Turn Muffuletta Sandwiches Into Bite-Sized Snacks Using Puff Pastry
Learn how to transform the classic muffuletta sandwich into delicious bite-sized pinwheels using puff pastry.
Transform the Classic Muffuletta Sandwich
The muffuletta sandwich, a New Orleans delicacy, consists of sesame-crusted bread piled high with cold cuts like salami, slices of cheese, and chopped olive salad. While it's a delicious sandwich on its own, why not take those flavorful ingredients and turn them into exciting bite-sized pinwheels by wrapping them in puff pastry? This twist on a classic is perfect for serving as a starter at your next party or as part of your appetizer spread.
To get started, check out Tasting Table's puffed pastry muffuletta pinwheels recipe by Jessica Morone. According to Morone, it's great for parties or potlucks because it yields a large quantity. The recipe makes 24 servings and uses ingredients commonly found in party snack spreads. Best of all, you can prepare most of it in advance and bake it just before your guests arrive.
The Importance of Olive Salad
The olive salad plays a crucial role in bringing together the cheese and cold cuts with its tangy and crunchy flavors. In Tasting Table's recipe, Morone prepares a homemade olive salad using giardiniera, olives, pepperoncini, capers, black pepper, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. However, feel free to customize it by using lemon juice instead of vinegar for added acidity or incorporating fresh garlic for more flavor.
If you prefer a convenient option, you can purchase premade olive salad from the grocery store or your local Italian market. Look for jars labeled 'olive salad,' 'Italian olive salad,' or 'muffuletta sandwich spread,' usually located in the same aisle as the olives.
Finishing touches and Serving Suggestions
Once the olive salad is spread onto the puff pastry along with the cheese slices and cold cuts, Morone brushes each slice with egg wash to create a golden brown crunch. After baking, you can add a garnish of parsley or sprinkle sesame seeds on the pinwheels to resemble the bread used in the original sandwich.
To elevate the dish further, serve the pinwheels with a dipping sauce such as Dijon or yellow mustard, horseradish sauce, or a mixture of olive oil, vinegar, and dried herbs. These additions enhance the flavors and provide a satisfying experience for your guests.
