Muffuletta Sandwich
This authentic-inspired New Orleans Muffuletta Sandwich is loaded with layers of Italian meats, cheeses, and a tangy homemade olive salad. Whether you enjoy it the traditional way or toasted, this hearty sandwich is perfect for game days, parties, lunches, and make-ahead meals.
If you've ever visited New Orleans, chances are you've heard of the famous Muffuletta Sandwich. This iconic sandwich is stacked high with layers of capocollo, mortadella, ham, provolone, mozzarella, and a flavorful olive salad that soaks into the bread for an unforgettable bite.
The muffuletta originated in New Orleans and has become one of the city's most beloved sandwiches. The combination of savory Italian deli meats, creamy cheeses, and a briny olive salad creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
My version includes an easy homemade olive salad made with green olives, Kalamata olives, giardiniera, roasted red peppers, capers, garlic, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. You can enjoy it the traditional way by allowing the sandwich to rest before serving, or make my toasted version for a warm and melty twist.
Whether you're making this for a football party, family gathering, Mardi Gras celebration, or simply because you're craving a taste of New Orleans, this homemade Muffuletta Sandwich is guaranteed to impress.
📝 Ingredients
- To build the Muffuletta Sandwich
- 1 large round muffuletta loaf or Italian Loaf(about 10–12 inches)
- 1 cup olive salad - homemade or from the jar
- 1/4 lb sliced Capocollo
- 1/4 lb sliced mortadella or Salami
- 1/4 lb sliced ham
- 1/4 lb sliced provolone cheese
- 1/4 lb sliced mozzarella or swiss cheese
- To make your own olive salad mix:
- 1 cup green olives, chopped
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, chopped
- 1/2 cup giardiniera, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 2 tbsp capers, drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
👩🍳 Directions
- 1
Original Muffuletta Instructions:
- 2
Slice the muffuletta loaf horizontally. Spoon half of the olive salad onto the bottom half of the bread, spreading evenly.
- 3
Layer the meats: Capocollo, Mortadella or salami, Ham
- 4
Layer the cheeses: Provolone, Mozzarella or Swiss
- 5
Top with the remaining olive salad. Place the top half of the bread on the sandwich and gently press down.
- 6
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for 1–2 hours. This step is key as it allows the olive salad to soak into the bread and brings all the flavors together. Cut into wedges and serve.
- 7
Toasted Version:
- 8
Cut Bread Horizontally then add meats on both sides and top with cheese. Toast and then add the olive salad. Put together the sandwich and slice/eat immediately.
- 9
How to build Olive Salad:
- 10
Combine the olives, giardiniera, roasted red peppers, capers, and garlic in a bowl.
- 11
Stir in the olive oil, vinegar, oregano, and black pepper.
- 12
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
📸 More Photos
💡 Tips for Success
- Make the olive salad at least 4 hours ahead, but overnight is even better for maximum flavor.
- Let the assembled sandwich rest in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours before serving so the olive salad can soak into the bread.
- Use a sesame-seed muffuletta loaf when possible for the most authentic New Orleans flavor.
- Drain excess liquid from the olive salad before assembling to prevent the bread from becoming overly soggy.
- Slice the sandwich into wedges for easy serving at parties, tailgates, and game-day gatherings.
- Customize the meats and cheeses based on what you have available—salami, mortadella, ham, provolone, mozzarella, and Swiss all work well.
- For a warm version, toast the bread with the meats and cheeses first, then add the olive salad just before serving.
- The olive salad can be made up to 2 weeks in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- This sandwich is ideal for feeding a crowd because it can be prepared ahead of time and served cold or warm.
- If you can't find muffuletta bread, a large round Italian loaf makes an excellent substitute.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Muffuletta Sandwich?
A Muffuletta is a famous New Orleans sandwich made with Italian meats, cheeses, and a marinated olive salad served on a round loaf of bread.
Can I make Muffuletta Sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, they're often better when made a few hours ahead. The olive salad has time to soak into the bread and enhance the flavor.
How long does olive salad last?
Homemade olive salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Can I use store-bought olive salad?
Absolutely. Store-bought olive salad is a great time saver and works perfectly in this recipe.
What's the best bread for a Muffuletta?
Traditional muffuletta bread is a large round sesame-seed loaf, but Italian bread can be substituted if needed.
Can I freeze a Muffuletta Sandwich?
It's not recommended because the olive salad can make the bread soggy once thawed. However, the olive salad itself freezes well.
What meats are traditionally used on a Muffuletta?
Traditional versions often include capocollo, mortadella, Genoa salami, and ham, along with provolone cheese.
Can I make this sandwich toasted?
Yes! The toasted version is delicious. Simply toast the bread with the meats and cheeses, then add the olive salad before serving.
Made this recipe?
Tag me on Instagram @holleyinthekitchen — I'd love to see it!