🥪 Authentic Muffuletta Sandwich Recipe: A New Orleans Classic
Inspired by the Legendary Italian Delis of the French Quarter
When you think of New Orleans food, gumbo and beignets might come to mind first — but ask any local, and they’ll tell you that the muffuletta holds its own as one of the city’s most iconic eats.
Born from Sicilian immigrant roots and brought to life in bustling Italian delis, the muffuletta is a flavor-packed sandwich layered with meats, cheese, and olive salad — all tucked into a round, sesame-seeded loaf.
Here’s how to make your own version at home — inspired by the famous sandwiches of New Orleans, without needing to leave your kitchen.
🧂 What Is a Muffuletta?
The muffuletta (also spelled muffaletta or muffoletta) is a New Orleans-style Italian sandwich, typically served cold or room temperature. It features layers of:
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Italian meats (like salami and mortadella)
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Provolone or mozzarella cheese
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A briny, tangy olive salad
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All pressed inside a round Sicilian sesame bread
It’s bold. It’s filling. And it only gets better as it sits.
🛒 Ingredients
🥖 For the Sandwich:
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1 large round muffuletta loaf (or substitute ciabatta or focaccia)
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1/4 lb Genoa salami
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1/4 lb mortadella (or ham)
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1/4 lb capicola or prosciutto
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1/4 lb provolone or mozzarella cheese slices
🫒 For the Olive Salad:
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1 cup green olives, chopped
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1/2 cup black olives, chopped
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1/2 cup pickled vegetables (giardiniera), finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp capers
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1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
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1/2 tsp oregano
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1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
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1/3 cup olive oil
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2 tbsp red wine vinegar
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Make the Olive Salad
In a bowl, mix all olive salad ingredients. Adjust to taste. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight in the fridge for best flavor).
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2. Prepare the Bread
Slice the loaf in half horizontally. Scoop out some of the soft interior if it’s too thick. Lightly toast if desired.
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3. Layer the Good Stuff
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Spread a generous amount of olive salad on both the top and bottom halves of the bread.
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Layer meats and cheese on the bottom half: salami → mortadella → capicola → provolone.
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Press the sandwich together.
4. Wrap and Press (Optional)
For extra authenticity:
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Wrap the sandwich tightly in foil or parchment.
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Place a heavy skillet or pan on top for 15–30 minutes to compress.
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Slice into quarters and serve.
🍽️ Serving Tips
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Muffulettas are traditionally eaten cold or room temp, making them perfect for picnics, parties, or road trips.
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They taste even better after sitting for a few hours — the flavors soak into the bread.
💡 Make It Your Own
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Try roasted turkey or grilled eggplant for a lighter version.
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Add a splash of hot sauce for a Louisiana twist.
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Serve with Zapp’s chips and a cold Abita beer for the full Gulf South experience.
🎉 Final Bite
This recipe brings the bold, layered flavors of New Orleans right into your kitchen. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or treating yourself to a local favorite, the muffuletta is a sandwich that tells a story — one slice at a time.
Ready to try more variations? Check out our next article on Hot vs. Cold Muffulettas: Which Style Wins?
