This traditional New Orleans Muffuletta recipe is a favorite of ours. Layers of meats, cheese and a special olive salad piled high onto sturdy Italian bread.
A Muffuletta is a Sicilian sandwich filled with Italian salami, ham and cheese, and the key ingredient in a Muffuletta is the olive salad which is the sandwich's signature trait.
Why This Recipe Works
- This Muffuletta recipe is certainly a winner! Every bite is spectacular and the flavors are perfect.
- They're great for tailgating, to bring to a pot-luck, or even to serve for dinner. Slice them into wedges and you're good to go.
- Layers of ham, pastrami, salami, pepperoni and provolone cheese are piled high on a loaf of french or Italian bread. But the key ingredient, in my opinion, is the olive and carrot spread!
Ingredient Notes
See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Green olives and baby carrots
- Italian salad dressing
- Parmesan and provolone cheese
- French bread
- Ham, pastrami, sliced pepperoni
- Butter
How To Make This Recipe
- Place green olives and the carrots in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. Transfer to a bowl.
- Stir in salad dressing and parmesan cheese. Set aside.
- Slice bread horizontally and layer the meats, then the provolone and finish with the olive salad.
- Place the other half of the bread on top.
- Brush melted butter on top of the bread.
- Wrap the sandwich in aluminum foil and bake about 50 minutes.
- Remove sandwich from the oven and before unwrapping, gently push down on the sandwich.
- Unwrap, slice, and serve.
Expert Tips
- Make sure you buy pitted green olives for the olive salad.
- After taking the muffuletta out of the oven, gently push down on the sandwich.
- A muffuletta is a big and hearty sandwich, so you may want to save some for later. If you have any leftover sandwich, it's easy to reheat. Wrap the sandwich in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Heat it in a preheated 325 degree F oven (165 degrees C) for 12-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Did Muffulettas Originate?
Although Italian, the muffuletta didn't originate in Italy. It is the creation of Sicilian immigrant, Salvatore Lupo who arrived in New Orleans in the early 1900's and opened Central Grocery. He developed this sandwich for his customers, many of whom were farmers who would order bread, sliced cold cuts, olives and cheese. Since they would eat standing, Mr. Lupo decided to put all of those ingredients together in a sandwich to make it easier for his customers to enjoy.
What Should I Serve With A Muffuletta?
Serve muffuletta with dill pickles and crispy potato chips, French Fries, Potato Salad, or a bowl of soup.
These Muffulettas are the real deal!
Enjoy!
How To Make A Muffuletta
Ingredients
- 16 oz Jar green olives
- 12 oz Baby carrots
- 1/2 cup Italian salad dressing
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese , grated
- 2 loaves of French (or Italian bread)
- 1/2 pound Ham
- 1/2 pound Pastrami
- 1/4 pound Sliced Pepperoni
- 1/2 pound Provolone
- 4 tablespoons butter , melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Place the green olives and the carrots in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. Transfer to a bowl.
- Stir in the salad dressing and parmesan cheese. Set aside.
- Slice the bread horizontally and on one half, layer the meats, then the provolone and finish with the olive salad.
- Place the other half of the bread on top.
- Brush melted butter on top of the bread.
- Wrap the sandwich in aluminum foil and bake about 50 minutes.
- Remove the sandwich from the oven and before unwrapping, gently push down on the sandwich.
- Unwrap, slice and serve.
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
I never knew there was a such thing as olive salad. I bought a jar and chopped some black olives as well. I used sweet slider shaped rolls. I think I will add a little mustard to the mix next time.
This sandwich was really good. It was simple to make. I used a long French loaf because I was bringing it to a potluck and made small-portion pieces. I would make this again.
As a home grown Louisiana boy I can tell you it’s the best “sammich” you’ll ever eat. I can hardly eat any other kind! This recipe is spot on for authentic flavor. You can’t go wrong and you won’t be disappointed….
Thanks so much, it's one of my favorite sandwiches. Thinking about it makes me homesick, I hope to get back to NOLA soon.
i haven’t been to NOLA in yeas, but this is taking me back
I’ve never heard of a Muffuletta but this looks absolutely delicious!!!
