.

• Make Ahead: This sandwich tastes even better after a few hours. Make it the night before your event for best results.

• Spicy Kick: Add banana peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the olive salad.

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the meats and load up on grilled vegetables, marinated artichokes, and extra cheese.

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🍽 When to Serve a Muffaletta

The giant muffaletta is a showstopper that fits right in at:

• Game day parties

• Tailgates

• Holiday gatherings

• Potlucks

• Road trips or picnics

• Casual lunch spreads

It’s easy to make ahead, easy to transport, and guaranteed to disappear fast.

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🥪 Final Thoughts

The Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich is everything you want in a party food — bold, beautiful, and packed with layers of savory satisfaction. From the briny, tangy olive salad to the rich deli meats and cheeses, every bite is a burst of Italian-inspired flavor.

Once you try it, it just might become your go-to signature sandwich for every gathering.