Each year on September 14, food lovers celebrate National Muffuletta Day, honoring one of New Orleans' most iconic and flavorful sandwiches. Known for its bold layers and signature olive salad, the muffuletta is a hearty creation that reflects the city's rich Sicilian heritage and love of big flavors.
The muffuletta is traditionally made with a large, round sesame loaf filled with layers of Italian meats such as salami, ham, and mortadella, along with provolone and mozzarella cheeses. What truly sets it apart is the tangy olive salad-a mix of green and black olives, pickled vegetables, garlic, and herbs-that seeps into the bread, giving every bite a zesty kick.
Why We Love It
National Muffuletta Day is more than just a reason to enjoy a sandwich-it's a celebration of cultural fusion and the way food connects communities. Originating in the early 1900s, the muffuletta was created by Sicilian immigrants in New Orleans and has since become a beloved staple, served in delis, cafes, and festivals across the city.
Ways to Celebrate National Muffuletta Day
Enjoy an authentic muffuletta from a New Orleans deli or restaurant.
Try making your own muffuletta at home with a fresh sesame loaf and homemade olive salad.
Share photos of your sandwich creation on social media using #NationalMuffulettaDay.
Host a food night with friends and explore other classic New Orleans dishes.
Learn more about the history of Sicilian immigrants in Louisiana and how their traditions shaped local cuisine.
Fun Facts About the Muffuletta
The sandwich is named after the muffuletta bread, a round Sicilian loaf covered in sesame seeds.
Central Grocery in New Orleans is often credited as the birthplace of the muffuletta sandwich.
A whole muffuletta can easily feed several people-it's typically cut into wedges for sharing.
The olive salad is made in advance to allow the flavors to blend, making it the true star of the sandwich.
National Muffuletta Day is the perfect excuse to savor a taste of New Orleans, where every bite of this famous sandwich tells a story of heritage, flavor, and community.
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