🥖 Mediterranean Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich
⭐ Description
This Mediterranean-inspired Muffaletta features a crusty round loaf generously layered with a vibrant olive salad, premium Italian meats, and creamy cheeses. It’s savory, tangy, and even better after resting—ideal for parties, picnics, or a hearty family meal.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Olive Salad (the heart of the sandwich)
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1 cup green olives, pitted & chopped
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1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted & chopped
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½ cup roasted red peppers, finely chopped
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¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
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¼ cup capers, drained
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
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2 tbsp red wine vinegar
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1 tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, finely chopped
For the Sandwich
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1 large round crusty loaf (Italian round, sesame loaf, or sourdough boule)
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6–8 slices mortadella
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6–8 slices salami (Genoa or spicy)
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6–8 slices capicola or prosciutto
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6 slices provolone cheese
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6 slices fresh mozzarella
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Optional Mediterranean add-ins:
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Thinly sliced cucumber
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Arugula or baby spinach
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👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Olive Salad
In a bowl, combine olives, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, oregano, red pepper flakes, parsley, and black pepper.
Mix well and let marinate at least 30 minutes (longer = better flavor).
2️⃣ Prepare the Bread
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Slice the loaf horizontally.
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Hollow out a little of the soft interior to make room for fillings (optional but recommended).
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Brush both cut sides lightly with olive oil.
3️⃣ Assemble the Muffaletta
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Spread ½ of the olive salad evenly over the bottom half of the bread.
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Layer meats: mortadella → salami → capicola/prosciutto.
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Add cheeses: provolone → mozzarella.
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Add greens or cucumber if using.
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Spoon the remaining olive salad over the top.
4️⃣ Press & Rest
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Place the top half of the bread on the sandwich.
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Wrap tightly in parchment paper or foil.
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Press gently with a heavy pan or plate.
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Refrigerate at least 1 hour (up to 24 hours) to let flavors meld.
5️⃣ Serve
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Cut into wedges.
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Serve at room temperature for best flavor.
🍽 Mediterranean Tips
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Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for authentic Mediterranean flavor
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Add artichoke hearts to the olive salad for extra depth
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For a lighter version, reduce meats and add grilled zucchini or eggplant
