The Quarter Muffaletta from Jason's Deli features layers of savory ham, salami, and provolone cheese topped with a tangy olive salad, all nestled inside a soft, round Italian bread, delivering a harmonious blend of bold flavors and hearty textures.
Equipments
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Serrated bread knife
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Baking sheet or serving platter
- Sandwich press or grill (optional)
Ingredients
- 1/4 lb (115g) sliced ham
- 1/4 lb (115g) sliced salami
- 1/4 lb (115g) sliced provolone cheese
- 1 Italian round loaf
- 1 cup olive salad (mixed green and black olives, pickled vegetables, capers)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
When preparing your Quarter Muffaletta sandwich, ensure the Italian round loaf is fresh and soft to properly hold the layers of ham, salami, and provolone cheese. Use quality sliced deli meats weighing approximately 1/4 lb each for an authentic flavor profile. The olive salad, made from mixed green and black olives, pickled vegetables, and capers, is a key ingredient that delivers the signature tangy taste, so measure one cup carefully. Drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar mixture, seasoned with oregano and black pepper, evenly to enhance the overall flavor. This copycat recipe perfectly replicates the bold, hearty flavors found in Jason's Deli's famous Quarter Muffaletta.
Instructions
- Slice Italian round loaf horizontally using a serrated bread knife; set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive salad, olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and black pepper; mix well with a spoon or spatula.
- Arrange bottom half of the bread on a cutting board or serving platter.
- Evenly spread olive salad mixture over the bottom half of the bread.
- Layer sliced ham over the olive salad.
- Add sliced salami on top of the ham layer.
- Place sliced provolone cheese over the salami.
- Cover with the top half of the bread.
- (Optional) Press sandwich lightly with your hands or use a sandwich press/grill for a few minutes until bread is slightly toasted and cheese is warmed.
- Cut assembled Muffaletta into quarters using a chef’s knife.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Quarter Muffaletta from Jason's Deli combines savory ham, salami, and provolone with a zesty olive salad inside soft Italian bread, replicating a classic deli favorite. If olive salad is unavailable, you can substitute with a homemade mix of chopped olives, pickled vegetables, and capers tossed in olive oil and vinegar. Use any sturdy Italian or French bread if an Italian round loaf is hard to find, ensuring it holds the fillings without becoming soggy. When slicing the round bread, a serrated knife will give cleaner cuts and prevent crushing. Your sandwich press or grill can add a warm, melty finish, but this is optional depending on your preference.
Tips
Ensure the Italian round loaf is sliced evenly with a serrated bread knife to prevent tearing and facilitate easy layering. When mixing the olive salad with olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and black pepper, taste and adjust seasoning for your preferred tanginess and spice level before spreading. Layer the meats and cheese evenly to maintain the sandwich's balance of flavors and prevent ingredients from slipping out. If using a sandwich press or grill, lightly toast to warm the cheese without making the bread too hard, preserving the Muffaletta's signature soft texture.
Nutritions
The Quarter Muffaletta from Jason's Deli provides a rich source of protein from the ham, salami, and provolone cheese, supporting muscle repair and growth. The olive salad adds healthy fats and antioxidants from the olives and pickled vegetables, which can promote heart health and reduce inflammation. Your meal also includes a moderate amount of carbohydrates from the Italian bread, offering energy to fuel your day. This combination creates a balanced option that satisfies both flavor and nutritional needs.
Storage
To keep your Quarter Muffaletta fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent the olive salad's moisture from soaking the bread. Store it in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours to maintain the flavors of the ham, salami, and provolone cheese. For best taste, allow the sandwich to come to room temperature before serving or gently reheat using a sandwich press.
Variation or Alternatives
You can try replacing provolone with mozzarella or fontina cheese for a creamier texture. Swap Italian round loaf with a ciabatta or focaccia bread to add a different crust profile. To elevate the olive salad, mix in some chopped roasted red peppers or a splash of balsamic glaze. For a warm variation, grill the Muffaletta in a sandwich press until the cheese melts slightly and the bread becomes crispy.
Allergies
The Quarter Muffaletta contains common allergens such as dairy from provolone cheese and potential sulfites in the pickled vegetables and red wine vinegar within the olive salad. Processed meats like ham and salami may include preservatives that trigger sensitivities. If you have food allergies, carefully review ingredient labels or consult with the deli to ensure your meal is safe.
Why this recipe?
The Quarter Muffaletta from Jason's Deli is loved for its perfect blend of Italian meats, provolone cheese, and tangy olive salad layered on fresh French bread, creating a balanced and savory flavor profile. Its unique combination of textures and bold flavors satisfies both hearty and fresh taste cravings, making it a standout choice on the menu. Making a copycat version allows you to customize the ingredients to your preference while enjoying the delicious experience at home. Your kitchen becomes a place where you can recreate this iconic sandwich and impress friends and family with its authentic taste.