Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Marinating Time: 1 hour (optional but recommended)
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Difficulty: Moderate
Intensity: Medium (involves layering and assembly)

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Description

The Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich is a New Orleans-inspired masterpiece, packed with layers of cured Italian meats, cheeses, and a tangy olive salad. This hearty sandwich is perfect for gatherings, picnics, or game day feasts. The olive salad adds a briny, zesty kick that cuts through the richness of the meats and cheese, making every bite irresistible.

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Ingredients

For the Olive Salad:

• 1 cup green olives (pitted & chopped)

• 1 cup Kalamata olives (pitted & chopped)

• ½ cup giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables, drained & chopped)

• ¼ cup roasted red peppers (chopped)

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• 2 tbsp capers (drained)

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

For the Sandwich:

• 1 large round Italian loaf or sourdough bread (about 10-12 inches in diameter)

• ½ lb Genoa salami (thinly sliced)

• ½ lb mortadella (thinly sliced)

• ½ lb ham (thinly sliced)

• ½ lb provolone cheese (sliced)

• ½ lb mozzarella cheese (sliced)

• ½ lb spicy capicola (optional, for extra heat)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Olive Salad

1. In a large bowl, combine green olives, Kalamata olives, giardiniera, roasted red peppers, garlic, capers, and parsley.

2. Add red wine vinegar, oregano, black pepper, and olive oil. Mix well.

3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich

1. Slice the bread: Cut the loaf horizontally, leaving a hinge so it opens like a book. Remove some of the soft interior to make room for the fillings.

2. Layer the meats & cheeses:

   • Spread half of the olive salad on the bottom half of the bread.

   • Layer salami, mortadella, ham, capicola (if using), provolone, and mozzarella.

   • Top with the remaining olive salad.

3. Press the sandwich: Close the loaf and wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil.

4. Weight it down: Place a heavy skillet or cutting board on top and let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for better melding).

Step 3: Serve

1. Unwrap and slice into wedges (like a pie) for easy serving.

2. Enjoy immediately or pack for a picnic (keeps well for a few hours at room temperature).

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 1/8 of Sandwich)

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

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Tips & Variations

✅ Make Ahead: The olive salad tastes even better the next day.
✅ Vegetarian Option: Skip the meats and add grilled eggplant, zucchini, and extra cheese.
✅ Spicy Kick: Add pepperoncini or a dash of hot sauce to the olive salad.
✅ Storage: Wrap tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days (press again before serving).

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Final Thoughts

This Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich is a showstopper—perfect for feeding a crowd with bold, layered flavors. The olive salad is the star, balancing the savory meats and creamy cheeses. Whether for a party or a hearty lunch, this sandwich delivers satisfaction in every bite!