**A Culinary Voyage to New Orleans: Unveiling the Iconic Muffuletta Sandwich and Its Variations**
In the heart of New Orleans, where flavors dance and culinary traditions intertwine, lies a sandwich that embodies the city's vibrant spirit: the muffuletta. This delectable creation, born in the bustling Italian markets of the early 1900s, has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike with its symphony of textures and flavors.
Our culinary journey begins with the classic muffuletta, a masterpiece of cured meats, cheeses, and olive salad, all nestled within a soft, round loaf of bread. We'll explore the secrets behind the perfect olive salad, a flavor bomb of chopped olives, celery, carrots, and herbs, which adds a tangy, savory dimension to the sandwich.
But our exploration doesn't stop there. We'll venture beyond the traditional muffuletta, discovering creative variations that push the boundaries of flavor. From the vegetarian muffuletta, a meatless marvel bursting with roasted vegetables and tangy goat cheese, to the seafood muffuletta, a seafood lover's dream filled with succulent shrimp, crab, and flaky fish, each recipe promises a unique taste experience.
Whether you're a seasoned muffuletta enthusiast or a curious culinary explorer, this article will satisfy your cravings and inspire you to create your own muffuletta masterpiece. So, let's embark on this flavorful adventure together, discovering the secrets behind this New Orleans icon and its captivating variations.
REAL N'AWLINS MUFFULETTA
These gigantic sandwiches were invented a century ago at Sicilian Deli here in New Orleans. The spicy, tangy olive salad is what really sets this meat and cheese sandwich apart. A genuine muffuletta should be made on oven-fresh Italian bread topped with sesame seeds. Be sure and use the highest-quality ingredients available; it really makes a difference! Since you're going to all the trouble of making the olive salad, consider doubling the recipe so you'll have some extra waiting around for when you get another muffuletta craving -- it keeps for at least a month! Note: Use round bread loaves for real muffuletta.
Provided by jenn
Categories Main Dish Recipes Sandwich Recipes Heroes, Hoagies and Subs Recipes
Time P1DT40m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 22
Steps:
- To Make Olive Salad: In a medium bowl, combine the green olives, kalamata olives, garlic, cauliflower, capers, celery, carrot, pepperoncini, cocktail onions, celery seed, oregano, basil, black pepper, vinegar, olive oil and canola oil. Mix together and transfer mixture into a glass jar (or other nonreactive container). If needed, pour in more oil to cover. Cover jar or container and refrigerate at least overnight.
- To Make Sandwiches: Cut loaves of bread in half horizontally; hollow out some of the excess bread to make room for filling. Spread each piece of bread with equal amounts olive salad, including oil. Layer 'bottom half' of each loaf with 1/2 of the salami, ham, mortadella, mozzarella and Provolone. Replace 'top half' on each loaf and cut sandwich into quarters.
- Serve immediately, or wrap tightly and refrigerate for a few hours; this will allow for the flavors to mingle and the olive salad to soak into the bread.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 987.3 calories, Carbohydrate 63.2 g, Cholesterol 97.3 mg, Fat 62.8 g, Fiber 4.1 g, Protein 41.4 g, SaturatedFat 19.3 g, Sodium 3464.9 mg, Sugar 1.8 g
MUFFULETTA
Muffuletta, which originated in New Orleans, is named after the round, crusty Sicilian loaf of bread it's traditionally served on. While I favor my own olive salad, there are several good versions available in most supermarkets. -Lou Sansevero, Ferron, Utah
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 35m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the first 14 ingredients. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours. , Cut bread in half horizontally; carefully hollow out top and bottom, leaving a 1-in. shell (discard removed bread or save for another use). Spoon half the olive mixture over bottom half of bread. Layer with salami, ham, mortadella, Swiss and provolone; top with remaining olive mixture. Replace bread top. Wrap tightly. Refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight. Cut into 8 wedges.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 762 calories, Fat 59g fat (18g saturated fat), Cholesterol 103mg cholesterol, Sodium 2326mg sodium, Carbohydrate 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 35g protein.
MUFFULETTA OLIVE SALAD
This is my version of a famous New Orleans salad. Try it as a sandwich topping. Try it on toasted baguette slices, or make it deluxe with diced ham and salami. - Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Appetizers
Time 25m
Yield 16 servings (1/4 cup each).
