🥪 Mauro’s Italian Muffaletta Sandwich
A classic Italian-style sandwich — bold, flavorful, and perfect for sharing!
🧾 Ingredients
1 large round loaf of bread (about 10 inches in diameter)
1/4 cup good-quality olive oil
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1/4 lb seasoned ham (preferably smoked)
1/4 lb sliced beef salami
1/4 lb sliced mortadella
1/4 lb sliced provolone cheese
1/4 lb sliced mozzarella cheese
1/2 lb herbed provolone cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
1 cup olive salad (store-bought or homemade)
Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice or zest for extra brightness
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Bread
Slice the loaf in half horizontally. If needed, hollow out a bit of the inside to make more room for the fillings.
2. Season It
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil with the oregano. Brush both cut sides of the bread generously with this mixture.
3. Warm the Ham
Lightly warm the sliced ham in a skillet over low heat with a bit of oil and seasoning. This helps release flavor and makes it more tender.
4. Layer the Fillings
Start layering your meats and cheeses: begin with ham, followed by salami, mortadella, provolone, and mozzarella. Between some of the layers, spread a bit of olive salad to add that briny, flavorful kick.
5. Add Final Touches
Add the herbed provolone if you’re using it, along with more olive salad on top. For a fresh lift, a bit of lemon zest or juice can be added.
6. Wrap and Press
Place the top half of the bread back on. Wrap the whole sandwich tightly in plastic wrap. Set it in the fridge with a heavy weight on top (like a cast-iron pan) and chill for at least 2 hours — overnight is best for full flavor.
7. Slice and Serve
When ready to serve, unwrap the sandwich and slice it into generous wedges. Serve cold or at room temperature.
