Muffaletta Sandwich Recipe

"Many people make this in a round bread loaf - the "classic" muffaletta loaf. Now, I would love to use that - but, NO such luck around here. I use Focaccia; which seems to work quite well. I also like, that I can cut it into smaller portions for a party (small squares). Now, you can always make your own bread; or, buy it from a local bakery or grocery store. Most of my grocery stores all carry these breads these days; and are usually quite good. Now, obviously, depending on the bread you use ... the amount of the fillings can change. This recipe is based on an average size focaccia loaf."

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Olive Salad ... Add everything, except the olive oil to the food processor and pulse a couple of times until you get a coarse/rough chop. DO NOT over process. Add the olive oil, and pulse a couple more times, until everything is mixed - again, do NOT over process - you don't want 'mush.' Then, transfer the olive salad to a bowl. Drizzle a little oil over the top, just a teaspoon; then, cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let it marinate in the refrigerator, at least 2 hours; I prefer overnight.

Step 2

Bread ... Cut the focaccia in half, for a top and bottom. If really thick, you can scoop out some of the bread from the bottom; but, using focaccia, I don't find that necessary. Using a round style loaf; I usually cut the top 1/3 off, rather than in half. then, I scoop out some of the bread from the bottom piece. And, don't throw away the bread - add to a baggie and freeze; they make great bread crumbs.

Step 3

Sandwich ... After the olive spread has marinated - time to make the sandwich. Add half of the olive spread to the bottom bread, half the cheese slices, capicola, mortadella, and salami; the remaining cheese; and then the rest of the olive salad. Top the sandwich, then; wrap tightly in plastic wrap. This isn't necessary; but, I think it is best when refrigerated a couple of hours. You can serve right away if you want. If refrigerated, 1 hour top side up ... then, flip over, and refrigerate another hour. This allows the bread to really soak up all that good olive spread; which is what makes the sandwich so good!

Step 4

Serve and ENJOY! ... Perfect for parties, game night, or a easy Sat night dinner with the family. You can always add your favorite deli meats, cheese; and even tomatoes if you want. But, this is more of the classic version.