Muffuletta Sandwich

“What’s a muffuletta?” is a question we often hear. Well, it’s a sandwich, but oh-oh-oh whatasandwich it is! Muffulettas have become legendary, stemming from their New Orleans roots, where an Italian-style grinder got mixed up with some jazz, Delta blues and soul, and now here we are, in Sandwich Heaven.

For those who have never tasted such perfection, we insist you try one as soon as you are done reading this. A muffuletta is a work of art, a dreamy amalgamation of great artisan bread layered with Italian meats, sliced cheeses, high-quality mustard, Old World olives and giardiniera vegetables, which all sounds so simple when broken down as such, however, this is definitely one of those equations that defies logic and becomes something much greater than the sum total of its parts. This sandwich has become iconic as a New Orleans staple since its inception in 1906 — and for good reason. Start with a killer loaf of round Italian bread from a local bakery (don’t skimp on this!). Cut it in half, hollow a bit out of the center, and fill it with the best mustard, meats, vegetables and cheeses you can find!

Felix made this one day, after we shot a big charcuterie board and had lots of capicola, salami, and cheese leftover. He texted the photo of his creation and asked, “Would you like some…?” I think I was knocking down the door before he put his phone down. I made it there in minutes, knowing how incredible this treat was going to be, and I was right!

Our recipe takes only minutes to assemble and can be shared at get-togethers, or better yet, serve half and save half in the fridge — it actually gets better as the crusty bread softens and soaks up all of the vinegar and the meats and cheese marry in all of that glorious olive oil and seasonings overnight. One thing to note, this ain’t no small thing, so don’t expect a dainty tea sandwich! A muffuletta should be held high and feasted upon with glory and a grin while banging on a big old drum and dancing down the street, for real. Get yours and you’ll understand. This is a divine sandwich, and the gospel of the muffuletta must be shared. Hallelujah! Mmmmmhmmm.