Muffaletta or muffuletta is a type of Sicilian bread. The bread is traditionally baked in the form of a flat round sprinkled with sesame seeds. It is dense, with a texture and flavor which is often compared to focaccia, a well-known Italian bread. This bread can be obtained in some Italian markets and bakeries, and some cooks like to make it at home.
In the United States, muffaletta has become famous as the star ingredient of the muffaletta sandwich, a New Orleans specialty which appears to have originated in the Central Grocery in 1906. This sandwich is very highly regarded by some Louisiana residents, a few of whom go as far as to claim that the muffaletta is “the best sandwich in the world.” Visitors to New Orleans who are in the know about this famous sandwich often make a point of stopping in a deli to buy a “muff,” as the locals call it.
The muffaletta sandwich starts with a loaf of muffaletta which is halved. A thick layer of olive salad is used to cover the bottom half, followed by layers of meat and cheese. Cured Italian pork products like salami, mortadella, and ham are common, along with Emmentaler and provolone cheeses. The muffaletta may be dressed with a bit of mustard before being closed and wrapped for sale.
As a general rule, a single muff is a lot of food. Many people prefer to buy the sandwich in halves or quarters if they are eating alone. Others may split a muffaletta with friends. The sandwich mingles the slightly acidic flavor of the olives with the creaminess of the cheese and the salty notes from the meat to create a rather harmonious whole. It is a popular picnic and lunch item, since it can be easily wrapped and carried for a few hours.
Residents of New Orleans often have preferred delis and restaurants for their muffalettas. It is still possible to buy the sandwich at the Central Grocery, and Progress Grocery and the Come Back Inn are also noted for their muffalettas. It is also possible to make this sandwich at home, of course, and the muffaletta is sturdy enough to hold up in the fridge overnight, for people who want to make it in advance. For people who want the distinctive New Orleans taste, olive salad can be shipped from specialty grocers to most regions of the world.
