Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich Recipe
Introduction
The Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich is a delicious and hearty dish that originated in New Orleans. It is a popular choice for picnics, potlucks, and parties due to its size and ability to feed a crowd. This recipe is packed with flavor and includes a variety of Italian meats, cheese, and a tangy olive salad. Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering sandwich that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
For the sandwich:
– 1 large round loaf of Italian bread
– 1/2 pound of Genoa salami
– 1/2 pound of ham
– 1/2 pound of mortadella
– 1/2 pound of provolone cheese
– 1/2 pound of mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup of olive salad (see recipe below)
For the olive salad:
– 1 cup of green olives, pitted and chopped
– 1/2 cup of black olives, pitted and chopped
– 1/2 cup of giardiniera (pickled vegetables), chopped
– 1/4 cup of roasted red peppers, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
– 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
1. To make the olive salad, combine the green olives, black olives, giardiniera, roasted red peppers, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.
2. Slice the round loaf of Italian bread in half horizontally.
3. Spread a generous amount of olive salad on the bottom half of the bread.
4. Layer the Genoa salami, ham, mortadella, provolone cheese, and mozzarella cheese on top of the olive salad.
5. Place the top half of the bread on the sandwich and press down firmly.
6. Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Before serving, unwrap the sandwich and slice into wedges.
Tips and Variations
– You can customize the ingredients in the sandwich according to your preference. Add or substitute different meats and cheeses to create your own unique flavor combination.
– If you don’t have a round loaf of Italian bread, you can use a large baguette or any other type of crusty bread.
– The olive salad can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can also be used as a condiment for other sandwiches or as a topping for salads.
Tips
– Make sure to use a sharp knife to slice the sandwich into wedges. This will help keep the layers intact.
– If you prefer a warm sandwich, you can heat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes before serving.
Conclusion
The Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich is a crowd-pleasing dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its layers of Italian meats, cheese, and tangy olive salad, it is a flavorful and satisfying meal. Whether you’re planning a picnic, hosting a party, or simply craving a delicious sandwich, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy!
