Description

Orleans Italian Muffuletta with Extra Olive Salad is a classic New Orleans sandwich layered with Italian cured meats, provolone, mozzarella, and a bold homemade olive salad. Pressed until the flavors meld together, it’s the perfect make-ahead sandwich for picnics, parties, lunches, and game day.

Ingredients

For the Sandwich:

1 large Muffuletta loaf or round Italian sesame bread

8 slices Genoa salami

8 slices mortadella

8 slices smoked ham

6 slices provolone cheese

6 slices mozzarella cheese

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (optional)

For the Olive Salad:

1 cup green olives, chopped

1 cup black olives, chopped

1/2 cup giardiniera, chopped

1/2 cup roasted red peppers, diced

2 tbsp capers

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

1 tbsp fresh oregano (or 1 tsp dried)

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tbsp red wine vinegar

1 tsp lemon juice

1/2 tsp black pepper

Optional:

Sliced tomatoes

Pepperoncini

Fresh basil

Arugula

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Instructions

Combine the green olives, black olives, giardiniera, roasted red peppers, capers, garlic, parsley, oregano, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.

Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and black pepper, then pour over the olive mixture and stir well. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Slice the Muffuletta loaf in half horizontally and lightly toast if desired.

Spread half of the olive salad over the bottom half of the bread.

Layer the salami, mortadella, smoked ham, provolone, and mozzarella evenly over the olive salad.

Top with the remaining olive salad and add tomatoes, basil, or arugula if desired.

Place the top half of the bread over the filling.

Wrap the sandwich tightly and press with a heavy skillet or cutting board for 20 to 30 minutes.

Slice into wedges and serve with chips, pickles, or a fresh salad.

Notes

Prepare the olive salad a day ahead for even better flavor.

Pressing the sandwich helps the bread absorb the olive dressing.

Serve at room temperature for the best taste.

Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Use quality Italian deli meats and cheeses for authentic flavor.

Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Category: Main Course
Method: Assembling
Cuisine: Italian-American