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Muffuletta Sandwich

The muffuletta sandwich is a legendary New Orleans staple, famed for its impressive layers and bold, Mediterranean-inspired flavours. This high-protein sandwich features a sophisticated blend of Italian deli meats, including mortadella and salami, balanced by the creamy texture of sliced provolone and mozzarella. What truly sets it apart is the piquant olive salad, a vibrant mix of pickled vegetables, capers, and anchovies that provides a sharp, savoury contrast to the rich fillings.

Ideal for hosting or a substantial weekend lunch, this recipe yields a generous amount of olive salad that only improves with time in the fridge. Preparing the salad a day in advance allows the herbs and oils to meld, ensuring every bite is packed with depth. Serve these substantial wedges at a picnic or as a centrepiece for a casual gathering, perhaps alongside a simple green salad to balance the saltiness of the charcuterie.

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Ingredients for Muffuletta Sandwich

  • 150g sliced marinated artichoke hearts

  • 80g shredded carrot

  • 50g shredded inner stalks celery

  • 50g finely chopped pitted green olives

  • 80g finely chopped roasted red peppers

  • 80g seeded, finely chopped pickled Tuscan peperoncini

  • 80g pitted chopped kalamata olives

  • 80g sliced pickled cocktail onions

  • 40g drained tiny capers in brine

  • 2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar

  • 3 anchovy fillets, chopped

  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano

  • 1/4 teaspoons peperoncino flakes

  • 450g container giardiniera (assorted pickled vegetables), drained and chopped

  • 150g sliced marinated artichoke hearts

  • 80g finely chopped pitted green olives

  • 80g pitted chopped kalamata olives

  • 60ml drained tiny capers in brine

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 3 anchovy fillets, chopped

  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano

  • 1/4 teaspoons peperoncino flakes

  • 8- inch round muffuletta bread, split open

  • 60g provolone, sliced

  • 60g deli ham, sliced

  • 60g capicola, sliced

  • 60g mortadella, sliced

  • 60g low-moisture mozzarella, sliced

  • 60g Genoa salami, sliced

To prepare either version of the olive salad, mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Cover, and refrigerate several hours or overnight, to let the flavours develop. This makes more salad than you need for one 8-inch sandwich. Extra olive salad will keep for a week or more and can be used in salads, sandwiches, etc.

Lay the bottom of the muffuletta bread on a work surface, cut side up. Layer half of the cheeses and meats on the bread, then spread with 1/2 cup of the olive salad. Top with the remaining meats and cheeses.Finish with another 1/2 cup olive salad. Place top of bread on olive salad, and press down. Cut into four wedges.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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