Muffuletta
A hearty Italian-inspired sandwich featuring cured meats, cheese, fresh vegetables, and tangy olive dressing, perfect for lunch or casual gatherings with bold flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
- 1 round Muffuletta bread
- 1/2 cup Kraft House Italian in olive oil dressing ⓘ
- 1 small can sliced black olives, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 head lettuce, shredded ⓘ
- 1/2 cucumber, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large tomato, chopped coarse ⓘ
- 2 bunches green onions, chopped
- 1/4 pound Cheddar cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 1/4 pound deli ham, sliced thin ⓘ
- 1/4 pound deli roast turkey, sliced thin
- 1/4 pound deli salami, sliced thin
Instructions
- Make the bread as per Muffuletta Bread recipe instructions.
- Cut the bread in half horizontally.
- Toss shredded lettuce, chopped cucumber, chopped green onions, and chopped tomato; set aside.
- Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the bottom half of the bread.
- Arrange sliced deli ham, sliced roast turkey, and sliced salami on the bottom half.
- Vigorously shake the Italian dressing to mix, then measure and stir in the drained sliced black olives.
- Spoon the olive mixture over the lettuce and meats.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese over the olive mixture.
- Spread mayonnaise on the top half of the bread and place it over the layered bottom half.
- Cut the sandwich into 8 wedges and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For an authentic Muffuletta, consider using a combination of meats and cheeses like provolone or mortadella for added flavor. If you can't find Muffuletta bread, a round Italian loaf works well. For a vegetarian version, replace the meats with marinated vegetables. Don't skip the olive mixture; it adds essential depth to the sandwich.
Serving Suggestions
Muffuletta sandwiches are perfect for picnics or gatherings. Serve with a side of potato chips or a simple green salad to complement the rich flavors. They also pair beautifully with Italian recipes like Luncheon Fettuccini Alfredo for a complete meal. Offer pickles or marinated vegetables on the side for added crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Muffuletta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap the sandwich in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This helps maintain the bread's texture while warming the ingredients without making them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Muffuletta contains roughly 205 calories, with 5g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Muffuletta ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a few hours in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh. However, it's best to add the lettuce just before serving to prevent it from getting soggy.
What type of bread is best for Muffuletta?
Traditional Muffuletta bread is a round, sesame-seeded loaf, but you can substitute with any crusty Italian or French bread. Just ensure it's sturdy enough to hold the fillings without falling apart, and ideally, it should have a nice chew to complement the sandwich's textures.
Can I customize the fillings in my Muffuletta?
Definitely! While the classic version includes various meats and cheeses, you can customize it to suit your taste. Consider adding roasted vegetables or different types of olives, or even experimenting with spreads like pesto or tapenade for a unique twist.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).