Taste the Spirit of New Orleans with a Classic Muffuletta Sandwich Recipe

New Orleans is a city known for its vibrant food culture, and no dish captures the essence of that flavor-packed spirit quite like the Muffaletta Sandwich. Packed with layers of savory meats, cheese, and a tangy olive salad, this hearty sandwich is a staple in the Crescent City. Inspired by the iconic sandwich served at delis across New Orleans, this Muffaletta recipe is perfect for anyone who craves bold flavors and a taste of Louisiana.

Photo byNick Davies

The star of the Muffaletta is the olive salad—a delicious mix of green and kalamata olives, pickled vegetables (giardiniera), parsley, and capers, all blended with olive oil and red wine vinegar. This zesty mixture is layered generously on thick Italian bread, along with slices of ham, Genoa salami, and provolone cheese, making every bite a delightful explosion of flavor.

This sandwich is best when made in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together as it rests. The Muffaletta can be served cold, as it’s traditionally enjoyed, or warmed in the oven to melt the cheese and enhance the flavors even more. Whether you're enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or at a gathering, this New Orleans-Style Muffaletta is guaranteed to transport your taste buds straight to the French Quarter.

Recipe: New Orleans-Style Muffaletta

Ingredients:

For the Olive Salad:

• ¾ cup pitted green olives
• ¾ cup pitted kalamata olives
• ½ cup giardiniera (Italian-style pickled vegetables), drained
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves
• 2 tablespoons capers
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

For the Sandwich:

• 1 (8-inch) round Italian or sesame seed loaf (16 to 22 ounces)
• 8 ounces thinly sliced ham
• 8 ounces thinly sliced Genoa salami
• 6 ounces thinly sliced provolone cheese

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Olive Salad: In a food processor, combine the green olives, kalamata olives, giardiniera, parsley, capers, and minced garlic. Pulse until the ingredients are coarsely chopped—don’t over-process; you want small pieces, not a paste. Transfer the mixture to a small bowl and stir in the olive oil and red wine vinegar. Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight to allow the flavors to blend.
2. Assemble the Muffaletta: Cut the round loaf of bread in half crosswise. Spread two-thirds of the olive salad over the bottom half of the bread. Layer with the ham, Genoa salami, and provolone cheese. Spread the remaining olive salad over the cheese and place the top half of the bread on the sandwich, pressing down gently to compress the ingredients. Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and let it sit for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) to let the flavors meld.
3. Warm the Sandwich (Optional): To serve the Muffaletta warm, preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the plastic wrap and loosely wrap the sandwich in foil. Place it in the oven and bake for 5 to 10 minutes, just until the sandwich is slightly warmed and the cheese begins to melt. Cut into wedges and serve.

This New Orleans-Style Muffaletta is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly magical. The olive salad is tangy, briny, and full of bold flavors that complement the rich ham, salami, and provolone cheese. The bread soaks up all the delicious juices, making each bite savory and satisfying.

Whether you enjoy it cold or warm, this Muffaletta sandwich is a great choice for lunch, picnics, or a party spread. The beauty of this sandwich lies in its ability to improve with time, so feel free to make it ahead of time and let the flavors meld together for an even more delicious result.

Sources:

Family Recipe