{"id":1507114,"date":"2020-05-31T05:28:04","date_gmt":"2020-05-31T05:38:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/origin-www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/muffuletta\/"},"modified":"2024-09-21T16:49:01","modified_gmt":"2024-09-21T21:49:01","slug":"muffuletta","status":"publish","type":"recipe","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/muffuletta\/","title":{"rendered":"Muffuletta"},"content":{"rendered":"
Muffuletta is a mash-up of cuisines and cultures: It’s an Italian sandwich, but it was invented in New Orleans, in the French Quarter. The base of the sandwich is a loaf of fresh Italian bread. From there, it’s filled with an olive salad and meats and cheeses\u2014a true Italian gem of a sandwich. Although the ingredients don’t change much, it is a versatile sandwich, so you can add or subtract whatever toppings you like, as long as you keep the olive salad base. It was originally meant to simplify lunch, and although it does take some time to create, it does just that. Once made, it’s a handheld meal that’ll send your taste buds soaring.<\/p>\n
This recipe, in particular, is the homemade version of the real deal, featuring the originally called-for ingredients. Serve it on a hot night for dinner, or make it to level up your packed lunch. It does require up to two days of chilling, but the wait will be worth it.<\/p>\n
The original muffuletta was made smack dab in the middle of the New Orleans French Quarter, at Central Grocery & Deli on Decatur Street. Central Grocery & Deli is an old-fashioned grocery store founded in 1906, and it’s still standing today. Salvatore Lupo, a Sicilian immigrant, noted that his customers needed a sandwich that was easy to hold and came all-in-one. Thus, the birth of the muffuletta. Since then, it has become one of the most iconic sandwiches ever created.<\/p>\n
In a large bowl, combine the first 14 ingredients. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge overnight, or for at least eight hours.<\/p>\n Cut the bread in half horizontally, then carefully hollow out the top and bottom, leaving a 1-inch shell. (You can discard the removed bread or save it for another use, like homemade bread crumbs<\/a>.) Spoon half the olive mixture over the bottom half of the bread, then layer on the meats and cheeses. Top this with the remaining olive mixture, replace the bread top and wrap tightly. Chill in the fridge for at least three hours or overnight. Cut into eight wedges, and enjoy.<\/p>\n Muffuletta is designed to be chilled, so it stores well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge for enjoying later.<\/p>\n Because it can take up to a couple days to actually make the muffuletta, you’ll want to consume it relatively quickly once it’s ready. Aim to consume the sandwich within three days.<\/p>\n If you want to make the olive spread ahead of time, you can keep it stored in the fridge for up to two weeks.<\/p>\n This sandwich shouldn’t really compete with anything in terms of powerful flavors, so we recommend serving it with pickles (homemade pickles are best<\/a>) and potato chips.<\/p>\n If you’re bringing this to share with friends at your next picnic, wrap individual sandwiches tightly in waxed paper or plastic wrap, and transport them in a cooler.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Originating in New Orleans with a nod to Italian cuisine, the muffuletta is a sandwich that’s always worth the wait. You’ll need at least a day for prep, but the longer you wait, the more flavorful it is.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7061,"featured_media":2086719,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"tags":[306854,306849,305378,304173,305271,305487,303887,306848,304297,304188,304268,305374,307693,324623,306640,304150,303883,307614],"categories-v2":[309608,309605,309386,309455,309216,310796,308478,309603,308308,309536,259483,309381,310664,309177,312615,309434,308476,310591],"coauthors":[343493],"recommended_recipes":[{"post_title":"Cappuccino Muffins","post_link":"\/recipes\/cappuccino-muffins\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Cappuccino-Muffins_EXPS_FT25_11081_AC_0429_1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Zucchini 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Muffuletta","post_link":"\/recipes\/hearty-muffuletta\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Hearty-Muffuletta_EXPS_FT21_26287_F_0218_1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Muffuletta Frittata ","post_link":"\/recipes\/muffuletta-frittata\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Muffuletta-Frittata-_EXPS_RC22_268671_P2_MD_06_08_1bC.jpg"},{"post_title":"Easy