I am craving this right now! YUM!
So much better than just an Italian sub! That olive salad is to die for!
Yes, the olive salad is the best part. I could eat it all by itself.
I want to eat spoonfuls of that olive salad! So good!
I do too, Lauren 🙂
I’ve never been to New Orleans, but it seems to offer so much food inspiration!
There are so many great places to eat in New Orleans, Megan. The food is amazing!
One of my favorite sandwiches!!! We get one every time we’re in NOLA.
Looks delicious! I’ve never tried this before but I’m putting it on my list of thing to make. My husband is really going to enjoy this.
this recipe looks amazing! I’m dreaming of doing a culinary tour of New Orleans someday but until I can #MakeSomedayHappen I can make these awesome sandwiches at home and keep the dream alive! Thanks for sharing. Cheers!
The food in New Orleans is like no other place I’ve ever visited. I hope you get to visit soon, you’d love it!
I never knew there was a such thing as olive salad. I bought a jar and chopped some black olives as well. I used sweet slider shaped rolls. I think I will add a little mustard to the mix next time.
I am dying to go to New Orleans! In the meantime, I will have to try your Muffuletta – it looks incredible!
I have never had a muffalata! This looks amazing!
You should definitely give it a try, Becky. They are so good!
I have always wanted to make a muffuletta. It looks fantastic!
Thank you so much!
I have never been to Louisiana to indulge in their fine fine cuisine, so for now, I pretend and take adventures by trying awesome recreations and recipes just like this one!! Looks awesome!
Thank you Kita!
What I wouldn’t give to have a section of that beautiful sandwich! That olive and carrot mixture sounds brilliant. And for some reason, I’m in the mood for a picnic now.
Again you have introduced me to something new 🙂 My husband loves olives (and meat) so I will have to share this with him (but leave out the word salad since he has an aversion to any food with the word salad!)
You just can’t beat a really good Muffuletta sandwich. Its perfect game day food!
I’ve definitely got the Muffeletta recipe pinned! I love these and will be making a big one for our Super Bowl yummies. Thank you!
Thank you, Marsha!
Muffuletta where have you been all my life!!! I have never tried one and your pictures of them have convinced me I must try one!
Oh, you must try them soon Amber. So easy to make and the taste is out of this world good!
I love the muffalettas that I get from Jason’s Deli. I will definitely have to try making them on my own!
Although I love Jason’s Deli, I’ve never had a muffuletta there. I might just have to try it next time. Yes, muffulettas are so easy to make and taste so very good.
This is so perfect! I haven’t had a muffuletta sandwich in YEARS but I can practically taste it after seeing your photos. I want to make it now!
Thank you Amanda. It sounds like it’s been way too long, I think you should go ahead and make one 😉
This recipe sounds perfectly authentic!
Thank you Christine, I love recipes with a story behind them.
I love muffuletta sandwiches. Glad to have this recipe and appreciate the history of the this amazing Italian-New Orleans treat. Thanks.
You are most welcome Laura. I hope you get to make it soon 🙂
I vividly remember my first muffuletta too. I was in my 20s and had never tasted anything like it. It was LOVE at first bite. Can’t wait to try this. Looks fantastic!
Thank you Susan. Yes, the flavors are totally unique and I could eat that olive salad by the spoonful.
My Cajun roots are just loving this recipe! 🙂 Sounds like the flavors are spot on – can’t wait to give it a try.
Thanks Kimberly Ann.
Good Golly this looks delicious! My mouth is Watering!!
Thanks Jennifer. It’s so good!
Oh man! I should never have come over here when I was fasting for a doctor’s appointment! EVERYTHING looks so yummy!!!!!!!
Thanks, Jill.
GET IN MY BELLY! Looks delicious…Have a beautiful Monday!
Thank you! 🙂
I love muffalettas but never tried making them at home. However this would be great for both the Superbowl and Mardi Gras!
Muffulettas would be perfect for both the Superbowl and Mardi Gras. It can certainly serve a crowd too. Hope you get to make it, I’m planning to. Have a great week!