Muffaletta Cheese Ball
Muffaletta Cheese Ball is a bold, crowd-pleasing appetizer inspired by the famous New Orleans muffaletta sandwich. It captures the sandwich’s signature flavors — savory cured meats, tangy olive salad, and rich cheeses — reimagined into a creamy, shareable spread.
Instead of layered bread, everything is blended into a smooth cheese base and shaped into a ball, making it perfect for parties, holidays, potlucks, and game-day gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Muffaletta Cheese Ball
- Inspired by the iconic New Orleans muffaletta sandwich
- Bold, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite
- Perfect make-ahead party appetizer
- No baking required
- Easy to customize with your favorite meats or cheeses
What Is a Muffaletta Cheese Ball?
The heart of a muffaletta cheese ball is its olive salad, typically made with chopped green and black olives, giardiniera, garlic, and herbs. This briny mixture is combined with cream cheese and shredded cheeses, then accented with finely chopped cured meats such as salami or capicola.
The result is a savory, slightly tangy flavor that mirrors the classic sandwich while offering a softer, more indulgent texture — perfect for spreading on crackers or bread.
Ingredients
Cheese Ball Base
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 6 slices hot capicola ham, finely diced
- 6 slices Genoa salami, finely diced
- 1/3 cup olive salad
- 1 green onion, finely diced
For Coating & Serving
- 1 cup olive salad (for coating)
- Sesame crackers, sliced baguette, or vegetables for serving
How to Make Muffaletta Cheese Ball
Step 1: Mix the Base
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Add Seasonings
Mix in ground mustard, oregano, and garlic powder until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Add Cheeses and Fillings
Stir in shredded mozzarella, provolone, diced capicola, diced salami, 1/3 cup olive salad, and diced green onion. Mix until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Shape the Cheese Ball
Lay out a large sheet of plastic wrap. Spoon the mixture into the center and wrap tightly, shaping it into a ball. Refrigerate for 30–45 minutes until firm.
Step 5: Coat the Cheese Ball
Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and gently press the remaining olive salad onto the outside, coating evenly.
Step 6: Serve
Transfer to a serving platter and serve with sesame crackers, crostini, or sliced vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with sesame crackers, pita chips, or toasted baguette slices
- Pair with a charcuterie board for an elegant spread
- Add pickled vegetables or marinated artichokes on the side
- Serve alongside sparkling wine or a light white wine
Storage Tips
- Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Do not freeze — freezing will alter the texture of the cheese.
Customization Ideas
- Use soppressata or pepperoni instead of salami
- Add chopped roasted red peppers for sweetness
- Roll the cheese ball in chopped parsley or crushed pistachios for color
- Use spicy giardiniera for extra heat
Final Thoughts
This Muffaletta Cheese Ball is everything you love about the famous New Orleans sandwich in a creamy, shareable form. Bold, tangy, savory, and irresistibly smooth, it’s guaranteed to be the first thing gone at any party.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, game day, or casual get-together, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort — exactly the way Southern and New Orleans cooking was meant to be enjoyed.