Prepare the Olive Salad: If you're making your own olive salad, start by chopping 1 cup of mixed marinated olives and any pickled vegetables you want to include. Toss them together in a bowl and let the flavors meld while you prep the other ingredients.

Slice the Bread: Carefully slice your Sicilian-style bread or muffuletta roll in half horizontally. Make sure not to cut all the way through; you want to create a pocket for all the delicious fillings.

Top It Off: Spread any remaining olive salad on top of the cheese, and if you like, add a handful of fresh basil or arugula for a burst of flavor. Close the sandwich with the top half of the bread.

Press and Chill: To really bring out the flavors, place a heavy skillet or a baking dish on top of the sandwich. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to an hour in the refrigerator. This helps all the ingredients meld together beautifully.

Slice and Serve: Once you’re ready to eat, remove the sandwich from the fridge and slice it into wedges or halves. Enjoy it cold or heat it in a pan for a warm, pressed sandwich experience.