Mom’s Sit Sandwich (Aka Squishy Sorta Muffuletta)

My mom, bless her heart, always had a knack for turning ordinary lunches into adventures. I remember countless summer afternoons spent picnicking in the backyard, the air thick with the smell of freshly cut grass and the sound of buzzing bees. But the highlight of those picnics was always Mom’s “Sit Sandwich.” As a kid, the name alone was enough to send us into fits of giggles. The process was even funnier – watching her carefully wrap this behemoth of a sandwich in plastic wrap, place it on the kitchen floor, and then… SIT on it! It was a deliciously squished, perfectly portable masterpiece that tasted like pure love and summer sunshine.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling time)
• Servings: 6
• Yield: 1 large sandwich
• Dietary Type: Not specified, contains meat and dairy. Can be modified.

Ingredients

• 1 large round loaf French bread (or oval “peasant” loaf, or sourdough)
• 1 (6 1/2 ounce) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained, liquid reserved (you can use the hearts whole or roughly chopped)
• 1⁄2 cup mayonnaise
• 3 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 3 ounces thinly sliced salami
• 1⁄2 lb thinly sliced unsmoked turkey breast
• 1⁄4 lb cheese slice, any kind (provolone and fresh mozzarella are my faves)
• 1 (2 1/2 ounce) can sliced ripe black olives, drained
• 1 purple onion, thinly sliced (amount to taste)

Equipment Needed

• Large serrated knife
• Small bowl
• Plastic wrap

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the French bread. Carefully cut the loaf in half horizontally.

2. Hollow out the soft bread from both halves, leaving a shell approximately 3/4-inch thick. It’s important to leave enough bread to maintain the structure of the sandwich but remove enough to create space for the fillings.

3. Reserve the soft bread that you’ve removed for another use, such as breadcrumbs or croutons.

4. In a small bowl, combine the reserved artichoke liquid with the mayonnaise. Whisk until well blended. This mixture will add moisture and flavor to the sandwich.

5. Spread the artichoke-mayonnaise mixture generously onto the inside of both bread shells. The amount you use will depend on the size of your loaf. Start with a thin layer and add more as needed.

6. On the bottom half of the bread, begin layering the remaining ingredients. Start and end with tomato slices. Layer the salami, turkey breast, cheese, black olives, and purple onion in between.

7. Repeat the layering process at least two more times, until the ingredients are mounded high. Distribute each ingredient evenly across the layers for consistent flavor in every bite.

8. Carefully place the top half of the bread over the mounded ingredients.

9. Wrap the entire loaf tightly with several layers of plastic wrap. Ensure the sandwich is completely sealed to prevent drying out and to help it compress properly.

10. This step is crucial: refrigerate the wrapped sandwich for at least 2 hours before serving. It can be assembled up to 8 hours in advance. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld together and the sandwich to firm up.

11. Before serving, place the sandwich (still wrapped in plastic) on a hard, flat surface. This is where the fun begins!

12. Now, for the signature move: SIT ON IT! Apply gentle, even pressure to the sandwich. This compresses the ingredients, ensuring they bind together and making the sandwich easier to slice and serve. Don’t worry, the plastic wrap will protect it!

13. Finally, slice the loaf into wedges or slices to serve.

Important Notes:

• Consider roughly chopping the artichoke hearts before adding them to the sandwich. This will make them easier to eat and distribute the flavor more evenly.
• The amount of artichoke juice mixture you need may vary depending on the size of your loaf. Start with half the mixture and add more as needed to moisten the bread.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavor profile, try marinating the sliced onions in a little red wine vinegar and olive oil before adding them to the sandwich.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the artichoke-mayonnaise mixture.
• If you’re short on time, you can use pre-sliced deli meats and cheeses to speed up the preparation process.
• To prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy, avoid adding overly juicy tomatoes. Opt for firm, ripe tomatoes and pat them dry with paper towels before slicing.
• If you don’t have a large enough refrigerator space to store the entire sandwich, you can slice it into smaller portions and wrap each portion individually.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve Mom’s Sit Sandwich chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color.

Leftovers should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 2 days. Reheating is not recommended, as it can make the bread soggy.

Nutritional Information

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	450 kcal	23%
Total Fat	25g	38%
Saturated Fat	10g	50%
Cholesterol	75mg	25%
Sodium	800mg	33%
Total Carbohydrate	35g	12%
Dietary Fiber	5g	20%
Sugars	7g	–
Protein	25g	50%

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian: Substitute the salami and turkey with grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. Use a vegetarian cheese alternative.
• Vegan: Use vegan mayonnaise, omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute, and replace the meats with marinated tofu or tempeh.
• Gluten-Free: While it will no longer be a sandwich in the traditional sense, you could use gluten-free crackers or a gluten-free flatbread as a base for the ingredients.
• Spicy: Add sliced pepperoncini or jalapeños to the filling for a spicy kick.
• Italian Herbs: Mix Italian herbs into the mayonnaise mixture to enhance the overall flavor.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses such as provolone, mozzarella, or fontina to customize the flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why do you have to sit on the sandwich?
A: Sitting on the sandwich compresses the ingredients, helping them meld together and making it easier to slice and eat. It also enhances the flavor by pressing the juices together.

Q: Can I use a different type of bread?
A: While a round French bread loaf is traditional, you can use other sturdy breads like sourdough or a peasant loaf. Just make sure it’s large enough to hold all the fillings.

Q: Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
A: Yes, this sandwich is actually better when made ahead of time. It needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but can be assembled up to 8 hours in advance.

Q: What if I don’t like artichoke hearts?
A: You can substitute them with other marinated vegetables, such as roasted red peppers or giardiniera.

Q: How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
A: Make sure to drain the artichoke hearts and tomatoes well before adding them to the sandwich. Also, don’t add too much of the artichoke-mayonnaise mixture.

Final Thoughts

Mom’s Sit Sandwich, or Squishy Sorta Muffuletta, is more than just a recipe; it’s a memory, a tradition, and a testament to the power of simple ingredients combined with a little bit of whimsy. It’s a sandwich that brings people together, sparks conversation, and leaves everyone smiling (and maybe a little bit squished!). So, gather your ingredients, embrace the silliness, and give this recipe a try. I promise, you won’t be disappointed. And don’t forget to share the story (and maybe a picture of you sitting on the sandwich!) with your friends and family. Enjoy!