Muffuletta Pizza is a delightful twist on the classic New Orleans muffuletta sandwich, combining the rich flavors of olives, cured meats, and cheeses on a crispy pizza crust. This savory pizza is perfect for gatherings, game days, or a fun family dinner. It’s easy to make and packed with bold flavors!

Ingredients List

For the Pizza Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup marinara sauce (or pizza sauce)
• 1/2 cup green olives, chopped
• 1/2 cup black olives, chopped
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini (optional)
• 1/2 pound sliced salami
• 1/2 pound sliced ham
• 1/2 pound sliced provolone cheese
• 1/2 pound sliced mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Timing

Preparing Muffuletta Pizza takes about 20 minutes of prep time, 1 hour for the dough to rise, and 15-20 minutes for baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pizza Dough

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the flour, instant yeast, and salt.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Toppings

1. Chop Olives: In a bowl, combine the chopped green olives, black olives, and pepperoncini (if using).
2. Layer Meats and Cheeses: Prepare the sliced salami, ham, provolone, and mozzarella.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
2. Roll Out Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a 12-inch circle or rectangle.
3. Add Sauce: Carefully remove the hot pizza stone or baking sheet from the oven. Transfer the rolled-out dough onto it. Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough.
4. Layer Toppings: Start layering the salami, ham, provolone, and mozzarella on top of the sauce. Sprinkle the olive mixture evenly over the top, followed by the Italian seasoning.

Step 4: Bake the Pizza

1. Bake: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
2. Cool and Garnish: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before slicing.

Step 5: Serve

1. Slice and Enjoy: Cut the pizza into wedges and serve warm. Enjoy the delicious flavors of the muffuletta!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional profile of Muffuletta Pizza (per slice, based on 8 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	300
Protein	15g
Fat	18g
Carbohydrates	25g
Sugar	3g

Tips for Customization

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meats with grilled vegetables or extra cheese for a vegetarian version.
• Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like feta or cheddar for unique flavors.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Store any leftover Muffuletta Pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Conclusion

Muffuletta Pizza is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings together the best of a classic muffuletta sandwich in pizza form. Perfect for any occasion, this pizza is sure to impress your family and friends!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough to save time. Just follow the package instructions for rolling and baking.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

Is this pizza suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze the baked pizza. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.