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MUFFULETTA SANDWICH – A SICILIAN-INSPIRED NEW ORLEANS CLASSIC

By Delicious Recipes!Posted on
MUFFULETTA SANDWICH – A SICILIAN-INSPIRED NEW ORLEANS CLASSIC

MUFFULETTA SANDWICH – A SICILIAN-INSPIRED NEW ORLEANS CLASSIC

Discover the iconic Muffuletta sandwich, a Sicilian creation embraced by the vibrant culture of New Orleans. Traditionally made with soft bread like focaccia or buns, this hearty sandwich is packed with layers of cured meats, cheese, and a tangy olive salad that melds flavors beautifully over time.

🕒 Prep Time: 15 min

🍳 Resting Time: 2 hours (in fridge)
🍰 Yield: 2 large sandwiches

🥪 Ingredients

Bread:

  • 2 round sandwich buns (~15 cm diameter) or larger sesame seed buns

Meats & Cheese:

  • 10 thin slices salami
  • 10 thin slices mortadella
  • 10 thin slices cheese (your choice)

Olive Salad:

  • 150 g mixed olives (black and green), pitted and finely chopped
  • 150 g pickled cauliflower, finely chopped
  • 5 pickled hot peppers, chopped
  • 1 roasted red pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 pinches black pepper
  • Olive oil (or a mix of sunflower and olive oil)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Pit and finely chop the olives. Chop the cauliflower, pickled hot peppers, roasted red pepper, parsley, and combine all salad ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Drizzle olive oil over the salad until well coated. Let the salad rest for at least a few hours to blend the flavors. (The salad can be refrigerated for up to 7 days.)
  3. Slice the buns in half and hollow out the crumb, leaving a sturdy shell.
  4. Fill the hollowed buns generously with the olive salad, draining excess oil.
  5. Layer salami slices evenly over the salad, then add cheese slices, followed by mortadella slices.
  6. Place the top half of the buns over the fillings. Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap.
  7. Place a plate on top of each sandwich and add a weight (like a canned good) to press down the sandwich firmly. Refrigerate for about 2 hours.
  8. Slice the sandwiches in half and serve.

💡 Tips

  • Use soft, fresh bread like focaccia or a soft bun for easier biting.
  • Letting the olive salad marinate enhances the sandwich’s flavor.
  • Pressing the sandwich ensures the layers meld together for the perfect bite.

🎉 Perfect For

  • Hearty lunch or picnic meals
  • Sharing at casual gatherings or parties
  • Fans of Mediterranean and New Orleans cuisine

📝 Final Thoughts

The Muffuletta sandwich is a flavorful celebration of Sicilian heritage and New Orleans soul food. Its bold combination of cured meats, tangy olive salad, and rich cheese make it an unforgettable sandwich experience. Preparing it ahead allows the flavors to marry beautifully, making every bite a delicious journey.