Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich

Step 1: Prepare the Olive Salad

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the green olives, black olives, giardiniera, roasted red peppers, red onion, and garlic.
2. Add Seasonings: Sprinkle in the dried oregano and red pepper flakes (if using). Drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar over the mixture, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Mix Well: Stir everything together until combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. This can also be made a day in advance for deeper flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

1. Cut the Bread: Using a serrated knife, carefully cut the round loaf of bread in half horizontally. If desired, you can hollow out some of the insides to create more space for the fillings.
2. Layer the Bottom: On the bottom half of the bread, layer the sliced salami, ham, and mortadella in an overlapping pattern for even coverage.
3. Add Cheeses: Next, layer the provolone and mozzarella cheese on top of the meats.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich

1. Add the Olive Salad: Spoon a generous amount of the chilled olive salad over the cheese layer, spreading it evenly.
2. Top It Off: Place fresh basil leaves on top of the olive salad if desired. Finally, place the top half of the bread back on the sandwich.
3. Press Down: Gently press down on the sandwich to compress the layers slightly, which helps everything meld together.

Step 4: Wrap and Chill

1. Wrap the Sandwich: Wrap the entire sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help the flavors meld and make slicing easier later.
2. Chill: Refrigerate the wrapped sandwich for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight. The longer it chills, the better the flavors will develop.

Step 5: Serve

1. Slice the Sandwich: When ready to serve, remove the sandwich from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the sandwich into wedges or slices.
2. Presentation: Arrange the slices on a large platter for a beautiful presentation. Serve with extra olive salad on the side if desired.
3. Enjoy: This sandwich is perfect for gatherings, picnics, or as a hearty lunch option. Pair it with chips, a side salad, or fresh fruit for a complete meal!

Tips for the Perfect Muffaletta

1. Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality meats and cheeses for the best flavor. Freshly made olive salad adds a significant taste boost.
2. Make Ahead: The sandwich can be made a day in advance, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
3. Customize: Feel free to add other ingredients like sliced pepperoni, different types of cheese, or additional veggies to suit your taste.

This Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich is a delightful way to celebrate flavors and textures that make Italian cuisine so beloved. It’s easy to make, easy to share, and a guaranteed hit at any gathering. Enjoy every delicious bite!