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    Home » Recipe » Sandwich » Vegetarian Muffaletta Sandwich

    Vegetarian Muffaletta Sandwich

    Published Apr 6, 2015 · Updated Jun 17, 2019 by Ginnie · 4 Comments

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    Learn how to make an amazing vegetarian Muffaletta Sandwich ... it's just as good as any you'd get in New Orleans!

    Vegetarian Muffaletta Sandwich recipe … learn how to make a New Orleans muffaletta just like the one you can get in the French Quarter at Central Bakery! This homemade muffaletta sandwich is perfect for a crowd or party, and features delicious Italian bread, a homemade olive salad, mushrooms, red peppers, artichokes, and provolone cheese! An easy muffaletta recipe that's vegan friendly! | Hello Little Home #muffalettarecipe #muffuletta #vegetarianrecipes #veganrecipes #vegetariansandwich

    This post contains affiliate links.

    One of my favorite travel destinations is New Orleans. Have you ever been?

    I love pretty much everything about that city, from the architecture to the people. But especially, the food. In fact, just writing this has me dreaming about a plate of warm beignets and a cafe au lait from Cafe Du Monde!

    Another food I can't pass up while visiting is the muffaletta (or muffuletta, as some people call it) ... preferably from Central Grocery. It's normally stuffed with meat, but if you ask, they'll make a meatless muffaletta for you.

    Vegetarian Muffaletta Sandwich

    Since I can't visit New Orleans whenever I get a craving, I came up with my own version.

    This mouthwatering vegetarian Muffaletta Sandwich has just as much flavor as the NOLA version. It's even better though, because you can make it whenever you want!

    Closeup of a vegetarian muffaletta sandwich.

    What is a Muffaletta made of?

    This vegetable muffuletta is so delicious, but it's not the typical meat-filled sandwich you'd find in New Orleans! Usually, a muffuletta is made from layers of meats and cheese, plus olive salad, on a round loaf of bread.

    I've replace the meat found in traditional versions of this sandwich with a combination of sauteed portabella mushrooms, artichoke hearts, and roasted peppers. Of course, the most distinctive part of this classic New Orleans sandwich is the piquant muffaletta olive salad. If you are an olive lover, you won't be able to get enough of this delicious olive spread. Just don't eat it all before you assemble the sandwich!

    This vegetarian Muffaletta Sandwich is big enough to serve a crowd, making it ideal for parties. If you're only serving a few people, you'll be happy to know that leftovers keep really well, too.

    And it's the perfect picnic food. Just bring plenty of napkins, because this is one messy sandwich!

    Closeup of the inside of a vegetarian muffaletta sandwhich filled with vegetables, homemade olive salad, and provolone cheese.

    How to Make a Vegetarian Muffaletta Sandwich

    There's a lot of stuff in this veggie muffaletta, so you might be thinking that it's difficult to make. Most of the ingredients in this vegetarian Muffaletta Sandwich are premade though, so it comes together quickly and easily.

    For this vegetarian muffuletta sandwich recipe, I wanted to include something hearty to replace the meat that's usually found in these tasty sandwiches. Portabella mushrooms were the perfect choice.

    You'll saute the mushrooms quickly in a hot pan.

    Sauteing mushrooms for the vegetarian muffaletta filling.

    Making the Olive Salad

    While the mushrooms are cooking, work on the olive spread. My homemade muffuletta olive salad is made from:

    • giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables)
    • green and black olives
    • capers
    • a mix of zesty seasonings

    And it is simply amazing! Even my husband—who doesn't like any of that stuff—devoured this sandwich.

    To make this yummy olive salad, simply chop up your ingredients and mix everything together. It couldn't be easier!

    Homemade olive salad for a vegan friendly vegetable muffaletta sandwich.

    Selecting the Bread

    For the muffaletta bread, you'll want to look for a sturdy round loaf ... something that will stand up to all that filling. The sesame bread I found was perfect!

    If you live in the south, you may be able to find a loaf of muffuletta bread.

    Otherwise, a good bakery should have something that will work for you. If you can't find a round loaf, try a loaf of Italian bread instead.

    Adding olive salad to the muffaletta sandwich bread.

    Assembling the Sandwich

    Once your mushrooms and olive salad are ready, it's time to start assembling.

    This is the ultimate layered sandwich! You're going to start with half of the olive spread and go from there, adding the mushrooms, roasted peppers, artichokes, and provolone cheese along the way.

    And by the way, if you want to make a vegan muffaletta sandwich, just skip the cheese (or use vegan cheese). With all of these flavorful ingredients, it will still taste amazing.

    I don't know about you, but just looking at all these colorful muffaletta ingredients has me feeling very hungry!

    Assembling a veggie muffaletta sandwich step-by-step photo.

    This is a sandwich that benefits from a little sitting, but if you can't resist a bite, dig in. Otherwise, you can make this sandwich hours before serving (perfect for parties). Just wrap the sandwich, refrigerate, then bring to room temperature before serving.

    In New Orleans, they'd cut this vegetable muffaletta sandwich in quarters and serve it. That's a big serving though, so I'm going to say this sandwich will serve six to eight people. And trust me, no one's going to go hungry!

    I like to serve this muffuletta sandwich cut into wedges.

    Cutting into a Veggie Muffaletta.

    This is a messy sandwich, which makes it fun to eat.

    Even if you have a little wedge, grab a big plate. You don't want to waste any of that delicious filling.

    Now that you know how easy it is, make this tasty vegetarian Muffaletta Sandwich anytime you get a New Orleans-inspired craving. It will not disappoint!

