Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich: The Ultimate Muffaletta Recipe

Name: Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 cup green olives, chopped; 1 cup giardiniera, chopped ((or pickled peppers)); 0.5 cup roasted red peppers, chopped; 1 each shallot, minced; 2 tablespoons capers; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 0.25 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (No alcoholic drinks allowed, please substitute with a non-alcoholic option.); 0.5 teaspoon dried basil; 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 10-inch round Italian bread loaf (Muffaletta bread if available); 0.5 pound sliced capicola or deli ham; 0.5 pound sliced mortadella; 0.5 pound sliced salami; 0.5 pound sliced provolone cheese

Introduction to Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich

Get ready to indulge in the deliciousness of a Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich! This classic sandwich is renowned for its bold flavors and hearty ingredients, perfect for gatherings or a satisfying meal at home. The combination of meats, cheeses, and a robust olive tapenade creates a taste experience that’s truly unforgettable. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting, this recipe is friendly and straightforward, promising delightful results.

A Personal Story Behind My Giant Muffaletta Journey

My love for the Muffaletta sandwich began during a family vacation to New Orleans. I was captivated by the vibrant flavors and the joyful atmosphere surrounding the food scene. After trying my first Muffaletta, I knew I had to recreate it at home. Over the years, I’ve experimented with various ingredients and techniques, leading to the creation of this Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich recipe that I’m excited to share with you all.

What Makes This Giant Muffaletta Recipe Special?

This recipe stands out due to its homemade olive tapenade, which combines green olives, giardiniera, roasted red peppers, and aromatic herbs. This vibrant mixture not only enhances the taste but also adds a beautiful color to the sandwich. Plus, the use of quality Italian meats and provolone cheese ensures that every bite is a flavorful experience. It’s a sandwich that’s not just about filling—it’s a celebration of taste and texture!

The Full Giant Muffaletta Recipe

Ingredients

FOR THE OLIVE TAPENADE MIXTURE
- 1 cup green olives, chopped
- 1 cup giardiniera, chopped (or pickled peppers)
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1 shallot, minced
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (No alcoholic drinks allowed, please substitute with a non-alcoholic option.)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
FOR THE MUFFALETTA SANDWICH
- 1 10-inch round Italian bread loaf (Muffaletta bread if available)
- 1/2 pound sliced capicola or deli ham
- 1/2 pound sliced mortadella
- 1/2 pound sliced salami
- 1/2 pound sliced provolone cheese

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the chopped green olives, giardiniera, roasted red peppers, minced shallot, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried basil, and dried oregano. Mix everything well to create the olive tapenade mixture. Tip: Letting the tapenade sit for a bit enhances the flavors.
Take the Italian bread loaf and slice it in half lengthwise. Hollow out some of the interior to create space for the olive-pepper salad. Keep the scooped-out bread for later use, perhaps for breadcrumbs or croutons!
Place the two halves of the bread with the insides facing up. Evenly spread the olive tapenade mixture over both halves of the bread.
On the bottom half of the bread, layer the sliced capicola, mortadella, salami, and provolone cheese. Tip: Feel free to adjust the layers based on your preference for meats or cheeses.
Top with the other half of the bread to complete the sandwich. Wrap the entire sandwich in plastic wrap and place a weight on top to gently press it down. Allow it to sit for about 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
Unwrap the sandwich, slice it into 8 triangular pieces, and serve. Tip: This sandwich pairs wonderfully with a side salad or chips.

Serving Suggestions and Variations for Giant Muffaletta

This Giant Muffaletta is perfect for picnics, parties, or a hearty family dinner. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad or some crunchy potato chips for a delightful contrast in textures. For a vegetarian option, consider substituting the meats with grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. You can also try different cheeses or add a spicy mustard for an extra kick!

Frequently Asked Questions About Giant Muffaletta

Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors only get better as they meld together. Just wrap it tightly and store it in the refrigerator.

What type of olives should I use?
Green olives work best, but feel free to mix in some black olives for a different flavor profile.

Is this sandwich suitable for freezing?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze individual slices. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.