New Orleans-Style Muffuletta Sandwich

An authentic New Orleans muffuletta sandwich with olive salad and deli meats.

This muffuletta sandwich, reminiscent of New Orleans iconic flavors, is crafted with layers of delicious deli meats, cheeses, and the essential olive salad, all packed inside a round Italian loaf. It is perfect for gatherings and sure to please a crowd!

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 6

Full Ingredient List

  • 1 10-inch round Italian bread
  • 1 cup Olive Salad
  • 1/4 lb Capicola or deli ham, 4-6 slices
  • 1/4 lb Genoa Salami, 6-8 slices
  • 1/4 lb Mortadella, 4-6 slices
  • 1/8 lb Sliced Mozzarella, 3-4 thin slices
  • 1/8 lb Provolone, 3-4 thin slices
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Muffuletta Sandwich

Tools and Equipment

Ingredients

Quantity Name Preparation Notes Substitutions
1 loaf Round Italian bread 10-inch diameter
1 cup Olive Salad
1/4 lb, 4-6 slices Capicola or deli ham Thinly sliced
1/4 lb, 6-8 slices Genoa Salami Thinly sliced
1/4 lb, 4-6 slices Mortadella Thinly sliced
1/8 lb, 3-4 slices Sliced Mozzarella Thinly sliced Swiss cheese
1/8 lb, 3-4 slices Provolone cheese Thinly sliced Swiss cheese
As needed Extra virgin olive oil For brushing bread
To taste Salt
To taste Pepper

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Slice the round Italian bread in half horizontally.
  2. Step 2: Brush both inner sides of the bread with olive oil, using oil from the olive salad or extra virgin olive oil, applying more on the bottom half.
  3. Step 3: Layer the capicola, salami, and mortadella on the bottom half of the bread, followed by the slices of mozzarella and provolone cheese.
  4. Step 4: Spread the olive salad over the meat and cheese from the center outwards, leaving about a half-inch from the edge. (Tips: This helps the bread absorb the flavors.)
  5. Step 5: Place the top half of the bread over the fillings and press down lightly to compact the sandwich.
  6. Step 6: Optional: Place the entire sandwich on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to melt the cheese and slightly toast the bread. (Tips: This step enhances the flavors and texture.)
  7. Step 7: Using a bread knife, slice the muffuletta into 4 to 6 wedges and serve. (Tips: Cutting just before serving keeps the sandwich fresh.)

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: 489
  • Protein: 25g
  • Fat: 26g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 4g

Additional Information

Notes: Store leftover muffuletta in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Background: The muffuletta sandwich is a staple of New Orleans cuisine, known for its stacked layers and flavorful olive salad. Originating from Sicilian immigrants, it’s most famously served at Central Grocery in New Orleans.

Geographic Region: New Orleans, USA

Seasonality: Year-round

Occasion: Casual gatherings, lunch, Mardi Gras

Recommended Pairings

  • Gumbo
  • Beer
  • Iced tea

Tags

New Orleans Muffuletta Sandwich Party Food Deli Cheese Olive Salad Bread Italian Bread Entertaining Freezable