    A vegetarian muffaletta sandwich on a plate.

    Vegetarian Muffaletta Sandwich on a plate.
    Print Recipe SaveSaved!
    5 from 2 votes

    Vegetarian Muffaletta Sandwich

    Get a taste of New Orleans with this amazing vegetarian Muffaletta Sandwich!
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time20 mins
    Total Time30 mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 6 to 8 people
    Calories: 668kcal
    Author: Ginnie

    Ingredients

    For Sauteed Mushrooms:

    • 2 large portabella mushrooms, sliced ½-inch thick
    • 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
    • salt and pepper

    For Olive Salad:

    • 1 cup giardiniera
    • 1 cup green olives
    • ½ cup kalamata olives
    • 1 tablespoon capers
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
    • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
    • ¼ cup red wine vinegar

    For Muffaletta:

    • 1 (1-pound) round loaf of bread
    • 8 ounces sliced provolone cheese (skip for a vegan muffaletta)
    • 1 cup roasted red peppers, or use a mix of colors
    • 1 cup quartered artichoke hearts

    Instructions

    Prepare mushrooms:

    • Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Add mushrooms to oil and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on both sides.
    • Season mushrooms to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside to cool slightly.

    Prepare olive salad:

    • While the mushrooms are cooking, start the olive salad. Coarsely chop giardiniera and place in a medium bowl.
    • Smash olives with the side of a chef's knife, remove pits, and roughly chop. Add to giardiniera.
    • Add capers, garlic, spices, olive oil, and red wine vinegar to giardiniera. Mix well, then set aside.

    Assemble muffalettas:

    • Cut bread in half. If your loaf is very thick, remove some bread from inside the loaf, leaving about a 1-inch shell.
    • Brush bottom of bread with some of the dressing from the olive salad, then cover with half of the olive salad.
    • Top olive salad with half of the provolone cheese.
    • Cover cheese with all the roasted peppers, then top with all the artichoke hearts.
    • Add the rest of the provolone cheese.
    • Cover portabellas with remaining olive salad. Brush bread top with any leftover dressing, then place on sandwich, gently pressing down on loaf.
    • Cut muffaletta into wedges and serve immediately or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to eat. Enjoy!

    Notes

    When selecting bread, choose a sturdy, round loaf that's topped with sesame seeds, if possible. A wider, flatter loaf (about 8-inches or so) is better than a narrower, tall loaf, if you have an option. Can't find a large, round loaf? Try substituting a regular Italian loaf, ciabatta, or even focaccia. Just make sure that the bread you use will stand up to the hearty filling!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 668kcal
    Did you make this recipe?I love seeing what you're cooking! Leave a comment below, or tag @HelloLittleHome or #hellolittlehome on Instagram!

    Love this Vegetarian Muffaletta Sandwich and Want More?

    If you enjoyed this veggie muffuletta, here are a few other vegetarian sandwich recipes you're sure to love:

    • Brie and Apple Sandwich
    • Spinach and Artichoke Grilled Cheese
    • Garlicky Mushroom and Refried Bean Tortas
    • Mushroom Swiss Veggie Burgers
    • Broccoli Rabe and Provolone Grilled Cheese

    And before you plan your next trip to the Big Easy, make sure to check out my New Orleans travel guides. I've got tons of tips and ideas to help make your vacation extra fun!

    Vegetarian Muffaletta Sandwich recipe … learn how to make a New Orleans muffaletta just like the one you can get in the French Quarter at Central Bakery! This homemade muffaletta sandwich is perfect for a crowd or party, and features delicious Italian bread, a homemade olive salad, mushrooms, red peppers, artichokes, and provolone cheese! An easy muffaletta recipe that's vegan friendly! | Hello Little Home #muffalettarecipe #muffuletta #vegetarianrecipes #veganrecipes #vegetariansandwich

    What is your favorite travel destination?

    Vegetarian Muffaletta Sandwich
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    About Ginnie

    Ginnie is the writer, photographer, and chief content creator behind Hello Little Home. She loves trying new things (whether that’s creating delicious vegetarian recipes, exploring a new city, trying a fun DIY project, or sharing a pretty makeup look), and she hopes to inspire you to do the same! Read more about Ginnie here.

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    4 Comments
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    Diane
    2 years ago

    Have been to New Orleans many times and as a vegetarian, was thrilled to find vegetarian muffaletta sandwich at a place in the French Quarter! This recipe sounds delicious and I am definitely going to make this! Even the picture makes my mouth water!!!!

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    Ginnie
    2 years ago
    Reply to  Diane

    Hi, Diane! I'm so glad you found the recipe and hope you enjoy it! The next time you go to New Orleans check out my vegetarian restaurant guide ... as a fellow vegetarian, I know how tricky it can be to find veg food there. Katie's in Mid-City also has a delish vegetarian muffaletta btw! 🙂 https://hellolittlehome.com/new-orleans-vegetarian-friendly-restaurants/

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    Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes
    7 years ago

    This is mouth-watering awesomeness! I've already pinned it. I haven't been to NO, but I really, really want to go, and I know the food will be one of the highlights!

    0
    Reply
    Linda @ Veganosity
    7 years ago

    This made me really hungry! What a gorgeous sandwich. 🙂

    0
    Reply

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    Hi, I'm Ginnie! Welcome to Hello Little Home, which is all about inspiring everyday creativity! I'm excited to share my favorite things with you ... vegetarian recipes, travel inspiration, DIY projects, decor ideas, beauty and fashion tips, and more! Read more about me here!

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