Muffuletta Bread is used in making New Orleans' signature sandwich called the "Muffuletta Sandwich" that can be found all over the city. This is a also a great bread to use sliced for all your favorite sandwiches. Learn about the History of Muffuletta Sandwiches and check here for a Muffuletta Sandwich Recipe.

1 cup lukewarm water
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons instant active dry yeast
Cornmeal
Sesame seeds
Olive oil

Using your mixer with dough hook, place water, olive oil, sugar, salt, flour, and yeast in the bowl. Beat until smooth. If using your bread machine, select dough setting and press start. When dough cycle has finished, remove dough from pan and turn out onto a lightly oiled surface. Form dough into an oval, cover with plastic wrap, and let rest for 10 minutes.

After resting, turn dough bottom side up and press to flatten. Form dough into a one-inch high circle and place on a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal. Press sesame seeds into surface of dough and brush with olive oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place 30 to 50 minutes or until doubled in size.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. After rising, bake for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 375 degrees F. and bake 15 minutes or until loaf sounds hollow when tapped. (A good check is to use an instant digital thermometer to test your bread. The temperature should be between 200 and 210 degrees.) Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Makes 1 loaf.