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Muffaletta Salad and Sandwiches

When it comes to building a prime muffaletta, the bread may be more important than the olives, meats, and cheeses it’s married to. In New Orleans, this hefty must-have “sando” is constructed on a round, soft Sicilian loaf. In this version, Epicurious member Mike19711 uses focaccia. When serving large parties, use a soft Italian bread, a 9-inch round, or a long 14-inch loaf. Try and hold out until the olive salad has marinated for at least 24 hours; trust us, it will make the meal that much more authentic.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

For olive salad

1 cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
1 cup green olives, pitted and chopped
1/4 cup finely diced roasted red bell pepper
1 tablespoon minced red onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons minced fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons red-wine vinegar

For sandwiches

1 (9 by 11-inch) piece focaccia
Extra-virgin olive oil
6 ounces capicolla
4 ounces thinly sliced Genoa salami
4 ounces thinly sliced mortadella
4 ounces thinly sliced pepperoni
4 ounces sliced mozzarella
4 ounces thinly sliced provolone

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a medium bowl, toss together the olives, roasted peppers, onion, garlic, parsley, oil, and vinegar. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to 2 days.

    Step 2

    Split the focaccia horizontally and brush both cut sides with oil. Layer the capicolla, salami, mortadella, pepperoni, mozzarella, and provolone to completely cover the bottom half of the bread.

    Step 3

    Spread the olive salad in an even layer on top and cover with the other piece of bread, leaving a small border along the edge. Press the sandwich together, carefully slice into portions, and serve.

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