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- In a large bowl, whisk the first seven ingredients. Add the remaining ingredients; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least eight hours, stirring occasionally. If desired, serve with toasted baguette slices.
Nutrition Facts :
MUFFULETTA
A kalamata and green olive mixture fills a hollowed loaf of Italian bread; add Genoa salami, provolone cheese, tomatoes and onions and you have one delicious sandwich.
Provided by LYNNC51
Categories Main Dish Recipes Sandwich Recipes Heroes, Hoagies and Subs Recipes
Time 2h20m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Combine the kalamata olives, green olives, basil, garlic and oil in a food processor or blender and process until coarsely chopped.
- Cut the top from the bread loaf and hollow out the center so that about 1/2 inch of crust remains. Spread olive mixture evenly over the inside of the loaf. Layer the salami, cheese, tomatoes and onion until the loaf is full.
- Replace top of bread, lightly press down and wrap tightly in plastic wrapping. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 1 day. Slice crosswise in about 1 1/2 inch pieces, and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 1016 calories, Carbohydrate 71.7 g, Cholesterol 95.9 mg, Fat 63.2 g, Fiber 5.6 g, Protein 40.2 g, SaturatedFat 20.2 g, Sodium 3697.7 mg, Sugar 5.4 g
MUFFULETTA SPREAD
This simple spread is reminiscent of a classic New Orleans muffuletta sandwich. This can be served on crackers, toasted bagels, or crostini. Also a nice addition to a pasta salad, a cheese board, or spooned on to grilled fish, pork or chicken. It will keep for up to a month in a tightly sealed container in the fridge.
Provided by lutzflcat
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Dips and Spreads Recipes
Time 25m
Yield 36
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Combine green and black olives, olive oil, capers, red wine vinegar, shallot, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Cut salami and deli ham so they fit onto the crackers. Spread cream cheese on the crackers, top with a piece of salami, a piece of ham, and a spoonful of the olive salad.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 82.1 calories, Carbohydrate 3.1 g, Cholesterol 11.9 mg, Fat 7 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 2 g, SaturatedFat 2.4 g, Sodium 329.3 mg, Sugar 0.3 g
ITALIAN MUFFULETTA
I first made this hearty sandwich for my husband, friends and family who were helping to build our deck. It was a big hit, and I've made it several times since then. -Dana Schmitt, Ames, Iowa
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 25m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a small bowl, combine the first five ingredients; set aside., Cut bread in half horizontally; carefully hollow out top and bottom, leaving a 1-in. shell (discard removed bread or save for another use). , Spoon half of olive mixture over bottom half of bread. Layer with turkey, Swiss cheese, salami, provolone cheese, bologna and remaining olive mixture. Replace bread top. Cut into six wedges.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 542 calories, Fat 32g fat (12g saturated fat), Cholesterol 78mg cholesterol, Sodium 2078mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 31g protein.
MUFFULETTA SANDWICH
Provided by Food Network
Time 12h40m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- Insert your knife 1 inch from the top edge of the loaf at a 45 degree angle and cut around the loaf until the lid comes off. Set lid aside. Pull excess bread out of the center of the loaf to create a hollow effect. Level off the inside of the lid and begin assembly. Brush the lid with some of the oil mixture from the olive salad. Spread the olive salad on the bottom half of the bread and begin to layer the sandwich, starting with the fontina cheese, mortadella, arugula, capicolla, red peppers, and finishing with the salami. Wrap the sandwich tightly with plastic wrap and put on a plate. Place a cast iron skillet on top of the sandwich to weigh it down and put it in the refrigerator overnight. Bring to room temperature before serving. Cut into wedges.
- Combine all ingredients. Serve at room temperature.
MUFFULETTA BREAD
Great bread to make Recipe #269936 topped with Recipe #269638. You just gotta try one of these New Orleans Po Boys! You'll be glad you did! Preparation time includes rising time for dough.
Provided by Lindas Busy Kitchen
Categories Yeast Breads
Time 3h25m
Yield 1 loaf
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a 2 cup glass measuring cup, combine water and sugar.
- Stir in yeast. Let stand until foamy, 5-10 minutes.
- In a food processor fitted with the steel blade, combine 3 cups flour, salt and shortening.
- Add yeast mixture.
