How to Make a Classic New Orleans Muffuletta

When you think of New Orleans, you think of vibrant flavors, music that stirs the soul, and food that tells a story. And there’s no better dish to showcase the heart of the Crescent City than the Muffuletta—a sandwich as bold and layered as the city itself. Created at the iconic Central Grocery, this Italian-Creole masterpiece brings together crusty bread, savory meats, melty cheeses, and an unforgettable olive salad.

Want to skip the prep and enjoy it right away? We’ve made it easy for you with a pre-made Carnival Muffuletta that brings the taste of New Orleans straight to your door!

If you're ready to make your own from scratch, here's how to create this masterpiece at home.

What You’ll Need

For the Olive Salad:

• 1 cup green olives, pitted and roughly chopped
• 1 cup black olives, pitted and roughly chopped
• ½ cup roasted red peppers, diced
• ¼ cup capers, drained
• ½ cup celery, finely chopped
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Or save time and grab one of these authentic olive salads:

• Central Grocery’s Olive Salad (16oz) – The original olive salad that started it all.
• Boscoli Italian Olive Salad (15.5oz) – A delicious alternative with bold, zesty flavors.

For the Sandwich:

• 1 round loaf of Italian or sesame bread (about 10 inches in diameter)
• ¼ pound Genoa salami
• ¼ pound mortadella
• ¼ pound capicola
• ¼ pound sliced provolone cheese
• ¼ pound sliced mozzarella cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Olive Salad

The heart of a great Muffuletta is the olive salad.

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the green olives, black olives, roasted red peppers, capers, celery, red onion, and garlic.
2. Drizzle in the olive oil and red wine vinegar, then sprinkle in the oregano, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well-coated.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better) to let the flavors meld.

Don’t feel like chopping? Use Central Grocery’s Olive Salad or Boscoli Italian Olive Salad for an authentic, ready-to-go option.

Step 2: Prep the Bread

1. Cut the round loaf in half horizontally to create a top and bottom.
2. Hollow out a small amount of the bread from the bottom half to make room for the fillings.
3. Spread a generous amount of the olive salad evenly over the cut sides of both halves of the bread. Make sure some of that delicious oil soaks into the bread—it’s part of the magic!

Step 3: Layer the Meats and Cheeses

1. On the bottom half of the bread, layer the Genoa salami, mortadella, and capicola.
2. Follow with the provolone and mozzarella slices.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich

1. Place the top half of the bread over the layered meats and cheeses.
2. Press the sandwich down slightly to help everything settle together.

Step 5: Let It Rest (Optional but Worth It!)

1. Wrap the entire sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for at least 1 hour. This step allows the olive salad’s flavors to soak into the bread and marry with the meats and cheeses.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

1. Cut the Muffuletta into wedges or quarters, depending on how many you’re serving.
2. Serve it cold or slightly warmed (you can wrap it in foil and heat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes if you prefer it melty).

Need It Ready-to-Go?

Not in the mood to make one from scratch? Skip the prep and order a Carnival Muffuletta—a whole, pre-made sandwich crafted with authentic New Orleans ingredients. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a quick taste of the Big Easy.

A Taste of New Orleans

The Muffuletta isn’t just a sandwich; it’s a celebration of bold flavors and rich traditions. Each bite tells a story of Italian immigrants blending their culinary heritage with the soul of New Orleans. Whether you’re making it from scratch or enjoying a ready-made version, the Muffuletta is sure to impress.

So, are you ready to bring the flavors of the Crescent City to your kitchen? Laissez les bons temps rouler!