Hearty Muffuletta Loaf Recipes

MUFFULETTA

Steps:

• Combine the kalamata olives, green olives, basil, garlic and oil in a food processor or blender and process until coarsely chopped.
• Cut the top from the bread loaf and hollow out the center so that about 1/2 inch of crust remains. Spread olive mixture evenly over the inside of the loaf. Layer the salami, cheese, tomatoes and onion until the loaf is full.
• Replace top of bread, lightly press down and wrap tightly in plastic wrapping. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 1 day. Slice crosswise in about 1 1/2 inch pieces, and serve.

HEARTY MUFFULETTA

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine first 12 ingredients. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours. Drain, reserving 2 tablespoons liquid., Cut loaf of bread in half; hollow out top and bottom, leaving a 1-in. shell (discard removed bread or save for another use). Brush cut sides of bread with reserved liquid. Layer bottom of bread shell with salami, half of the olive mixture, cheese, remaining olive mixture and ham. Replace bread top. Cut into wedges to serve.

THE BA MUFFULETTA

Steps:

• Make the olive salad:
• Combine Calabrian chiles, shallot, garlic, both olives, piquillo peppers, oil, capers, vinegar, and oregano in a medium bowl; season with salt and pepper.
• To assemble:
• Split bread in half along the equator line. Divide olive salad, including any liquid, between halves. Lay salami on bottom half of bread, followed by capocollo, provolone, mozzarella, mortadella, and prosciutto. Close sandwich and wrap tightly in plastic. Place between 2 baking sheets and weigh down with a heavy pot or two to flatten slightly. Let sit at room temperature, turning over halfway, 1-3 hours before cutting into wedges to serve.
• Do Ahead
• Olive salad can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.

MUFFULETTA SANDWICH

Steps:

• If using home made olive salad, make it by mixing all ingredients together.
• Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours before assembling sandwich.
• Cut bread in half horizontally.
• Remove about 1/2 inch of soft white bread from top layer of each half to make room for the filling, starting about 1/2 from sides.
• Drain olive salad, reserving liquid.
• Brush some of the liquid over cut sides of bread and toast under broiler until just lightly browned.
• Brush a little more liquid on toasted sides and layer salami, 1/2 of the olive salad, the cheese, ham and remaining olive salad on bottom half of bread.
• Cover with top half of bread and secure with a couple of tooth picks.
• Place back in oven for a few minutes to heat all ingredients.
• The cheese should just be warm and starting to get soft, but not runny.
• Cut into 4 quarters and serve with plenty of napkins.