Delicious Mini Muffulettas
These delightful Mini Muffulettas are the perfect addition to any holiday gathering or casual get-together. Inspired by the classic New Orleans sandwich, this recipe packs a flavorful punch with a savory blend of olives, meats, and cheeses. Not only are they quick to prepare, but their make-ahead nature allows you to serve them fresh the next day, making them a convenient crowd-pleaser. Each mini sandwich is bursting with Mediterranean flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the Crescent City.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
pimento stuffed olives
1 (10 ounce) jar (drained and chopped)
ripe olives
2 (4 1/4 ounce) cans (chopped)
balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons
red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon
olive oil
1 tablespoon
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
dried basil
1 teaspoon
dried oregano
1 teaspoon
French rolls
6 (split)
hard salami
1/2 lb (thinly sliced)
provolone cheese
1/4 lb (sliced)
cotto salami
1/2 lb (thinly sliced)
part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/4 lb (sliced)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped pimento-stuffed olives, ripe olives, balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dried basil, and dried oregano. Mix well and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
2
Carefully hollow out the tops and bottoms of the French rolls, leaving a 3/4-inch shell. You can discard the removed bread or save it for another use.
3
Spread a generous amount of the olive mixture over the insides of both the roll tops and bottoms, ensuring even coverage.
4
On the bottom half of the rolls, layer the sliced hard salami evenly, followed by the slices of provolone and cotto salami, and finish with the mozzarella cheese.
5
Place the roll tops back on, pressing down gently to compact the fillings.
6
Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap to lock in the flavors.
7
Chill in the refrigerator overnight to allow the ingredients to meld and soften the bread.
8
When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator and cut each sandwich into wedges. Secure each wedge with a toothpick for easy serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Delicious Mini Muffulettas?
They are a bite-sized version of the classic New Orleans sandwich, featuring a savory olive salad, cured meats, and cheeses on French rolls.
What ingredients are in the olive mixture?
The mixture includes pimento-stuffed olives, ripe olives, balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dried basil, and dried oregano.
How many French rolls do I need for this recipe?
This recipe requires 6 French rolls.
Why do I need to hollow out the French rolls?
Hollowing out the rolls creates space for the fillings and ensures the olive mixture can soak into the remaining bread shell without making it too bulky.
What types of meat are used in these mini sandwiches?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of thinly sliced hard salami and 1/2 lb of thinly sliced cotto salami.
What cheeses are included in the Mini Muffulettas?
The recipe uses 1/4 lb of sliced provolone cheese and 1/4 lb of sliced part-skim mozzarella cheese.
How long should the sandwiches be chilled?
The sandwiches should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and chilled in the refrigerator overnight.
Why is overnight chilling necessary?
Chilling overnight allows the flavors of the olive salad, meats, and cheeses to meld together and helps soften the bread slightly for the perfect texture.
How should I serve the Mini Muffulettas?
Once chilled, remove them from the refrigerator, cut each sandwich into wedges, and secure them with toothpicks.
Can I make these for a holiday gathering?
Yes, these are excellent for holiday gatherings as they are savory, easy to eat, and can be made ahead of time.
What kind of olives should I use?
You will need one 10-ounce jar of drained and chopped pimento-stuffed olives and two 4 1/4-ounce cans of chopped ripe olives.
What vinegars are used in the olive salad?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe calls for 3 minced garlic cloves.
Is there any oil in the olive mixture?
Yes, the recipe requires 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
Dried basil and dried oregano are used to season the olive mixture.
Can I save the bread removed from the rolls?
Yes, you can save the removed bread for another use, such as making breadcrumbs or croutons.
How thick should the shell of the French rolls be?
You should leave a 3/4-inch shell when hollowing out the tops and bottoms of the rolls.
How do I layer the ingredients?
Spread the olive mixture on both sides, then layer hard salami, provolone, cotto salami, and mozzarella on the bottom half.
What is the benefit of wrapping the sandwiches in plastic?
Wrapping them tightly locks in the flavors and ensures the sandwich stays compact while the bread absorbs the olive juices.
Are these sandwiches served warm or cold?
These are traditionally served cold after being chilled in the refrigerator.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients used in this recipe.
What are the primary flavors of this dish?
The flavors are savory and Mediterranean, characterized by olives, garlic, and Italian-style meats.
Can I use different types of rolls?
While French rolls are recommended, any similar sturdy roll that can be hollowed out will work.
Is this recipe quick to prepare?
The initial assembly is quick, though it does require time to chill overnight.
Can I substitute the cheeses?
Provolone and mozzarella are standard, but you could use other mild Italian cheeses if preferred.
Do I need a mixer for the olive salad?
No, simply combine the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix by hand.
How do I keep the wedges together?
Secure each cut wedge with a toothpick to keep the layers intact for serving.
What makes this a 'mini' muffuletta?
The use of smaller French rolls and cutting them into wedges makes them snack-sized and perfect as an appetizer.
Can I add spice to this recipe?
While not in the original recipe, you could add crushed red pepper flakes to the olive mixture for heat.
Is this a good make-ahead recipe?
Yes, it is specifically designed to be made a day in advance, making it perfect for party planning.