Muffaletta Sandwich

Boasting homemade olive spread along with delicious Italian deli meats and cheese, this is the ultimate sandwich if you love vibrant and authentic Italian flavors.

If you enjoy recipes like this, also try pressed Italian picnic sandwiches, this easy rotisserie chicken sandwich, or perhaps hot turkey sandwiches.

Why You’ll Love It

Easy to prepare: The homemade olive mixture simply entails mixing together ingredients. The only other steps are to cut the bread, add the olive spread and layer the meats and cheeses! The only difficult part is waiting in anticipation while the muffaletta sandwiches are chilling!
A versatile bite: A classic muffaletta sandwich recipe can be adapted however you wish, so feel free to use any types of meat and cheese in place of the suggested ones.
So satisfying: Even the hungriest belly will be happy after enjoying this great sandwich.

Muffaletta Olive Salad Sandwich Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Giardiniera: Adds crunch, tang and a subtle kick of heat to the olive spread (recipe here!)
Green olives: Briny and slightly tart, they bring sharp, savory notes.
Kalamata olives: Deep, rich flavor that balances the brighter green olives.
Garlic: Sharp and aromatic, adding a punch of flavor.
Parsley: Freshens the spread with a bit of herbal brightness.
Roasted red peppers: Sweet, smoky flavor and vibrant color.
Capers: Salty, tangy bursts that enhance the overall savoriness.
Extra virgin olive oil: Binds the olive salad together and adds richness.
Red pepper flakes: A touch of heat to balance out the brine.
Oregano: Earthy and aromatic.
Muffuletta bread or focaccia: Dense, flavorful bread that holds up to the weight and moisture of the sandwich.
Mortadella, capicola, genoa salami, ham: Classic Italian meats that provide savory, smoky, and spicy flavors.
Provolone and mozzarella: Mild and melty cheeses that balance the salty meats and briny spread.

How to Make a Muffaletta Sandwich

For more detailed instructions, with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Make the olive salad: Simply mix all the olive salad recipe ingredients together.
Prepare the bread: Cut the bread and spread the olive salad mix on the cut parts.
Add the fillings: Add the Italian cold cuts and cheese in layers.
Let it chill: Chill the muffaletta sandwich wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge for several hours, weighed down to prevent it from falling apart later.

Substitutions and Variations

Meats: Any deli meats will work. New Orleans muffalettas typically include cold cuts like ham, salami and mortadella.
Cheese: I used provolone and mozzarella. Swiss cheese is another tasty option or perhaps fontina.
Olive spread consistency: If you would like it finer, pulse the ingredients in a food processor or blender briefly.
Bread: Use round Italian bread or substitute focaccia or ciabatta if you can’t get a round loaf of Sicilian bread with sesame seeds (the traditional choice for a muffaletta recipe). A round loaf of bread is the signature look for this classic sandwich.
Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free loaf of Italian bread.

Serving Suggestions

With a chilled side dish: A shaved Brussel sprouts salad, bacon and potato salad or even unusual watermelon jalapeno salad would be good.
With a hot side dish: Enjoy polenta fries or Louisiana voodoo fries with your sandwich.

How to Store Muffaletta Sandwiches

Store: This sandwich will keep for a couple of days in the refrigerator if you have leftovers, but it’s best served on the same day when it’s freshest.
Freeze: Another idea is to freeze the sandwich, although the bread texture won’t be as good when it thaws out, so I recommend keeping any leftovers refrigerated instead.