Trust me, you don’t need to know how to pronounce this sandwich to be able to enjoy it. A Muffaletta is an Italian sandwich that combines meats, cheeses, pickled vegetables, and olive tapenade, to create an undeniably delicious treat. It’s a very versatile sandwich because you can add and omit ingredients as you see fit. For example, I’m not crazy about pickled vegetables. Classically, this sandwich includes a layer of them. If you like them, by all means, pile them on. If not, you can leave them off. The meats and cheeses can also be changed to suit your taste. The important thing is to fill this sandwich with ingredients you and your family will love and to enjoy it! And the best part? It’s even better later the same day or the next day so you can make it ahead and refrigerate it. This tasty lunchtime treat is the perfect picnic fare on a sunny spring day. Serve it with potato chips or your favorite salad and watch it disappear!
Ingredients:
1 Large loaf of bread (whole -not sliced) from your favorite bakery (Round works great here, but a thick, oblong French Bread or similar loaf will work as well).
6 Slices Provolone Cheese
6 Slices Cotto Salami
6 Slices Ham
6 Slices Pepperoni
1/2 Cup Fresh Chopped Basil
1/2 Cup pickled vegetables, optional
For the Tapenade:
½ Cup Chopped Black Olives
¼ Cup Diced Jarred Roasted Red Peppers
2 TB Olive Oil
¼ tsp Kosher Salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
To Make:
Cut the top off of the bread, reserving it. Hollow out the center of the bread. You need enough room to stuff the sandwich. Be careful not to tear the bottom of the bread.
Prepare the tapenade by combining all ingredients and stirring.
Place 2 TB of tapenade in bottom of the bread loaf and spread around.
Layer the meats and cheeses and basil as you choose: (ex: 3 slices provolone, 3 slices salami, 3 slices ham,pickled vegetables, 3 slices pepperoni, ¼ cup basil, Repeat…)
Spoon desired amount of olive tapenade on the underside of the top of the bread and place it back on the sandwich.
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use. If using a round loaf, cut into wedges. If using an oblong loaf, cut into sections. Enjoy!