This Legendary New Orleans Sandwich Rivals the Italian Subs I Loved as a Kid (It’s SO Good)

updated Sep 25, 2024
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Original Muffuletta Sandwich.
Credit: Central Grocery & Deli

There’s something to be said about a sandwich that has the perfect ratio of crunch, oil, and soft bread. If you’re a sandwich lover, you know what I’m referring to: There’s a delicacy when it comes to layering all the ingredients. That’s why I’m not a frequent visitor of just any sandwich shop. I need to know the best of the best. If you feel the same way, but can’t think of a single sandwich shop that entices you, let me ask you this: Have you considered Goldbelly?

If you haven’t heard of them, Goldbelly is an online delivery service for gourmet, regional, and artisanal foods from restaurants, bakeries, and food shops across the U.S. So if you had a meal somewhere that you really really liked, you should check if the restaurant is available on Goldbelly so you can get it shipped to your doorstep! One item from the online food marketplace that my team loves is the Original Muffuletta Sandwich, which has that perfect balance of meats and oils, and is shipped all the way from New Orleans. “It’s probably my favorite Italian sandwich!” says Commerce Coordinator Mila. 

What Is the Central Grocery Muffuletta Sandwich?

Central Grocery is the original maker of the Muffuletta, a sandwich served on a 10-inch round Sicilian sesame loaf. It’s piled high with ham, salami, mortadella, Swiss, provolone, and their signature briny marinated olive salad, made with olives and other flavorful pickled veggies. The result is a crunchy, sweet, and richly flavored sandwich that our editors can’t stop raving about. “This is the best sandwich I’ve had all year, by far,” says Deputy Commerce Editor Alicia. “It was so fresh, it felt like I had picked it up at a shop around the corner in NYC rather than having it shipped from New Orleans. I would eat it every week!”

The sandwiches (it comes with two!) require no prep — they arrive ready-to-eat in temperature-controlled boxes and can be enjoyed within three days if stored in the fridge. Want to save them for later? You can freeze them for up to 60 days in their original packaging. Each sandwich is made fresh to order, so you won’t compromise on taste when it arrives.

Credit: Mark Marino

Why I Love the Central Grocery Muffuletta Sandwich?

Our executive director, Mark, shared that these sandwiches remind him of his childhood. He fondly recalled, “Growing up in an Italian neighborhood, there was a corner store near my house that made the best Italian subs. In the summertime, I ate one practically every day — that’s how good they were. This muffuletta tasted exactly like those sandwiches, transporting me back in time with the first bite. The cold cuts, cheeses, pickled veggies, and seasonings were just as I remembered from my youth, though the bread was different. I actually prefer this bread over the traditional submarine loaf. I’d definitely eat this muffuletta again … and again … and again.”

Commerce Coordinator Mila also commented, “This sandwich combines all my favorite things: salami, ham, and mortadella, with provolone and Swiss cheese, plus a mix of olive salad and pickled veggies. The bread was incredibly soft and not at all soggy. Even though it was shipped from another state, it still tasted fresh!”

If you’re tired of the same old Italian sub from your local sandwich shop, why not switch things up? Order a few of these muffuletta sandwiches delivered right to your doorstep. In just two days, you can have enough delicious food for a couple of work lunches!

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