Mini Muffuletta Bites Recipe
Introduction
Mini Muffuletta Bites are a delightful twist on the classic New Orleans sandwich. These bite-sized treats combine savory meats, creamy cheese, and tangy olive salad for a perfect party appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
- 12 small round bread rolls or slider buns
- 6 ounces sliced salami
- 6 ounces sliced ham
- 6 ounces sliced provolone cheese
- 1 cup olive salad (store-bought or homemade)
- Olive oil, for brushing
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: Slice the rolls in half and brush the cut sides with olive oil.
- Step 3: Layer the salami, ham, and provolone cheese on the bottom half of each roll.
- Step 4: Top each with a spoonful of olive salad.
- Step 5: Place the top half of the rolls on each sandwich to close them.
- Step 6: Arrange the sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
- Step 7: Serve the mini bites warm and enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- Use homemade olive salad for a fresher, more personalized flavor.
- Try adding pickled peppers or giardiniera for an extra tangy kick.
- Substitute provolone with mozzarella or Swiss cheese depending on your preference.
- Brush the tops of the rolls with olive oil before baking for a crispier finish.
Storage
Store leftover Muffuletta Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore the melted cheese and crisp bread. Avoid microwaving to keep the rolls from getting soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare these Mini Muffuletta Bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sandwiches a few hours ahead and refrigerate them before baking. Bake just before serving to keep the bread fresh and the cheese nicely melted.
What is olive salad and where can I find it?
Olive salad is a mix of chopped olives, pickled vegetables, and seasonings. It is commonly used in muffuletta sandwiches and can be found in many grocery stores near pickles and antipasti. You can also make it at home using a blend of olives, giardiniera, capers, and Italian seasonings.
PrintMini Muffuletta Bites Recipe
These Mini Muffuletta Bites are perfect party appetizers featuring small slider buns layered with savory salami, ham, provolone cheese, and topped with tangy olive salad. Baked until the cheese melts and the bread turns golden, these bite-sized sandwiches deliver the classic New Orleans flavors in a convenient finger food format.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini sandwiches 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Mini Muffuletta Bites Ingredients
- 12 small round bread rolls or slider buns
- 6 ounces sliced salami
- 6 ounces sliced ham
- 6 ounces sliced provolone cheese
- 1 cup olive salad (store-bought or homemade)
- Olive oil, for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sandwiches evenly.
- Prepare rolls: Slice each of the small bread rolls in half horizontally and brush the cut sides generously with olive oil to promote browning and flavor.
- Assemble sandwiches: On the bottom half of each roll, layer slices of salami, ham, and provolone cheese in that order to build the delicious filling.
- Add olive salad: Spoon a small amount of olive salad over the cheese on each sandwich for a tangy, flavorful punch.
- Top and arrange: Place the top half of each roll onto its assembled bottom half, then arrange all sandwiches on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake sandwiches: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cheese has melted thoroughly and the bread is golden and crisp around the edges.
- Serve warm: Remove from oven and serve the Mini Muffuletta Bites warm to enjoy the melty cheese and vibrant flavors at their best.
Notes
- Use small slider buns or dinner rolls for perfect bite-sized sandwiches.
- Store-bought olive salad can be used for convenience, or make your own with a mix of chopped olives, pickled vegetables, and seasonings.
- Brush olive oil generously on bread to help crisp and brown the rolls while baking.
- These bites are best served fresh and warm but can be reheated gently in the oven if needed.
- Variations can include adding capicola or mortadella for different Italian-style meats.
Keywords: Muffuletta, Mini Muffuletta Bites, slider sandwiches, appetizer, Italian sandwich bites, party food, olive salad
