Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, and Italian seasoning. Brush the mixture onto both cut sides of the bread.
3. Toast the bread in the oven for 5–7 minutes, or until lightly crisp.
4. Layer the salami, ham, and mortadella or capicola onto the bottom half of the bread.
5. Add slices of provolone or mozzarella over the meats.
6. Spoon the olive salad evenly across the sandwich.
7. Close the sandwich and wrap it tightly in foil.
8. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the sandwich is heated through.
9. Remove from the oven, let rest for 15 minutes, then slice into large servings.

Variations

• Add giardiniera for extra tang and crunch.
• Swap provolone for smoked mozzarella for a deeper flavor.
• Use focaccia bread for a softer, more traditional muffaletta base.
• Spread a thin layer of pesto on the bread before adding meats for a herby twist.

Tips

• Resting the sandwich after baking allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Wrap tightly in foil to keep the heat and moisture evenly distributed.
• If your olive salad is very wet, drain slightly to prevent soggy bread.
• For parties, prepare the sandwich ahead and warm it right before serving.