Description
This classic Muffuletta sandwich features a hearty Italian bread loaded with a savory blend of Genoa salami, mortadella, ham, provolone, and mozzarella cheeses, paired perfectly with tangy olive salad. Chilled to meld flavors, this sandwich offers a delicious and satisfying meal ideal for lunch or picnic gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 large round Italian bread loaf or muffuletta bread (about 10 inches wide)
Olive Salad
- 1 cup olive salad (store-bought or homemade)
Meats & Cheeses
- 4 oz sliced Genoa salami
- 4 oz sliced mortadella
- 4 oz sliced ham
- 4 oz sliced provolone cheese
- 4 oz sliced mozzarella cheese
Optional
- 2 tbsp olive oil (optional, for brushing bread)
Instructions
- Slice the bread: Cut the large round Italian bread loaf horizontally into two halves. If desired, scoop out some of the soft interior crumb from the bottom half to create extra room for the filling without the sandwich becoming too bulky.
- Spread olive salad: Evenly spread half of the olive salad over the cut surface of the bottom bread half, pressing slightly to ensure it adheres and infuses flavor throughout.
- Layer meats and cheeses: Neatly layer the slices of Genoa salami, mortadella, ham, provolone cheese, and mozzarella cheese over the olive salad, distributing each ingredient evenly for balanced taste in every bite.
- Add remaining olive salad: Spoon the remaining half of the olive salad on top of the layered meats and cheeses, creating a moist, flavorful topping that complements the sandwich fillings.
- Assemble sandwich: Place the top half of the bread over the assembled layers and gently press down to compact the sandwich, helping the ingredients meld together.
- Wrap and chill: Wrap the entire sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, though overnight chilling is best to allow the bold flavors to blend thoroughly.
- Serve: Remove the sandwich from the refrigerator, slice it into wedges or quarters, and serve cold or at room temperature for a tasty, ready-to-eat Italian classic.
Notes
- Hollowing out the bread helps prevent the sandwich from being overly bulky while allowing more room for fillings.
- Olive salad can be store-bought for convenience or homemade for a fresh, customized flavor.
- Brushing the bread with olive oil is optional but adds extra moisture and richness to the crust.
- Refrigerating the sandwich is crucial to blend the flavors and ensure the olive salad soaks into the bread nicely.
- This sandwich is typically served cold or at room temperature, never toasted or heated.
- Slice into wedges for easier serving and to showcase the colorful layers inside the sandwich.
