Zesty Italian Sub Squares Recipe: Party-Ready Bites

Layered with zesty Italian sub squares, this crowd-pleasing appetizer brings the classic sandwich’s bold flavors to an irresistible baked delight.

Hearty salami, tangy pepperoncini, and melted provolone cheese create a mouthwatering combination that screams comfort food.

Each bite packs a punch of savory goodness that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

The simple preparation makes this dish perfect for game day, potlucks, or casual gatherings.

Crispy edges and a soft, cheesy center guarantee a delectable experience that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

You’ll want to make extra because these squares disappear faster than you can slice them.

Prepare to be the hero of your next social event with this killer recipe that everyone will be talking about.

FAQs

• What ingredients give Italian Sub Squares their authentic flavor?

The combination of provolone cheese, pepperoni, ham, salami, peppers, and pepperoncini creates the classic Italian sub taste, delivering a rich and savory profile that mirrors traditional Italian sandwich flavors.

• How does the egg-pesto-parmesan mixture enhance the dish?

The egg-pesto-parmesan topping adds a golden, crispy exterior and introduces additional layers of flavor, creating a more complex and gourmet finish to the crescent dough base.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Italian Sub Squares in advance and refrigerate before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through completely.

Italian Sub Squares: Flavor Favorites

• Savor Party-Perfect Bites: These Italian Sub Squares transform classic sandwich flavors into a crowd-pleasing appetizer that's perfect for game days, potlucks, and casual gatherings.
• Master Quick Meal Magic: With minimal prep and simple layering techniques, home cooks can whip up a delicious dish that looks and tastes impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize Flavor Adventures: Swap meats, add different cheeses, or include extra veggies to make this recipe your own, allowing endless creative twists on the traditional Italian sub concept.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Combining beloved deli ingredients with easy-to-handle square format makes this recipe a hit for both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table gets satisfied.

Italian Sub Squares Ingredient List

• Crescent Dough Sheets: Soft, flexible pastry that creates the foundation for this delicious Italian-inspired dish.

• Pepperoni, Ham, Salami: Classic Italian cold cuts that provide rich, savory flavor and meaty texture to the squares.

• Provolone Cheese: Mild, smooth cheese that melts beautifully and adds creamy richness.
• Egg, Parmesan Cheese: Helps create a golden, flavorful crust and enhances the overall taste.

• Peppers, Pepperoncini: Adds a tangy, slightly spicy kick and fresh vegetable element to the dish.
• Pesto: Provides a zesty, herbal sauce that complements the meat and cheese flavors.

• Cooking Spray: Ensures the dish doesn't stick to the pan and helps with easy removal.
• Foil: Protects the top of the dish during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.

Steps for Italian Sub Squares

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab your 9×13 baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create The Dough Foundation

Gently unfurl one sheet of crescent dough and press it into the pan, making sure it climbs up the sides by about an inch.

Smooth out any wrinkles or air bubbles.

Step 3: Build Delicious Layers

Time to stack your flavor mountain!

• Provolone cheese (first half)
• Pepperoni slices
• Ham pieces
• Salami strips
• Roasted peppers
• Pepperoncini rings
• Remaining provolone cheese

Step 4: Seal The Flavor Treasure

Drape the second crescent dough sheet over the layers.

Pinch the edges together to create a tight seal.

• Beaten egg
• Pesto
• Grated parmesan

Generously brush this mixture across the top of the dough.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Cover the dish with greased aluminum foil and slide into the oven.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown.

Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing into squares of deliciousness.

Tips for Toasty, Savory Sub Squares

• Pinch crescent dough edges tightly to prevent fillings from leaking during baking, ensuring a neat and compact Italian sub square.
• Pat peppers and pepperoncini dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, preventing soggy bottom and maintaining crisp texture.
• Cut pepperoni, ham, and salami into thin, even layers for consistent flavor distribution and easier cutting when serving.
• Mix egg with a touch of herbs like basil or oregano in the pesto-parmesan mixture to add extra Italian-inspired flavor and beautiful golden sheen.
• Allow the dish to cool for exactly 10 minutes after baking, which helps set the layers and makes clean, precise cuts easier.

Italian Sub Variations

• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace crescent dough with gluten-free crescent roll dough or cauliflower crust for a celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute crescent dough with thin-sliced zucchini or large lettuce leaves as a base, reducing overall carbohydrate content.
• Vegetarian Option: Remove meat and replace with grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and roasted bell peppers, maintaining the cheesy, herb-infused flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Remix: Swap Italian meats with Greek ingredients like feta cheese, kalamata olives, and spinach for a different regional taste experience.

Serving Italian Sub Squares

• Party Platter Perfection: Slice into neat squares and arrange on a rustic wooden board for stunning appetizer presentation.
• Italian Picnic Delight: Pack cooled squares in a portable container for outdoor meals, beach trips, or park gatherings with friends.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping, perfect for sports watching or casual get-togethers.
• Brunch Twist: Cut into smaller bite-sized pieces and serve alongside fresh fruit salad for a hearty weekend brunch option.

Storage Tips for Sub Squares

• Store leftover Italian Sub Squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap individual pieces tightly with plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Slice the dish into individual squares and place them in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed squares in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. Microwave works too, but may soften the crust slightly. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying.

Italian Sub Squares Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Layered Italian Sub Squares bring classic sandwich flavors into a shareable party-style appetizer. Packed with salami, ham, provolone, and pepperoncini, this crowd-pleasing dish delivers bold Mediterranean-inspired comfort that you’ll crave at every gathering.

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Ingredients

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Meats and Cheeses:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) sliced provolone cheese
• 0.25 pound (113 grams) sliced deli pepperoni
• 0.25 pound (113 grams) sliced deli ham
• 0.25 pound (113 grams) sliced Genoa salami

Base:

• 2 cans crescent roll dough sheets

Vegetables and Toppings:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) roasted red bell peppers, drained and sliced
• 0.5 cup canned sliced pepperoncini, drained
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon prepared pesto
• 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Carefully unfurl one sheet of crescent dough, pressing it evenly into the prepared pan, ensuring it climbs slightly up the sides to create a sturdy base.
3. Create the first flavor layer by arranging half of the provolone cheese across the dough, followed by a colorful arrangement of pepperoni, ham, and salami.
4. Scatter roasted red peppers and tangy pepperoncini over the meat layer, then complete the filling with the remaining provolone cheese.
5. Drape the second crescent dough sheet over the filling, meticulously sealing the edges by pinching them together to lock in the ingredients.
6. Whisk together egg, pesto, and parmesan to create a golden, herb-infused glaze, then brush this mixture generously across the top dough layer.
7. Cover the dish with greased aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to cook through.
8. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the surface turns a rich, appetizing golden brown.
9. Allow the Italian sub squares to rest and cool for 10 minutes before slicing, which helps the layers set and makes cutting easier.

Notes

• Customize Meats Choose high-quality deli meats like Boar’s Head or premium brands for richer flavor and better texture.
• Gluten-Free Swap Use gluten-free crescent roll dough or puff pastry to make this recipe accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spice Control Adjust pepperoncini and pepper quantities based on personal heat preference, allowing for milder or spicier versions.
• Make-Ahead Magic Prepare the entire dish night before, refrigerate, and bake directly from cold state for convenient entertaining or meal prep.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg