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### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Olive Salad:**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the green olives, black olives, pimentos, red onion, capers, celery, and garlic. Add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, and parsley (if using). Stir everything together until well mixed. Taste and adjust the seasoning with black pepper if needed. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. If you have time, preparing the salad a few hours in advance will enhance the flavor.
2. **Assemble the Sandwich:**
Slice the round loaf of Italian bread in half horizontally. If the loaf is particularly thick, you can scoop out a little of the soft inner bread to make more room for the filling. The bread should be sturdy enough to hold the layers of meat and cheese, so choose a good-quality crusty loaf that won’t fall apart.
3. **Layer the Meats and Cheese:**
On the bottom half of the bread, start layering the deli meats—salami, ham, mortadella—in generous amounts. Follow with a layer of provolone cheese and Swiss cheese. If you’re using roasted red peppers, add them on top of the cheese layer. You want the sandwich to be thick and satisfying, so feel free to add more of each ingredient to your liking.
4. **Add the Olive Salad:**
Spoon a generous amount of the prepared olive salad over the layered meats and cheese. The salad’s briny and tangy flavor is the signature element of this sandwich, so don’t skimp on it! Spread the salad evenly across the sandwich, making sure to include the olives, onions, and capers.
5. **Top the Sandwich:**
Place the top half of the bread on the sandwich. Press down lightly to compact the sandwich and help the layers meld together.
6. **Serve:**
For the perfect serving, slice the sandwich into quarters or eighths (depending on how large you want the servings). This sandwich is great served cold, but you can also wrap it up and let it sit for an hour or two for the flavors to come together even more.
### Tips for Success:
– **Bread Choice:** If you can find Muffaletta bread, that’s the best option for an authentic experience. Otherwise, use a round Italian loaf that has a nice, thick crust.
– **Meat Variations:** While salami, ham, and mortadella are the traditional choices, you can mix it up with other deli meats like prosciutto or turkey for a different twist.
– **Olive Salad:** If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought olive tapenade, but homemade olive salad is worth the extra effort. It adds so much flavor!
– **Make Ahead:** This sandwich is even better after a few hours, as the ingredients have time to marinate together. It’s a perfect option for prepping ahead of time for parties or picnics.
### Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
– Calories: 600
– Carbs: 45g
– Protein: 30g
– Fat: 30g
– Fiber: 5g
### Why You’ll Love It:
The Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The mix of savory meats, creamy cheeses, and tangy olive salad creates an explosion of flavors in every bite. The combination of textures—from the crunch of the bread to the juicy olive salad—makes each bite a delight. Whether you’re hosting a big event or simply craving a giant sandwich to feed a crowd, this Muffaletta is sure to steal the show.
If you’ve never tried a Muffaletta before, this Giant Italian Sandwich is your perfect introduction. Get ready to enjoy a delicious, flavorful, and satisfying meal that will leave everyone asking for the recipe!
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