A New Orleans-inspired sandwich with layers of savory Italian cold cuts, cheeses, and a bold olive tapenade, all packed into a hearty round loaf. This flavor-packed muffuletta is perfect for lunch, picnics, or game day—and tastes even better after marinating for a few hours!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic New Orleans Flavor – A classic sandwich from Central Grocery in New Orleans.
- Savory & Bold – Packed with salami, mortadella, provolone, and olive tapenade.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Flavors intensify when refrigerated before serving.
- Perfect for Sharing – Great for parties, game nights, or meal prep.
- No Cooking Required – A no-fuss, easy-to-assemble sandwich.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Sandwich:
- 1 large round loaf of Italian bread (or Sicilian sesame bread)
- 8 oz Genoa salami, sliced
- 8 oz mortadella, sliced
- 4 oz provolone cheese, sliced
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced
For the Olive Tapenade:
- ½ cup olive tapenade (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- ¼ cup green olives, sliced
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
Directions
1. Prep the Bread
- Slice the round loaf of Italian bread in half horizontally.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder.
- Brush both halves of the bread with the olive oil mixture.
2. Layer the Fillings
- On the bottom half of the bread, layer:
- Genoa salami
- Mortadella
- Provolone cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Olive tapenade
- Roasted red peppers
- Sliced green olives
- Place the top half of the bread over the fillings and press down gently.
3. Let It Rest
- Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours) to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Slice & Serve
- Slice into wedges and serve at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 550 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add hot capicola or spicy soppressata for extra heat.
- Lighter Version – Use whole wheat bread and reduced-fat cheese.
- Vegetarian Option – Swap the meat for grilled eggplant, zucchini, and artichokes.
- Extra Cheesy – Layer with extra provolone or fresh mozzarella.
- Smaller Portions – Use ciabatta rolls for mini muffulettas.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerator: Wrap tightly and store for up to 2 days.
- Make Ahead: The sandwich tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
- Best Served: At room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
What is a Muffuletta?
A Muffuletta is a Sicilian-style sandwich popularized in New Orleans—known for its olive spread, layers of cold cuts, and Italian cheeses.
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes! Ciabatta, focaccia, or crusty Italian rolls work well.
What cheese is best for a muffuletta?
A mix of provolone, mozzarella, and sometimes Swiss cheese is traditional.
How can I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?
Brushing the bread with olive oil helps create a barrier against moisture.
What can I serve with a muffuletta?
Pair with chips, pickles, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Can I make this sandwich warm?
Yes! Wrap in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes.
Can I use a different meat?
Absolutely! Try turkey, or pastrami for a different spin.
How do I make homemade olive tapenade?
Blend black and green olives, capers, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice in a food processor.
What’s the best way to slice this sandwich?
Use a sharp serrated knife to cut into wedges for easy serving.
Can I add lettuce or tomatoes?
Yes, but add them right before serving to keep the sandwich from getting soggy.
Conclusion
This Classic Italian Muffuletta is bold, hearty, and bursting with flavor! Whether you’re making it for lunch, a picnic, or a game-day meal, this sandwich is guaranteed to be a hit. Try it today and taste a piece of New Orleans at home!
Print
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Classic Italian Muffuletta is a New Orleans-inspired sandwich loaded with Italian cold cuts, cheeses, and a bold olive tapenade, all layered inside a hearty round Italian loaf. Perfect for make-ahead lunches, picnics, or game day—this sandwich only gets better as the flavors meld!
Ingredients
- 1 large round loaf of Italian bread (or Sicilian sesame bread)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 oz Genoa salami, sliced
- 8 oz mortadella, sliced
- 4 oz provolone cheese, sliced
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced
- ½ cup olive tapenade (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- ¼ cup green olives, sliced
Instructions
1. Prep the Bread:
- Slice the round loaf in half horizontally.
- In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Oregano
- Basil
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Garlic powder
- Brush the cut sides of both halves of the bread with the olive oil mixture.
2. Assemble the Sandwich:
- On the bottom half of the bread, layer:
- Genoa salami
- Mortadella
- Provolone cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Olive tapenade
- Roasted red peppers
- Sliced green olives
- Place the top half of the bread over the fillings and press down gently.
3. Let the Flavors Meld:
- Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Serve & Enjoy:
- Slice into wedges and serve at room temperature.
Notes
- Make It Spicy: Add spicy capicola or hot soppressata for extra heat.
- Bread Tip: If the bread is too thick, scoop out some of the inside for better layering.
- Serving Idea: Pair with a side of pickles, chips, or a simple salad.
- Make Ahead: The flavors get even better after a few hours, making this perfect for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Sandwiches, Meal Prep
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American, New Orleans-Inspired
