ADVERTISEMENT
#### **Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Olive Salad:**
Begin by preparing the olive salad. In a large mixing bowl, combine the green olives, black olives, pickled cauliflower, pickled carrots, and celery. Add the minced garlic, oregano, thyme, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. Stir the ingredients together and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the bowl and let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible, to allow the flavors to meld.
2. **Slice the Meats and Cheese:**
While the olive salad is marinating, slice the meats and cheeses. You want thin, even slices to ensure that every bite of the sandwich is filled with flavor. You can either buy pre-sliced deli meats or use a sharp knife to slice them yourself. Do the same with the cheeses, ensuring that each type is evenly sliced for even distribution.
3. **Prepare the Bread:**
Slice the muffuletta bread in half horizontally. If the loaf is large, you may want to trim the top slightly so that the bread is even. You can scoop out some of the bread from the inside to create more room for the fillings, but be sure to leave enough of the bread to hold everything together.
4. **Assemble the Sandwich:**
Now comes the fun part: assembling the sandwich! Start by layering the meats onto the bottom half of the bread. Begin with a layer of salami, followed by capicola, mortadella, and ham. Next, add the sliced provolone cheese, mozzarella, and Swiss cheese.
Once the meats and cheeses are layered, generously spoon the olive salad over the top. Spread the olive salad evenly, making sure to cover the entire surface of the meats and cheeses. Don’t worry about the salad spilling over; the bread will help hold everything together.
5. **Top the Sandwich:**
Place the top half of the bread onto the sandwich, pressing down gently to compact the ingredients. You can wrap the sandwich in plastic wrap or foil and place a heavy object (such as a skillet or pan) on top to press it down further. This will help the flavors meld together and make it easier to cut and serve.
6. **Cut and Serve:**
After pressing the sandwich for about 30 minutes to an hour, remove the wrap and slice the Muffaletta into wedges. Serve immediately or refrigerate it for later. The sandwich can be eaten cold or at room temperature, though some people prefer to warm it slightly in the oven to melt the cheese.
—
### **Serving Suggestions and Variations**
The Giant Muffaletta sandwich is a versatile dish that can be customized in various ways. Here are a few ideas to put your own twist on this classic Italian-American creation:
#### **1. Add Extra Veggies:**
If you love veggies, consider adding roasted red peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach to the sandwich for extra flavor and texture. These ingredients will pair wonderfully with the briny olive salad and complement the richness of the meats and cheeses.
#### **2. Spicy Kick:**
For those who love a little heat, try adding pickled jalapeños, banana peppers, or a drizzle of hot sauce to the olive salad or directly onto the sandwich. This will give the Muffaletta a spicy, zesty twist.
#### **3. Make It Vegetarian:**
If you’re looking for a vegetarian version of the Muffaletta, simply omit the meats and add extra cheeses, such as goat cheese or ricotta, along with additional vegetables like roasted eggplant, zucchini, or artichoke hearts. You can still use the olive salad to provide a burst of flavor.
—
### **Conclusion**
The Giant Muffaletta sandwich is a true masterpiece of Italian-American cuisine. It brings together a variety of savory, salty, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors in every bite. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion, a party, or simply for an indulgent lunch, this sandwich is sure to impress and satisfy.
By combining quality meats, cheeses, and the unforgettable olive salad, the Giant Muffaletta is more than just a sandwich — it’s a flavorful experience that brings together the best of Italian and New Orleans culinary traditions. So, the next time you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and a little adventurous, give this iconic sandwich a try. You won’t be disappointed!
