Classic New Orleans Muffuletta Sandwich
Experience the vibrant flavors of New Orleans with this Classic Muffuletta Sandwich. Layered high with delicious deli meats, a zesty olive tapenade, and fresh crunchy lettuce, this recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for lunch or a generous snack. The olive mixture infuses each bite with a symphony of tastes, making it a delightful choice for gatherings or a quick meal at home. Allowing the sandwich to chill overnight enhances the flavors further, ensuring every morsel is packed with authenticity and richness.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Crusty bread
1 lb (Long loaf, cut in half lengthwise)
Chopped hot jalapeno peppers
2 tablespoons (From a jar)
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (N/A)
Chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup (Fresh, chopped)
Red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons (N/A)
Instant minced garlic
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Chopped black olives
1/2 cup (N/A)
Dried oregano
2 teaspoons (N/A)
Chopped pimento-stuffed olives
1/2 cup (N/A)
Ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Chopped roasted red peppers
1/2 cup (From a jar)
Iceberg lettuce
1/4 head (Shredded (about 2 cups))
Deli turkey
8 ounces (Sliced)
Deli provolone cheese
8 ounces (Sliced)
Deli ham
8 ounces (Sliced)
Instructions
1
To prepare the olive tapenade, finely chop the black olives, roasted red peppers, pimento-stuffed olives, jalapeno peppers, and parsley using a mini food processor or by hand for a rustic texture.
2
Using a serrated knife, cut the crusty bread in half lengthwise. Carefully hollow out the soft center of each half, leaving a thick shell of about 1.5 inches to hold the filling.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped olives, roasted red peppers, fresh parsley, olive oil, red wine vinegar, hot jalapeno peppers, minced garlic, dried oregano, and pepper. Stir well to combine all flavors.
4
Brush some of the olive mixture over the inside of the bottom shell to add flavor and moisture, then fill it generously with the shredded iceberg lettuce.
5
Layer the deli turkey, provolone cheese, and sliced ham on top of the lettuce. Feel free to use spicy pepper turkey and capicola for added flavor, if desired.
6
Spoon the remaining olive tapenade mixture down the center of the meats, ensuring ample coverage.
7
Place the top half of the bread back onto the sandwich, pressing down gently to secure the layers.
8
Wrap the entire sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
9
When ready to serve, cut the sandwich into 2-inch slices and enjoy this delightful New Orleans classic.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Classic New Orleans Muffuletta Sandwich?
It is a traditional sandwich layered with deli meats, provolone cheese, and a signature zesty olive tapenade on crusty bread.
What are the main components of the olive tapenade?
The tapenade consists of black olives, pimento-stuffed olives, roasted red peppers, jalapenos, parsley, olive oil, and red wine vinegar.
What type of bread is recommended for this recipe?
A one-pound long loaf of crusty bread is best for this sandwich.
How do I prepare the bread for the filling?
Cut the bread in half lengthwise and hollow out the center, leaving a 1.5-inch thick shell to hold the ingredients.
Why should the sandwich be refrigerated overnight?
Refrigerating for at least 8 hours allows the flavors of the tapenade and meats to meld together and enhances the overall richness.
What meats are included in the Muffuletta?
The recipe calls for deli turkey and deli ham, though you can use spicy pepper turkey or capicola for more flavor.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
Sliced deli provolone cheese is used to layer the sandwich.
Is the Muffuletta sandwich spicy?
It has a zesty kick due to the inclusion of chopped hot jalapeno peppers in the olive mixture.
What kind of lettuce is best for this sandwich?
Shredded iceberg lettuce is recommended for its fresh and crunchy texture.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 15 ingredients in total, including the bread, meats, and tapenade components.
How do I make the tapenade if I don't have a food processor?
You can finely chop the olives, peppers, and parsley by hand for a more rustic texture.
What provides the moisture in the sandwich?
The olive oil and red wine vinegar in the tapenade mixture add moisture and flavor to the bread.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The recipe specifies using one teaspoon of instant minced garlic.
Where should the tapenade be applied?
Brush some on the bottom bread shell and spoon the remainder over the meat layers.
What is the first layer of the sandwich?
After brushing the bread with oil, the first layer is the shredded iceberg lettuce.
How should I wrap the sandwich for chilling?
Wrap the entire sandwich tightly in plastic wrap to help the layers stay secure.
How do I serve the Muffuletta?
Once chilled, cut the sandwich into 2-inch slices and enjoy.
Can I use different types of olives?
The recipe uses a combination of black olives and pimento-stuffed olives for a balanced flavor.
What herbs are used in the olive mixture?
Fresh parsley and dried oregano are used to season the tapenade.
What is the total chilling time?
A minimum of 8 hours is required, but overnight is preferred.
Can I use fresh red peppers?
The recipe suggests using jarred roasted red peppers for convenience and flavor.
Is this sandwich suitable for gatherings?
Yes, its large size and sliced presentation make it perfect for parties and group meals.
What is the purpose of hollowing out the bread?
It creates a shell that prevents the generous amount of filling from falling out.
How do I ensure the sandwich stays together?
Press down gently on the top half of the bread before wrapping it tightly in plastic.
What type of vinegar is used?
Red wine vinegar is used to provide acidity to the olive tapenade.
Is black pepper included in the recipe?
Yes, half a teaspoon of ground black pepper is added to the olive mixture.
How many servings does this recipe make?
While not explicitly stated, cutting it into 2-inch slices from a 1 lb loaf usually serves several people.
Can I use capicola instead of ham?
Yes, capicola is mentioned as a flavorful alternative to the standard deli meats.
Are the jalapenos fresh or jarred?
The recipe calls for chopped hot jalapeno peppers from a jar.
What makes this sandwich a 'Classic New Orleans' dish?
The combination of specific deli meats with a heavy olive-based relish is a hallmark of New Orleans cuisine.