Chiffon Pie","post_link":"\/recipes\/easy-chiffon-pie\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps17996_LT10286D16C.jpg"},{"post_title":"Mushroom Zucchini Fritatta","post_link":"\/recipes\/mushroom-zucchini-fritatta\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Mushroom-Zucchini-Fritatta_exps89692_THHC1997844C11_10_1bC_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Muffuletta Wellingtons","post_link":"\/recipes\/muffuletta-wellingtons\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Muffuletta-Wellingtons_EXPS_TOHRC20_252379_06_23_E_12b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Cornmeal 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in New Orleans with a nod to Italian cuisine, the muffuletta is a sandwich that's always worth the wait. 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","NoOfRatings":0,"GoogleImage16x9":"https:\/\/cdn3.tmbi.com\/toh\/GoogleImages\/EXPS_TOHD24_202154_EricKleinberg_5.jpg","GoogleImage4x3":"https:\/\/cdn3.tmbi.com\/toh\/GoogleImagesPostCard\/EXPS_TOHD24_202154_EricKleinberg_5.jpg","DefaultImageYn":false,"NativeRecipeTemplate":false,"IsMsn":true,"PinterestImage":"","CarouselImages":[],"SponsorLogoImage":"","SponsorID":"","GlobalCookingTips":[],"RecipeSpecificCookingTips":[{"TipType":"Test Kitchen Tips (Q&A)","TipTitle":"Muffuletta Tips","TipText":"ERIC KLEINBERG FOR TASTE OF HOME<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Step 2: Assemble the sandwiches, then chill again<\/h3>\n
ERIC KLEINBERG FOR TASTE OF HOME<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
ERIC KLEINBERG FOR TASTE OF HOME<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Muffuletta Variations<\/h2>\n
\n
How to Store Muffuletta<\/h2>\n
How long does muffuletta last?<\/h3>\n
Muffuletta Tips<\/h2>\n
ERIC KLEINBERG FOR TASTE OF HOME<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
How long is the muffuletta olive spread good for?<\/h3>\n
What should I serve with a muffuletta sandwich?<\/h3>\n
How do I transport this sandwich?<\/h3>\n
What is a muffuletta?<\/h3>Muffuletta is a traditional New Orleans sandwich featuring an olive salad (known as muffuletta olive salad<\/a> or muffuletta spread), cold cuts and cheese. This crowd-sized treat is made on a large round loaf of bread and cut into wedges for sharing.
Can you use store-bought giardiniera instead of making it yourself?<\/h3>Of course you can! Look for the Italian condiment packed with peppers, cauliflower, carrots and other crisp-tender in pickle or Italian section of your grocery store. Hot and mild varieties are available. If you\u2019re interested in the basics of home canning,<\/a> you can also make your own delicious giardiniera<\/a>.
Do you have to let a muffuletta rest before cutting and serving?<\/h3>Yes. Ideally, you wrap the sandwich tightly and refrigerate it for several hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to blend and lets your delicious olive spread soften the crispy loaf a little bit.
Should you serve a muffuletta hot or cold?<\/h3>Most muffuletta sandwiches are served cold. This makes for easier cutting and tidier eating. Looking for more Louisiana flavors? Don\u2019t miss our other New Orleans-inspired recipes<\/a> perfect for Mardi Gras or any time of year.
\u2014Christine Rukavena<\/a>, Taste Recipes Senior Book Editor<\/i>"}]},"breadcrumb":[{"term_id":309177,"name":"Recipes","slug":"recipes","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":309112,"taxonomy":"categories-v2","description":"Browse Taste Recipes recipes by course, cooking style, cuisine, ingredient, holiday and more categories to find a new family-favorite recipe.","parent":0,"count":51436,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/"},{"term_id":310796,"name":"Dishes & Beverages","slug":"dishes-beverages","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":310731,"taxonomy":"categories-v2","description":"Wondering what to make? We've got recipes for any dish and beverage you're craving, from easy dinners to rich chocolate cakes and everything in between.","parent":309177,"count":43801,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dishes-beverages\/"},{"term_id":312615,"name":"Sandwiches & Wraps","slug":"sandwiches-wraps","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":312550,"taxonomy":"categories-v2","description":"Refresh your sandwich repertoire with these recipes for easy sandwiches, from wrap recipes to classic lunch entrees and more.","parent":310796,"count":2614,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dishes-beverages\/sandwiches-wraps\/"}],"meta_data":{"enhanced_fields":{"enhanced_recipe_title":"Muffuletta"}},"analytics":[],"yoast_head":"\n