Description
A classic Italian Muffuletta sandwich featuring layers of savory Genoa salami, ham, mortadella, provolone, and mozzarella cheeses, complemented by a flavorful olive tapenade, roasted red peppers, and a tangy dressing, all packed inside a round Italian loaf. Perfect for a hearty and authentic Italian deli experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 large round loaf of Italian bread (Muffuletta bread, or ciabatta/focaccia as alternatives)
Olive Tapenade and Vegetables
- 1/2 cup olive tapenade (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1/4 cup green olives, sliced
Meats and Cheeses
- 1/4 lb Genoa salami, thinly sliced
- 1/4 lb ham, thinly sliced
- 1/4 lb mortadella, thinly sliced
- 1/4 lb provolone cheese, thinly sliced
- 1/4 lb mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Slice the large round Italian loaf horizontally into two halves, creating a top and bottom bun for the sandwich.
- Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes, and garlic powder. Whisk thoroughly to create a flavorful dressing.
- Assemble olive tapenade layer: Spread the olive tapenade evenly over the bottom half of the bread, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
- Add vegetables: Layer the sliced roasted red peppers and green olives over the tapenade, distributing evenly.
- Layer the meats: Arrange the thin slices of Genoa salami, ham, and mortadella on top of the vegetables, creating a full and even layer.
- Add cheeses: Place the provolone and mozzarella cheese slices over the deli meats, ensuring consistent coverage across the sandwich.
- Drizzle dressing: Sprinkle the prepared dressing evenly over the layered ingredients on the bottom half of the bread to infuse flavors.
- Assemble the sandwich: Carefully place the top half of the bread over the layered bottom half to form the sandwich.
- Press and refrigerate: Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and for the bread to absorb the dressing fully, enhancing the overall taste.
- Serve: Slice the Muffuletta into quarters or halves as preferred and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a deeper, more intense flavor, refrigerate the assembled sandwich overnight before serving.
- Feel free to customize the cold cuts and cheeses according to your taste or availability.
- Traditional Muffuletta sandwiches do not include lettuce or tomatoes, but you can add them if you prefer, keeping in mind it deviates from the classic recipe.
