Muffuletta Sliders

Transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of New Orleans with our delectable Muffuletta Sliders. A twist on the classic sandwich, these sliders encapsulate the essence of the iconic muffuletta, bursting with bold olive flavors and layers of savory goodness. While staying true to tradition, our version embraces a lighter approach without sacrificing taste. These bite-sized delights are perfect for snacking, entertaining, or simply indulging in a taste of New Orleans, no matter where you are.

Yield: 8 sliders

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 5–7 minutes per batch

Total Time: 20–24 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

For the Olive Mix:

• ¼ cup sliced black olives
• ½ cup sliced green olives with pimentos
• ¼ cup chopped kalamata olives
• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon basil
• ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Sliders:

• ¼ pound thin-sliced deli ham
• ¼ pound thin-sliced pastrami
• 4 ounces low-fat mozzarella cheese, grated or sliced thin
• 8 slider buns
• Olive oil for misting
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the Olive Mix: In a small bowl, combine the sliced black olives, sliced green olives with pimentos, chopped kalamata olives, red wine vinegar, basil, and garlic powder. Stir well to create the vibrant and flavorful Olive Mix.
2. Assemble the Sliders: Divide the deli ham and pastrami into 8 equal portions. To build each slider, start with the bottom bun, then layer on the ham, pastrami, 2 tablespoons of the Olive Mix, and a portion of low-fat mozzarella cheese. Top with the slider bun to complete the stack.
3. Mist and Sprinkle: Lightly mist the tops of the sliders with olive oil to enhance their golden finish. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the misted tops for added texture and flavor.
4. Cook the Sliders: Arrange 4 sliders at a time in the air fryer basket. Cook them at 360°F (180°C) for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the sliders to heat through. Repeat the process in batches until all sliders are cooked to perfection.

NOTE:

• The versatile Olive Mix isn’t limited to sliders alone. Elevate your salads by combining the Olive Mix with chopped lettuce and tomatoes to create a mouthwatering Italian chopped salad, bursting with Mediterranean flavors.

Delight in the fusion of vibrant olive notes, succulent meats, and melted cheese that make these Muffuletta Sliders an absolute sensation. Whether you’re indulging in a taste of the Big Easy or serving up a crowd-pleasing snack, these sliders are bound to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire.