Grilled Muffuletta Delight
Experience the bold flavors of New Orleans with our Grilled Muffuletta Delight. This panini is a mouthwatering twist on the classic muffuletta sandwich, featuring layers of savory meats, rich provolone or mozzarella cheese, and a zesty olive salad or tapenade, all grilled to perfection between slices of rustic or sourdough bread. Whether enjoyed for lunch or a special snack, each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of New Orleans. Perfect for picnics, get-togethers, or an indulgent weekday treat!
4
Servings
560
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
softened butter
to taste (for spreading on bread)
rustic or sourdough bread
8 slices (thickly sliced)
provolone or mozzarella cheese
16 slices (thinly sliced)
olive salad or olive tapenade
1/2 cup (drained if necessary)
Black Forest ham
6 ounces (thinly sliced)
mortadella
6 ounces (thinly sliced)
Genoa salami
4 ounces (thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
Begin by preheating your panini press or grill pan over medium heat.
2
Spread softened butter evenly on both sides of each slice of bread for a golden, crispy crust.
3
On four slices of buttered bread, layer four slices of provolone or mozzarella cheese, allowing the edges to slightly overlap for optimal coverage.
4
Spread a generous amount of olive salad or tapenade over the cheese layer, ensuring an even distribution.
5
Layer the thinly sliced Black Forest ham, mortadella, and Genoa salami over the olive spread.
6
Top with the remaining cheese slices to further enhance the melty goodness.
7
Place the other four slices of bread on top, pressing down gently to secure the layers.
8
Cook the sandwiches in your panini press until they are crispy and golden brown, and the cheese has fully melted, approximately 3-4 minutes.
9
If using a grill pan, place the sandwiches in the preheated pan, and place a heavy skillet on top to flatten them. Cook for about 3 minutes, then turn the sandwiches over, replace the skillet, and continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted.
10
Remove from heat, slice in half, and serve warm to enjoy the delicious flavors.
Nutrition Information
33.75g
Fat
36g
Carbs
21g
Protein
3g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Grilled Muffuletta Delight?
It is a mouthwatering panini twist on the classic New Orleans muffuletta sandwich, featuring savory meats and zesty olive salad grilled between rustic bread slices.
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
Rustic or sourdough bread is recommended, and it should be thickly sliced to hold the generous fillings.
Which cheeses work best for this panini?
The recipe calls for 16 slices of either provolone or mozzarella cheese, which provide a rich and melty texture.
What meats are included in the Grilled Muffuletta Delight?
The sandwich includes thinly sliced Black Forest ham, mortadella, and Genoa salami.
How do I achieve a golden, crispy crust on the bread?
Spread softened butter evenly on both sides of each slice of bread before grilling to ensure a perfect golden finish.
How long does it take to cook in a panini press?
It typically takes about 3-4 minutes in a preheated panini press until the bread is crispy and the cheese is fully melted.
Can I make this sandwich without a panini press?
Yes, you can use a grill pan. Place a heavy skillet on top of the sandwiches to flatten them while cooking for 3-4 minutes per side.
What is the key condiment for a muffuletta?
The key condiment is 1/2 cup of olive salad or olive tapenade, which provides the signature zesty flavor.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 4 hearty servings.
What is the calorie count for one serving?
One serving of the Grilled Muffuletta Delight contains approximately 560 calories.
How much fat is in each serving?
Each serving contains 33.75g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this sandwich?
There are 36g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this sandwich high in protein?
Yes, it provides 21g of protein per serving thanks to the combination of ham, mortadella, and salami.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, there are 3g of fiber in each serving.
What heat setting should I use for grilling?
Medium heat is recommended for both a panini press and a grill pan to avoid burning the bread before the cheese melts.
How should I layer the ingredients for the best results?
Layer cheese first, then olive salad, then the meats, and top with more cheese to help bind the sandwich together as it melts.
Should I drain the olive salad before using it?
Yes, if the olive salad or tapenade is very oily, it is best to drain it slightly so the bread doesn't become soggy.
Can I serve this sandwich for lunch or dinner?
Absolutely, it is perfect for lunch, a special snack, or even an indulgent weekday treat.
What are the cultural influences of this recipe?
It is inspired by the vibrant streets of New Orleans and features Mediterranean-style flavors.
How much Black Forest ham do I need?
You will need 6 ounces of thinly sliced Black Forest ham.
How much mortadella is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of thinly sliced mortadella.
What quantity of Genoa salami is required?
The sandwich uses 4 ounces of thinly sliced Genoa salami.
Is it better to use salted or unsalted butter for spreading?
The recipe specifies softened butter; either works, but softened butter is essential for even spreading.
How many slices of cheese go on each sandwich?
With 16 slices total for 4 sandwiches, you should use 4 slices of cheese per sandwich (2 on the bottom and 2 on the top).
Can this be made ahead for a picnic?
While best served warm, it is great for picnics because the flavors meld together over time.
How should I cut the sandwich for serving?
It is recommended to remove from heat and slice in half before serving warm.
What makes this a 'delight' version of the muffuletta?
The 'delight' comes from the panini-style preparation which adds a warm, melted, and crispy dimension to the classic cold sandwich.
Can I use mozzarella if I don't like provolone?
Yes, the recipe specifically suggests mozzarella as a great alternative to provolone.
Are there any specific tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include muffuletta, panini, New Orleans, sandwich, lunch, snacks, grilled sandwich, and comfort food.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 7 main ingredients required to make this recipe.