- Process until dough forms a ball, about 5 seconds. Stop machine, and check consistency of dough. It should be smooth and satiny.
- If dough is too dry, add more warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, processing just until blended.
- If dough is too sticky, add more flour, 1 or 2 tablespoons at a time, processing just until blended. Process 20 seconds to knead.
- Lightly oil a large bowl, swirling to coat bottom and sides.
- Place dough in the oiled bowl, and turn dough to coat all sides.
- Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in bulk,.
- about 1 1/2 hours.
- Lightly grease a baking sheet.
- When dough has doubled in bulk, punch down dough, and turn out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Form dough into a round loaf about 10" in diameter, and place on a greased baking sheet.
- Sprinkle top of loaf with sesame seeds.
- Press seeds gently into surface of loaf.
- Cover very loosely with plastic wrap, and let rise until almost doubled in bulk, 1 hour.
- Place rack in center of oven.
- Preheat oven to 425.
- Remove plastic wrap.
- Bake loaf in center of preheated oven, for 10 minutes.
- Reduce heat to 375, and bake 25 minutes.
- The loaf is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on bottom.
- Cool completely on a rack before slicing.
MUFFULETTA
Here is The Times's take on a classic New Orleans sandwich, built between slices of light, airy sesame bread, and layered thick with olive salad and cold cuts. It is among the best picnic sandwiches on the planet.
Provided by The New York Times
Categories easy, lunch, quick, main course
Time 30m
Yield Serves 6 to 8
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Make the olive salad by combining all ingredients in a large bowl. Set aside to marinate.
- Assemble the muffuletta by slicing the loaf of bread horizontally into 2 large pieces, with the top piece 2/3 the size of the bottom piece. Hollow out the top piece by removing the soft bread inside, leaving 1/2 inch of bread near the crust. Spread half of the olive salad on the bottom piece. Begin layering the meats, starting with the soppressata and adding 1/4 of the provolone cheese between each layer of meat except for the last.
- Spread the remaining olive salad on the last layer of meat and top with the hollowed bread. Press down lightly and let sit at least 10 minutes. To serve, slice into 6 or 8 wedges. It will keep for several hours in the refrigerator wrapped in plastic.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 567, UnsaturatedFat 20 grams, Carbohydrate 42 grams, Fat 33 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 25 grams, SaturatedFat 12 grams, Sodium 1535 milligrams, Sugar 19 grams, TransFat 0 grams
MINI MUFFULETTA
People love these hearty little sandwich wedges. The recipe is great for a party and can be made the day before.-Gareth Craner, Minden, Nevada
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Appetizers
Time 25m
Yield 3 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the first 8 ingredients; set aside. Hollow out tops and bottoms of rolls, leaving 3/4-in. shells (discard removed bread or save for another use)., Spread olive mixture over tops and bottoms of rolls. On roll bottoms, layer with hard salami, provolone cheese, cotto salami and mozzarella cheese. Replace tops. , Wrap tightly. Refrigerate overnight. Cut each into 6 wedges; secure with toothpicks.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 119 calories, Fat 8g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 16mg cholesterol, Sodium 537mg sodium, Carbohydrate 7g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 6g protein.
MUFFULETTA SANDWICH
Provided by Lidia Matticchio Bastianich
Categories Sandwich Cheese Olive Picnic Super Bowl Quick & Easy Dinner Lunch Meat
Number Of Ingredients 32
Steps:
- To prepare either version of the olive salad, mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Cover, and refrigerate several hours or overnight, to let the flavors develop. This makes more salad than you need for one 8-inch sandwich. Extra olive salad will keep for a week or more and can be used in salads, sandwiches, etc.
- Lay the bottom of the muffuletta bread on a work surface, cut side up. Layer half of the cheeses and meats on the bread, then spread with 1/2 cup of the olive salad. Top with the remaining meats and cheeses.Finish with another 1/2 cup olive salad. Place top of bread on olive salad, and press down. Cut into four wedges.
MUFFULETTA PASTA
A friend gave me this recipe when she learned that I love muffuletta sandwiches. Very rich and filling, this easy skillet supper goes together quickly on a busy weeknight. Serve with some cheesy garlic bread. -Jan Hollingsworth, Houston, Mississippi
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 25m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute onions in 2 teaspoons butter until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add the ham, tapenade and pepperoni; saute 2 minutes longer., Cube remaining butter; stir butter and cream into skillet. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 3 minutes., Drain pasta; toss with ham mixture. Sprinkle with cheese.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 739 calories, Fat 48g fat (21g saturated fat), Cholesterol 119mg cholesterol, Sodium 1638mg sodium, Carbohydrate 48g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 27g protein.
