The Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich is an extraordinary creation that brings together a symphony of Mediterranean flavors in a single bite. Originating from the vibrant culinary scene of New Orleans, this oversized sandwich is known for its satisfying layers of cured meats, cheeses, and a distinctive olive salad spread. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or large family meals, the Muffaletta has become a beloved dish, transforming the typical sandwich into an indulgent feast.
Ingredients:
- 1 large round loaf of Italian bread (about 10-12 inches in diameter)
- 1/2 pound sliced Genoa salami
- 1/2 pound sliced ham
- 1/2 pound sliced mortadella
- 1/2 pound sliced provolone cheese
- 1/2 pound sliced mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup pitted green olives, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup pitted black olives, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup capers
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Begin by preparing the olive salad spread. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the green olives, black olives, capers, red onion, parsley, olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the oil and vinegar. Set the olive salad aside to let the flavors meld together.
- Slice the Italian bread into a horizontal half, creating a top and bottom for the sandwich. If the loaf is too thick, you can trim it slightly to your desired thickness for ease of handling.
- On the bottom half of the bread, begin layering the ingredients. Start with a generous layer of Genoa salami, followed by the ham, mortadella, provolone cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Arrange each layer neatly, ensuring they cover the entire bread surface.
- Once the meats and cheeses are stacked, generously spread the prepared olive salad on top of the cheese. Make sure the olive salad is evenly spread across the entire surface of the sandwich to allow each bite to be flavorful.
- Place the top half of the bread on top of the sandwich, gently pressing down to compact the layers. This will help the sandwich hold together and make it easier to slice.
- For the best results, wrap the entire sandwich in plastic wrap or parchment paper. Let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the sandwich to become easier to cut.
- After resting, slice the Giant Muffaletta into wedges, ensuring that each piece has a hearty portion of all the ingredients. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite.
The Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich is an excellent choice for feeding a crowd, as it combines the rich, savory flavors of Italian meats, cheeses, and the tangy olive salad. This sandwich is perfect for any occasion where you want to impress guests with an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a large family gathering, a picnic, or a special celebration, the Muffaletta never fails to satisfy.