Real N’Awlins Muffaletta Recipe: How to Make the Authentic New Orleans Sandwich
If you’re looking to bring a taste of the Big Easy into your kitchen, nothing beats the Real N’Awlins Muffaletta. Bursting with flavor, this iconic New Orleans sandwich combines layers of Italian meats, cheeses, and a tangy olive salad, all stacked between a round sesame loaf. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a picnic, or just craving something bold and satisfying, this Muffaletta recipe delivers true Louisiana flavor in every bite.
🥖 What Makes a Muffaletta Unique?
The Muffaletta (pronounced muff-uh-LET-uh) is a signature sandwich born in New Orleans’ French Quarter, with Italian roots that give it its rich flavor profile. What sets it apart is the zesty olive salad, combined with layers of cold cuts and cheese, served on a round loaf of sesame-seed bread. It’s filling, flavorful, and made to be shared.
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Olive Salad (make ahead for best flavor):
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1 cup green olives, chopped
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1/2 cup black olives, chopped
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1/2 cup pickled vegetables (giardiniera), chopped
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2 tablespoons capers
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1/4 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup parsley, chopped
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1/2 cup olive oil
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2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
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1 teaspoon oregano
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Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sandwich:
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1 large round Italian or Muffaletta loaf with sesame seeds
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1/4 lb Genoa salami
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1/4 lb mortadella or ham
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1/4 lb capicola or pepperoni
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1/4 lb provolone cheese
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1/4 lb mozzarella cheese
👨🍳 How to Make a Real N’Awlins Muffaletta
Step 1: Prepare the Olive Salad
Mix all the olive salad ingredients in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight. This step is essential to develop that classic, bold flavor.
Step 2: Prep the Bread
Slice the round loaf in half horizontally. If the bread is thick, gently remove some of the inside to make room for fillings.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
Spread half of the olive salad evenly on the bottom half of the bread. Layer the meats and cheeses in the following order: salami, mortadella, capicola, provolone, and mozzarella. Add the remaining olive salad on top and close the sandwich with the top half of the bread.
Step 4: Press and Chill
Wrap the entire sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Press it with a heavy object (like a skillet or weighted pan) and refrigerate for 1–2 hours. This helps the flavors blend and makes the sandwich easier to slice.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Cut into wedges and serve cold or slightly warmed. Perfect for lunch, parties, or anytime you want a real New Orleans bite.
🔥 Pro Tips for the Best Muffaletta
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Use fresh bakery bread with sesame seeds for authentic texture and flavor.
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Let the olive salad sit overnight for deeper, richer taste.
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Press the sandwich before serving to allow the ingredients to meld perfectly.
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Add a spicy twist with Creole mustard or hot peppers, if desired.
🎉 Why You’ll Love This New Orleans Muffaletta Recipe
The Real N’Awlins Muffaletta is more than a sandwich—it’s a flavor-packed experience. With its mix of salty, savory, tangy, and chewy textures, every bite delivers the soul of New Orleans cuisine. It’s easy to make, perfect for feeding a crowd, and guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite.
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