Muffuleta Sandwich [muhf-fuh-LEHT-tuh]

Muffuletta Olive/Vegetable Salad
32 ounces Mild Giardiniera (marinated vegetables)
16 ounces Spanish Olives (stuffed with pimento)
16 ounces Pepperoncini (mild)
11 ounces Artichoke Hearts (marinated)
6 ounces Cipolline Onions (or any cocktail onions)
8 ounces Mild Pepper Rings
1 tablespoon Garlic (fresh and chopped)
1 tablespoon Black Pepper (fresh ground)
All jarred ingredients above were the Delallo brand, but feel free to use your favorite brands.

1. Place all ingredients in a large bowl and marinate over night.
2. Drain well and pulse in a food processor until consistent, but coarsely chopped.
3. Store in an airtight container, refrigerate and hold for service.

Muffuletta (Pittsburgh Style)
1 loaf Muffuletta Bread (10" round Italian Bread with sesame seeds) or a French Baguette, if you cannot find round Italian Bread. Please see note at end.
16 ounces Muffuletta Olive/Vegetable Salad
4 ounces Butter (salted)
4 ounces Virginia Ham (very thinly sliced)
4 ounces Cappicola Ham (very thinly sliced)
4 ounces Prosciutto Ham Parma Brand (very thinly sliced)
4 ounces Pepperoni (sandwich sized, very thinly sliced)
4 ounces Smoked Turkey (very thinly sliced)
4 ounces Mozzarella Cheese
4 ounces Provolone Cheese
4 ounces Colby Cheese

1. Cut bread in half. If using a French Baguette, remove some of the soft inner bread.
2. Mix softened butter with the Olive/Vegetable Salad so it is easy to spread.
3. Spread the Olive/Vegetable Salad on the bottom and top of the bread.
4. Alternate layers of meat and cheese. If you want to make a sandwich with double the meat (as shown in the photos), add a layer of the Olive/Vegetable Salad in the middle half of your meat and cheese layers.
5. Cap off with the top of the bread and then wrap the entire sandwich tightly in plastic wrap. Place in refrigerator long enough for the Olive/Vegetable Salad to firm up.
6. Slice to desired thickness. Should easily feed 6-8 adults depending on the desired thickness of slices and if you are using double the meat from the recipe above.

History of the Muffuletta: Muffuletta is a specialty sandwich from the French Quarter of New Orleans and is one of the greatest sandwiches in the world. It originated in 1906 at Salvatore Lupa's Central Grocery Italian Market. The Muffuletta is a masterpiece of a sandwich and is approaching its 100th anniversary. It consists of a round loaf of Italian bread topped with sesame seeds, split in half and filled with layers of different meats, cheeses and an Olive/Vegetable salad spread. In New Orleans they are affectionately known as "muffs" and this 10-inch round sandwich will easily feed 6 or more adults. Enjoy!

*We specialty ordered our 10" Round Italian Bread with sesame seeds from Mancini's Bakery in the Strip District of Pittsburgh. The Mancini Bakery is an excellent bakery and has been a Pittsburgh tradition since 1926. For this and other specialty breads, ask for Mr. Nick Mancini Hartner at:

Mancini's Bakery
1717 Penn Avenue - Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412.765.3545