Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the green and black olives, giardiniera, roasted red peppers, capers, and minced garlic.
2. Dress the Salad: Add olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
3. Marinate: Cover the bowl and let the salad marinate at room temperature for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate overnight.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

1. Slice the Bread: Using a serrated knife, cut the loaf of bread horizontally into two even halves.
2. Hollow the Loaf: Scoop out some of the interior bread from both halves to create space for the fillings. Be careful not to pierce the crust.
3. Spread Olive Salad: Generously spread a layer of the prepared olive salad over the cut sides of both halves of the bread.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich

1. Layer the Meats and Cheeses: Starting with the bottom half of the bread, layer the salami, mortadella, capicola or prosciutto, provolone, and mozzarella. Alternate layers for even distribution.
2. Add Optional Greens: If desired, add a layer of fresh arugula or lettuce leaves on top of the meats and cheeses for added texture and freshness.
3. Top with Olive Salad: Add another generous layer of olive salad over the fillings.
4. Close the Sandwich: Place the top half of the bread over the fillings, pressing down gently to compact the sandwich.

Step 4: Wrap and Press

1. Wrap the Sandwich: Tightly wrap the entire sandwich in plastic wrap or parchment paper.
2. Press the Sandwich: Place the wrapped sandwich on a large plate or baking sheet. Weigh it down with a heavy skillet or cans to compress the layers. Let it sit for at least 1 hour at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours.

Step 5: Serve

1. Unwrap and Slice: Carefully unwrap the sandwich and use a sharp serrated knife to slice it into wedges or quarters.
2. Garnish and Enjoy: Serve with a side of chips, pickles, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Leftovers can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious!
• Make Ahead: The sandwich can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Tips for Success

• Bread Choice: Use a sturdy, crusty bread to hold up to the hearty fillings and prevent sogginess.
• Customizable Fillings: Feel free to add other Italian meats like soppressata or swap cheeses to suit your taste.
• Perfect Olive Salad: Chop the ingredients finely for an even distribution of flavors in every bite.

This giant Muffaletta sandwich is a bold and flavorful creation that’s sure to impress. Its vibrant layers and zesty olive salad make it a true centerpiece for any gathering. Enjoy!