Description
This Italian-inspired sandwich features a large round loaf filled with layers of Genoa salami, mortadella, provolone, and mozzarella cheeses, complemented by olive tapenade, roasted red peppers, and green olives. Brushed with a flavorful olive oil and red wine vinegar mixture and seasoned with Mediterranean herbs and spices, the sandwich is wrapped and refrigerated to meld the flavors before serving. Perfect for a hearty, make-ahead meal, it is served room temperature in wedges.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Dressing
- 1 large round loaf of Italian bread (or Sicilian sesame bread)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Fillings
- 8 oz Genoa salami, sliced
- 8 oz mortadella, sliced
- 4 oz provolone cheese, sliced
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced
- ½ cup olive tapenade (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- ¼ cup green olives, sliced
Instructions
- Prep the Bread: Slice the large round loaf horizontally in half to create a top and bottom layer. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes, and garlic powder to create the seasoning mixture. Brush the cut sides of both bread halves generously with this olive oil mixture to infuse flavor into the bread.
- Assemble the Sandwich: On the bottom half of the bread, evenly layer the Genoa salami, mortadella, then the provolone and mozzarella cheeses. Next, spread the olive tapenade evenly over the cheeses. Top the tapenade with sliced roasted red peppers and green olives. Finally, place the top half of the bread over the fillings and press down gently to secure the sandwich layers.
- Let the Flavors Meld: Wrap the entire sandwich tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring it is sealed well to prevent drying out. Refrigerate for a minimum of one hour, or up to overnight, which allows the flavors to combine and the bread to absorb the seasoning mixture.
- Serve & Enjoy: Remove the sandwich from the refrigerator and unwrap. Slice into wedges and serve at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Refrigerating the sandwich overnight enhances the depth of flavors.
- Use fresh quality deli meats and cheeses for the best taste experience.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the bread with a suitable gluten-free loaf.
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days.
