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Muffuletta

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Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time

Prep: 30 min. + chilling

Makes

8 servings

Updated: Jun. 27, 2023
Muffuletta, which originated in New Orleans, is named after the round, crusty Sicilian loaf of bread it's traditionally served on. While I favor my own olive salad, there are several good versions available in most supermarkets. —Lou Sansevero, Ferron, Utah
Muffuletta
Muffuletta Recipe photo by Taste of Home
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Ingredients

  • 1 cup pimiento-stuffed olives, chopped
  • 3/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 celery rib, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini, chopped
  • 1/2 cup pitted Greek olives, chopped
  • 1/4 cup cocktail onions, drained and chopped
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 3/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1 round loaf (1 pound) unsliced Italian bread
  • 1/2 pound thinly sliced Genoa salami
  • 1/2 pound thinly sliced deli ham
  • 1/2 pound sliced mortadella
  • 1/2 pound sliced Swiss cheese
  • 1/2 pound sliced provolone cheese

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the first 14 ingredients. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours.
  2. Cut bread in half horizontally; carefully hollow out top and bottom, leaving a 1-in. shell (discard removed bread or save for another use). Spoon half the olive mixture over bottom half of bread. Layer with salami, ham, mortadella, Swiss and provolone; top with remaining olive mixture. Replace bread top. Wrap tightly. Refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight. Cut into 8 wedges.
Muffuletta Tips

What is a muffuletta?

Muffuletta is a traditional New Orleans sandwich featuring an olive salad (known as muffuletta olive salad or muffuletta spread), cold cuts and cheese. This crowd-sized treat is made on a large round loaf of bread and cut into wedges for sharing.

Can you use store-bought giardiniera instead of making it yourself?

Of course you can! Look for the Italian condiment packed with peppers, cauliflower, carrots and other crisp-tender in pickle or Italian section of your grocery store. Hot and mild varieties are available. If you’re interested in the basics of home canning, you can also make your own delicious giardiniera.

Do you have to let a muffuletta rest before cutting and serving?

Yes. Ideally, you wrap the sandwich tightly and refrigerate it for several hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to blend and lets your delicious olive spread soften the crispy loaf a little bit.

Should you serve a muffuletta hot or cold?

Most muffuletta sandwiches are served cold. This makes for easier cutting and tidier eating. Looking for more Louisiana flavors? Don’t miss our other New Orleans-inspired recipes perfect for Mardi Gras or any time of year.

—Christine Rukavena, Taste of Home Senior Book Editor

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 762 calories, 59g fat (18g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 2326mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 35g protein.