Muffuletta Cheese Ball

This Muffuletta Cheese Ball is the perfect Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras appetizer! Full of spicy Capicola ham, Genoa salami, provolone cheese, and olive salad, it will keep you and all your cravings happy!

Muffuletta Cheese Ball Recipe

I never met a holiday I didn’t want to celebrate with food. Thank goodness there is a yearly calendar that tells me what holiday is next so I can plan my menu.

One of my faves is Mardi Gras. My husband has friends in New Orleans so I have been a couple of times. And what a spectacle that is! So many fun things to see but also TO EAT. Recipes like this Boudin dip and these King Cake Oreo Truffles.

But the one food that everyone must try at least once is the Muffuletta sandwich. I have even turned this iconic sandwich into Muffuletta Deviled Eggs.

What is a Muffaletta?

It’s a ginormous sandwich that is full of goodness and flavor. Started by Italian immigrants in New Orleans, the name is also used to describe a round Sicilian sesame bread that the sandwich is built on.

Loaded with tasty meats like salami, ham, and mortadella, two cheeses, the most amazing olive salad.

Not only that, but it’s served on this round sandwich loaf that is toasted and sprinkled with sesame seeds. Then you order a whole one, be prepared! It’s quite large. I ordered a 1/4 size and it was plenty of food.

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Ingredients Needed

Cream cheese – Softened cream cheese or Neufchatel which has less fat.

Meats – A combination of Capicola ham and Genoa salami. If you like mortadella and can find it, I would use this too.

Cheese – Mixture of sliced provolone and shredded mozzarella cheese.

Olives – Use this version of Central Grocery olive salad or just a mixture of chopped green and black olives.

Spices – Mix of ground mustard, oregano, garlic powder.

Extras – Toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions.

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How to Make a Muffuletta Cheese Ball

First: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mozzarella, Capicola, salami, provolone, green onions, spices, 1/4 cup olive salad, and sesame seeds. Completely combine.

Second: Roll into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for 30 minutes or up to 3 days.

Third: When ready to serve, unwrap the cheese ball. Roll in or use your hands to coat the outside of the cheese ball with olive salad.

Fourth: Place on serving platter and sprinkle with extra sesame seeds for garnish and surround with any extra chopped meats, cheeses, and sturdy crackers!

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

How long does it last?

The muffuletta cheese ball will last in the fridge for up to two days. Be sure to wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container until ready to enjoy.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can certainly prep the cheese ball part up to 2 days in advance. I would remove or leave off the chopped olive salad on the outside until ready to serve.

Best Crackers To Serve With It

Something strong and sturdy is best. I found great results with some “melba” toasts, crostini, and thick club crackers.

They hold up to the cheese ball ingredients well and soak up any extra juice from the muffuletta ingredients like olives.

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Whether you are in New Orleans or not, or even if it isn’t even Mardi Gras time, celebrate your own Fat Tuesday with this Muffuletta Cheese Ball that is sure to be a hit at any occasion!

{Originally published 2/4/19 – photos and recipe notes updated 01/25/24}

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