MUFFULETTA SPREAD
Categories Condiment/Spread Food Processor Garlic Herb Olive Onion Appetizer Vegetarian Spring Bon Appétit Sugar Conscious Dairy Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free Kosher
Yield Makes 1 1/2 cups
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Combine first 10 ingredients in processor and chop coarsely. With processor running, gradually add oil. Transfer mixture to medium bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover; refrigerate 1 hour. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Keep refrigerated.) Serve with bread.
MUFFULETTA GARBAGE BREAD
We love a good muffuletta, the classic New Orleans sandwich stuffed with Italian deli meats, cheese and olive salad. Here, we've wrapped all the good stuff up in pizza dough and baked it, making a warm, melty, delicious sandwich experience perfect for Mardi Gras, or really any party at all.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories appetizer
Time 1h20m
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Stir the olives, giardiniera and parsley together in a bowl.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured work surface into a 20-by-14-inch rectangle. Working from the shorter end, distribute the provolone over half of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border at the edge. Evenly distribute the salami over the provolone, then repeat with the ham and mortadella. Sprinkle the olive salad evenly on top. Working from the shorter end, tightly roll the dough up, jelly roll-style, into a log. Pinch the open seams together to seal, then tuck them underneath the log.
- Transfer the log to the prepared baking sheet and brush with the beaten egg. Sprinkle the sesame seeds on top, then use a sharp knife to slash 4 crosswise vents into the top of the dough.
- Bake until the bread is golden brown, 35 to 40 minutes. (The cheese may leak out a little bit on the side.)
- Let the bread cool for at least 10 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and slice crosswise.
THE BA MUFFULETTA
There is no better beach or picnic sandwich: It feeds a crowd, gets better as it sits, and is a hearty meal built inside a loaf of bread. About that bread: Unless you live in New Orleans and can get the real thing, opt for a ciabatta or other loaf with a sturdy but not too crusty exterior.
Provided by Chris Morocco
Categories Bon Appétit Sandwich Lunch Dinner Picnic New Orleans Louisiana Olive Meat Pork Sausage
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- Make the olive salad:
- Combine Calabrian chiles, shallot, garlic, both olives, piquillo peppers, oil, capers, vinegar, and oregano in a medium bowl; season with salt and pepper.
- To assemble:
- Split bread in half along the equator line. Divide olive salad, including any liquid, between halves. Lay salami on bottom half of bread, followed by capocollo, provolone, mozzarella, mortadella, and prosciutto. Close sandwich and wrap tightly in plastic. Place between 2 baking sheets and weigh down with a heavy pot or two to flatten slightly. Let sit at room temperature, turning over halfway, 1-3 hours before cutting into wedges to serve.
- Do Ahead
- Olive salad can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.
MUFFULETTA WELLINGTONS
This recipe is inspired by the muffuletta, a sandwich originating in New Orleans made with deli meat and olive salad. These are snack-sized sandwiches with all the goodness of a muffuletta baked inside pizza dough. You can substitute the meats for your favorites, like turkey or roast beef. -Chelsea Madren, Fullerton, California
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 45m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 425°. Grease a 12-in. cast-iron or other ovenproof skillet with 1 tablespoon butter. Sprinkle with cornmeal; set aside., Unroll pizza dough; cut into 6 portions. On a floured surface, roll each portion into a 6-in. square. Place 1 tablespoon olive bruschetta in center of each square; top with salami, ham, mozzarella cheese and provolone cheese. Bring 4 corners of dough together above filling; pinch edges to seal., Place in prepared skillet, seam side down. Brush with remaining 2 tablespoons butter; sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake until golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 562 calories, Fat 33g fat (14g saturated fat), Cholesterol 93mg cholesterol, Sodium 1815mg sodium, Carbohydrate 37g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 32g protein.
MUFFULETTA PANINIS
A delicious, grilled version of the flavorful New Orleans sandwich.
