Christmas Leftovers Bread Bowl Sandwich (Muffuletta) Recipe

If you’re anything like me, the day after Christmas often means mountains of leftovers and a bit of “what do I do with all this?” stress. That’s exactly why I’m so excited to share this Christmas Leftovers Bread Bowl Sandwich (Muffuletta) Recipe with you. It’s a fun, hearty way to transform your festive leftovers into a flavor-packed sandwich that’s as satisfying as it is inventive.

What makes this sandwich really special is the bread bowl – it holds all those delicious bits together without making a mess, which is honestly a win in my book. Whether you’re feeding a post-holiday crowd or just looking to jazz up your leftover game, this recipe hits the spot every time and brings some fresh excitement to your fridge cleanout.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to build layers of contrasting textures and flavors. Each one plays a role in keeping the sandwich moist, zesty, and perfectly balanced, so be sure to use quality leftovers and fresh antipasto goodies.

• Round or oval bread loaf: Choose a sturdy, crusty bread that can hold up to fillings without falling apart. A sourdough or sturdy Italian loaf works well.
• Cooked meat slices (ham, turkey, other): Use a variety for rich flavor and an interesting bite. Leftover roasts or cold cuts are perfect here.
• Chopped antipasto mix (olives, sun-dried tomatoes, chargrilled peppers, artichokes, feta, etc.): This adds tang and texture – makes sure it’s well-drained to avoid soggy bread.
• Cheese slices (Swiss or your favorite): Swiss is classic here, but feel free to use provolone, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar for a twist.
• Baby spinach leaves: These add freshness and a bit of crunch to balance the richness of meats and cheese.
• Salted butter for garlic butter: Salted butter offers flavor and moisture, essential for brushing the bread bowl.
• Garlic clove: Minced fresh garlic infuses the butter with savory depth. Don’t skip it!

Variations

This sandwich is like a blank canvas, so I love tweaking it depending on what’s in my fridge or what mood I’m in. You can easily adjust it to suit different tastes or dietary preferences.

• Vegetarian variation: Swap out the meat for grilled veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or even roasted chickpeas for protein. I tried this once, and it was surprisingly hearty and delicious!
• Spicy kick: Add some sliced pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce if you like heat. It gives the sandwich a fun zing that wakes up your taste buds.
• Cheese swaps: For a creamier touch, try adding some cream cheese or goat cheese mixed with herbs.
• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free bread loaf or serve the fillings in a large lettuce wrap to keep it light and friendly for sensitive stomachs.

How to Make Christmas Leftovers Bread Bowl Sandwich (Muffuletta) Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Bread Bowl

Start by slicing off the top of your bread loaf to create the “lid.” Then hollow out the inside to form the bowl. I usually keep some of the crumb to mix with the fillings or serve on the side as breadcrumbs later. Be careful not to scoop too aggressively—you want the walls thick enough so the bowl holds together with all the juicy fillings inside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

Mix your melted salted butter with the minced garlic, making sure it’s well combined. This garlic butter is going to be your secret weapon—it adds richness and a toasty garlic flavor when you brush it inside the bread bowl and on the lid. I like to brush a generous layer for extra flavor.

Step 3: Toast the Bread Bowl

Pop your buttered bread bowl and lid into the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until the bread is golden and fragrant. This step crisps up the bread just enough that the bowl won’t get soggy too quickly, especially with the juicy fillings ahead.

Step 4: Layer Your Fillings

Start layering your leftover meats inside the bread bowl, then add your chopped antipasto mix, cheese slices, and a generous handful of baby spinach. I like to press down slightly so everything fits nicely without spilling over. This is where your sandwich really comes alive, so don’t be shy with the fillings—more flavor, more fun.

Step 5: Top and Serve

Place the bread lid back on top of your filled loaf. You can slice it up like a pie or just serve it whole for everyone to help themselves. The garlic butter on the lid will add a wonderful aroma and flavor every time you cut in.

How to Serve Christmas Leftovers Bread Bowl Sandwich (Muffuletta) Recipe

Garnishes

I love to add a few fresh herb sprigs – like parsley or basil – on top for color and that fresh pop of flavor. Sometimes a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a dash of red pepper flakes gives it a subtle kick that keeps you coming back for more.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly, especially to lighten up the richness of the sandwich. Pickles or marinated vegetables are also my go-to sides—they complement the Italian-style antipasto flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

One fun idea I’ve done for a family lunch is to offer an antipasto “bar” where each person can customize their own bread bowl sandwich. Set out different meats, cheeses, and pickled veggies for everyone to pile in. It’s interactive and turns leftovers into a communal feast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover sandwich (which sometimes happens!), I tightly wrap the whole bread bowl with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 2 days, although the bread will soften a bit from the fillings. I find cutting those leftovers into smaller portions makes snacking easy the next day.

Freezing

Freezing the entire bread bowl filled with fresh spinach isn’t ideal because the greens don’t freeze well, but you can freeze the meat and antipasto mixture separately. When you’re ready to serve, defrost and layer it into a fresh bread bowl with fresh spinach and cheese. I’ve done this prep trick when I know I’ll have extra leftovers in advance!

Reheating

To reheat, I usually slice the leftover sandwich and toast it in a pan or oven until the cheese melts and the bread crisps up again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the crust from getting chewy or soggy – reheating slowly makes a big difference.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Leftovers Bread Bowl Sandwich (Muffuletta) Recipe has become my go-to for turning holiday scraps into something everyone looks forward to eating. It’s easy to pull together, delicious, and feels a little special, too. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to celebrate all those festive bites without letting a crumb go to waste!

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