The Muffuletta sandwich is a legendary creation that originated in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has become a staple of the city’s diverse culinary culture. Known for its hearty layers of cold cuts, tangy olive salad, and delicious bread, the Muffuletta is a sandwich that delivers big flavors in every bite. It’s perfect for a lunch, picnic, or even a casual dinner, and it holds a special place in the hearts of food lovers across the country.
Whether you’re familiar with this classic sandwich or are preparing to try it for the first time, this recipe will guide you in creating an authentic Muffuletta that captures the true essence of New Orleans cuisine.
The Origins of Muffuletta
The Muffuletta sandwich was created in 1906 by an Italian immigrant named Salvatore Lupo, who owned the Central Grocery store in New Orleans’ French Quarter. The story goes that Lupo made the sandwich to offer something filling for his customers, using ingredients popular among Italian immigrants, such as cured meats, cheese, and a homemade olive salad. The sandwich is named after the round, Sicilian-style bread known as “muffuletta,” which was commonly used for this type of sandwich.
Today, Muffulettas are still beloved by locals and visitors alike, and the Central Grocery remains one of the best-known spots to get an authentic Muffuletta in New Orleans.
Ingredients for Muffuletta Sandwich
To make the perfect Muffuletta, you’ll need a few key ingredients that come together to create this iconic sandwich:
For the Sandwich:
- 1 large round Muffuletta bread: The bread is crucial for an authentic Muffuletta. It should be soft but sturdy enough to hold all the ingredients without falling apart. If you can’t find Muffuletta bread, a round Italian or French bread will work as a substitute, but it should have a slightly firm crust.
- 1/2 lb Genoa salami: This is a flavorful, slightly tangy salami that pairs perfectly with the other meats.
- 1/2 lb ham: Thinly sliced ham adds a mild, savory flavor that complements the more intense ingredients.
- 1/4 lb mortadella: Mortadella is an Italian cured meat that’s similar to bologna but with a smoother, richer texture and flavor.
- 1/4 lb Provolone cheese: Provolone adds a mild, nutty flavor that balances the savory meats.
- 1/4 lb mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella provides a creamy texture that contrasts nicely with the other components.
For the Olive Salad:
The olive salad is what makes a Muffuletta truly stand out. It’s tangy, zesty, and adds a burst of flavor to the sandwich.
- 1 cup green olives, pitted and chopped: Green olives are typically used, but you can mix them with black olives for added color and depth.
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped: Kalamata olives add a touch of sweetness and depth to the salad.
- 1/2 cup giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables): Giardiniera is a mix of pickled vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, and celery, adding crunch and tanginess.
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, chopped: Roasted red peppers bring a smoky, sweet flavor that complements the brininess of the olives.
- 1/4 cup capers: Capers add a briny, tangy flavor that enhances the olive salad.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds an aromatic punch to the olive salad.
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar: Red wine vinegar gives the olive salad a tangy kick.
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil: Olive oil adds richness and helps to combine the flavors of the salad.
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano: Oregano adds an herby flavor that ties the olive salad together.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes add a bit of heat, though you can adjust the amount based on your preference.
Instructions for Making Muffuletta Sandwich
Step 1: Prepare the Olive Salad
Start by making the olive salad, as it needs to sit for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. In a medium bowl, combine the green olives, Kalamata olives, giardiniera, roasted red peppers, capers, and garlic. Add the red wine vinegar, olive oil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until well combined.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. The longer the salad sits, the more flavorful it becomes, so feel free to prepare it a few hours in advance or even the day before.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
Slice the Muffuletta bread horizontally, but don’t cut all the way through. You want the top and bottom to stay connected, making it easier to handle the sandwich later. If the bread is too thick in the center, use your hands to hollow it out a bit, creating space for the fillings.
Step 3: Layer the Meats and Cheeses
Start layering the meats and cheeses in the following order, working from the bottom to the top:
- Genoa salami
- Ham
- Mortadella
- Provolone cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
Each layer should be even and spread across the bread. This creates a solid foundation for the sandwich that ensures every bite has a bit of everything.
Step 4: Add the Olive Salad
Once the meats and cheeses are layered, generously spoon the prepared olive salad on top. Be sure to include both the olives and the flavorful oil/vinegar mixture from the salad to soak into the bread. You want the bread to absorb some of the tangy, salty, and herby juices, which gives the Muffuletta its signature flavor.
Step 5: Close the Sandwich
Once you’ve added the olive salad, close the sandwich by folding the top half of the bread over the filling. Press down gently to compact the sandwich and help the flavors meld together.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Traditionally, Muffulettas are served cold or at room temperature. You can also wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for a few hours or even overnight to allow the flavors to combine even more. If you prefer, you can also slice the sandwich into quarters or eighths, making it easy to serve at a gathering or picnic.
Tips for the Perfect Muffuletta
- Use Fresh Bread: The bread is the foundation of the Muffuletta, so it’s important to use a fresh, round loaf. If the bread is too crusty or stale, it won’t hold up to the juicy olive salad and meats.
- Make the Olive Salad Ahead of Time: Letting the olive salad sit for an hour or more allows the flavors to develop and the ingredients to marry. You can even prepare the olive salad the night before for convenience.
- Customize the Meats and Cheeses: While the traditional Muffuletta uses Genoa salami, ham, mortadella, provolone, and mozzarella, feel free to swap out any of these ingredients based on your preferences. You can also add pepperoni or other Italian cold cuts.
- Serve Cold or Room Temperature: Muffulettas are typically served cold or at room temperature. The flavors continue to develop as the sandwich sits, making it even more delicious the next day.
- Press the Sandwich: If you have the time, press the sandwich lightly with a heavy object (such as a pan or a brick wrapped in foil) to help the ingredients meld together before serving.
Why You’ll Love the Muffuletta Sandwich
- Big on flavor: The Muffuletta packs layers of savory, tangy, and herby flavors from the meats, cheeses, and olive salad.
- Versatile: It’s perfect for lunch, picnics, parties, or even as a grab-and-go meal.
- Filling: The Muffuletta is hearty and satisfying, making it a great option for feeding a crowd or preparing for meal prep.
- Authentic taste: With this recipe, you can bring the taste of New Orleans to your kitchen and enjoy an iconic sandwich that has been loved for over a century.
Final Thoughts
The Muffuletta sandwich is a true New Orleans treasure, with its layers of meats, cheeses, and a flavorful olive salad all packed into a soft, hearty bread. It’s a sandwich that has stood the test of time and remains a favorite for anyone who’s had the chance to try it. Whether you’re making it for a family meal, a gathering, or just treating yourself to something delicious, this Muffuletta recipe will bring the spirit of New Orleans to your table.