Provided by tlogston
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pork Ham
Time 8h23m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Place stuffed olives, Kalamata olives, red onions, lemon juice, artichoke hearts, basil, olive oil, capers, and garlic in a food processor. Pulse until coarsely chopped. Refrigerate olive salad 8 hours to overnight.
- Spray a panini press with cooking spray and preheat the grill.
- Layer 1 slice provolone cheese, 1 spoonful olive salad, 2 slices ham, 2 slices salami, another spoonful olive salad, and 1 additional slice provolone cheese on 4 slices bread; top with 4 additional slices to create 4 sandwiches. Place sandwiches in the preheated panini press and grill until bread is toasted, 3 to 5 minutes each. Cut sandwiches in half.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 527.9 calories, Carbohydrate 46.9 g, Cholesterol 56 mg, Fat 26.8 g, Fiber 3.2 g, Protein 24.4 g, SaturatedFat 9.8 g, Sodium 2252.4 mg, Sugar 1.2 g
MINI MUFFULETTA
These hearty sandwiches are great for holiday parties or any get-together. Recipe is from Taste of Home. This requires no cooking time. These can be made the day before. They need to refrigerate overnight (not included in prep time).
Provided by CookingONTheSide
Categories < 30 Mins
Time 25m
Yield 3 dozen, 36 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- In large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients, set aside.
- Hollow out tops and bottoms of rolls, leaving 3/4-inch shells (discard removed bread or save for another use).
- Spread olive mixture over tops and bottoms of rolls.
- On roll bottoms, layer the hard salami, provolone cheese, cotto salami and mozzarella cheese.
- Replace tops.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate overnight.
- Cut each into wedges; secure with toothpicks.
MUFFULETTA PANINI
A delicious, grilled version of the classic New Orleans sandwich. If you can't find prepared olive salad then try to use a chunky style olive tapenade.
Provided by PulpSeattle
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 15m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Brush both sides of bread lightly with butter.
- Layer 4 slices cheese over four of the slices of bread.
- Top with olive salad, ham, mortadella, salami, remaining cheese and bread.
- Cook sandwiches in a preheated panini press until golden brown and cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes.
- Note: Sandwiches may be cooked in a preheated ridged grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Place a heavy skillet on top of sandwiches to flatten; cook 3 minutes. Turn; replace skillet and continue to cook 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is melted.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 838.5, Fat 55.4, SaturatedFat 28.2, Cholesterol 154.5, Sodium 2844, Carbohydrate 31, Fiber 1.8, Sugar 2.8, Protein 52.4
MUFFULETTA PINWHEELS
A appetizer sized version of the New Orleans traditional sandwich.
Provided by Greg
Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Pork
Time 2h30m
Yield 50
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Combine green olives, black olives, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, and oil in a small bowl. Set aside. Beat together cream cheese, pinch of oregano, and pinch of garlic salt. Spread the mixture onto tortillas. Sprinkle olive mixture over the top of each. Starting at the top of each tortilla and about 1/8 inch down place a slice of ham, provolone, salami, and mozzarella slightly overlapping each slice.
- Roll the tortillas up and wrap in foil. Chill for at least 2 hours.
- Remove the foil and slice on a 45 degree angle into 1-inch pieces.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 82.9 calories, Carbohydrate 4.2 g, Cholesterol 16.4 mg, Fat 5.9 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 3.3 g, SaturatedFat 3.1 g, Sodium 219.3 mg, Sugar 0.2 g
Tips:
- Use a good quality muffuletta bread. A traditional muffuletta loaf is round and has a crispy crust and a soft, chewy interior. You can find muffuletta bread at most Italian bakeries or online.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of fillings. The classic muffuletta filling includes mortadella, salami, ham, provolone cheese, and olive salad, but you can also add other ingredients like soppressata, pepperoni, or roasted red peppers.
- Make sure to use a sharp knife to slice the muffuletta bread. This will help prevent the bread from tearing.
- If you're short on time, you can make the olive salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve the muffuletta sandwich with your favorite sides, such as potato chips, pasta salad, or coleslaw.
Conclusion:
The muffuletta sandwich is a delicious and iconic New Orleans sandwich that is perfect for any occasion. With its crispy bread, flavorful fillings, and tangy olive salad, the muffuletta is a sandwich that is sure to please everyone. So next time you're looking for a great sandwich, give the muffuletta a try.
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