Italian Sub Squares: The Ultimate Baked Appetizer for Any Gathering
If you’re a connoisseur of classic Italian subs, then prepare to be utterly captivated by these incredible Italian Sub Squares. Imagine all your favorite robust flavors—savory meats, sharp cheeses, and tangy toppings—masterfully packed into convenient, handheld slices, baked to golden perfection. This recipe transforms a beloved deli staple into an effortlessly elegant appetizer or a delightful main course for any occasion.
A Culinary Twist on a Timeless Favorite
There’s an undeniable charm to a well-crafted sub sandwich, especially the Italian variety, bursting with layers of premium meats, cheeses, and zesty condiments. But what if you could enjoy those iconic flavors in an even more convenient, shareable format? That’s precisely what our Italian Sub Squares offer! This innovative recipe takes everything you adore about a hearty Italian sub and bakes it into a golden, irresistible pastry, making it ideal for easy serving and minimal cleanup.
Forget the mess of traditional subs. These squares are designed for delightful, guilt-free indulgence. Each square is a complete, satisfying bite, allowing you to enjoy as many as you desire without committing to an entire sandwich. Whether you’re hosting a lively gathering, preparing a quick weeknight dinner, or simply treating yourself to a flavorful snack (no judgment here!), these Italian Sub Squares consistently hit all the right flavor notes. They’re a crowd-pleaser that effortlessly blends gourmet taste with homemade comfort.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Squares
Beyond their sheer deliciousness, Italian Sub Squares offer numerous advantages. They are incredibly versatile, perfect for game days, potlucks, picnics, or a relaxed family meal. The preparation is straightforward, making them accessible even for novice cooks, yet the results are impressive enough for seasoned entertainers. The combination of flaky crescent roll dough, a melty trio of Italian deli meats, tangy peppers, and savory pesto creates a symphony of textures and tastes that is truly unforgettable.
These baked delights are also a fantastic make-ahead option, allowing you to assemble them in advance and bake when ready, or even freeze for future enjoyment. This flexibility makes them a go-to recipe for busy individuals and those who love to plan ahead. Plus, the square format means uniform portions, making serving a breeze and ensuring everyone gets a piece of the action.
Ingredients for Irresistible Italian Sub Squares
Crafting these delectable squares requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients that harmonize to deliver that authentic Italian sub experience. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need, along with some tips for optimal flavor:
- Crescent Roll Dough Sheets: These form the golden, flaky crust of your squares. Using dough sheets rather than pre-perforated crescent rolls simplifies the assembly process, but regular rolls can work with a little extra pinching.
- Provolone Cheese: A cornerstone of any Italian sub, provolone melts beautifully and adds a creamy, slightly sharp flavor that perfectly complements the meats.
- Pepperoni: Opt for sliced deli pepperoni if possible. Its thin slices layer easily and render beautifully in the oven, releasing a rich, spicy oil that permeates the dish.
- Ham: A good quality sliced deli ham adds a subtle sweetness and a tender texture, balancing the stronger flavors of the salami and pepperoni.
- Genoa Salami: This cured sausage is essential for that signature Italian sub tang and robust, garlicky flavor. Its firmness also provides a satisfying bite within the soft dough.
- Roasted Red Bell Peppers: Drained and thinly sliced, these add a sweet and smoky depth, along with a vibrant pop of color and a soft texture.
- Pepperoncini: Sliced pepperoncini bring a fantastic vinegary zing and a mild, pleasant heat that cuts through the richness of the meats and cheeses.
- Egg: Whisked with pesto and Parmesan, the egg creates a glossy, golden-brown crust and helps seal in moisture.
- Prepared Pesto: Whether store-bought for convenience or homemade (like this delicious basil pesto recipe), pesto adds an incredible aromatic boost of basil, garlic, and pine nuts to the top crust. It’s highly recommended for an extra layer of flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan mixed with the pesto and egg contributes a salty, nutty, and umami-rich layer to the exterior, enhancing the overall savory profile.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Italian Sub Squares
Creating these delightful Italian Sub Squares is simpler than you might think. Follow these easy steps for a delicious result:
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and First Dough Layer
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Carefully unroll one can of crescent roll dough sheets and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Ensure the dough extends up the sides of the pan by about 1 inch to create a sturdy base for your filling.
Step 2: Layer the Savory Filling
Once your dough base is ready, it’s time to build your flavorful layers. Place half of the provolone cheese slices directly on the dough. Next, layer the pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese, followed by the ham, and then the Genoa salami. Distribute the thinly sliced roasted red bell peppers and the drained pepperoncini over the meats. Finish this layer by adding the remaining provolone cheese on top, creating a delightful cheesy cap.
Step 3: Seal with the Second Dough Layer
Carefully unroll the second can of crescent roll dough sheets and place it over the layered filling. Gently press the edges of the top dough sheet to meet and seal with the bottom dough sheet, creating a fully enclosed package. Ensure the seams are as tight as possible to prevent any filling from escaping during baking.
Step 4: Prepare the Flavorful Topping
In a small bowl, whisk together one large egg, one tablespoon of prepared pesto, and one tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. This mixture will give your squares a beautiful golden color and an extra layer of savory flavor.
Step 5: Apply the Topping and Prepare for Baking
Brush the egg, pesto, and Parmesan mixture evenly over the entire top surface of the crescent dough. This will create a delightful crust. For the initial baking phase, cover the baking dish with non-stick foil, or spray a piece of regular foil with cooking spray and place it spray-side down on top of the dish. This prevents the top from browning too quickly.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil cover. Return the dish to the oven and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top crust achieves a deep, rich golden brown color and the dough is cooked through.
Step 7: Cool, Cut, and Serve
Once baked, remove the Italian Sub Squares from the oven and let them cool in the dish for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the filling to set and makes for cleaner cuts. After cooling, slice the large baked square into individual serving portions and serve warm. Enjoy your homemade Italian Sub Squares!
Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Sub Squares
These squares offer a delightful culinary experience, reminiscent of a warm Italian sub but with the added satisfaction of a golden, crusty exterior. You’ll savor the slightly salty notes from the deli meats, a subtle spicy kick from the pepperoni and pesto, and the rich, creamy cheesiness from both the provolone and Parmesan. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of savory, tangy, and aromatic flavors.
Absolutely! If crescent roll dough sheets are unavailable, you can certainly use regular crescent rolls. The key is to unroll them and then firmly pinch together all the perforations to create a solid, sealed sheet. This ensures the filling remains securely inside during baking and gives you a continuous crust.
While the pesto topping is entirely optional, we highly recommend it for the incredible depth of flavor it imparts. The basil, garlic, and pine nuts in the pesto elevate the dish’s aroma and taste. If you prefer not to use pesto, or don’t have it on hand, simply brush the top of the dough lightly with an egg wash (one whisked egg) or a drizzle of olive oil. This will still help achieve a beautiful golden-brown and slightly crispy crust.
While we haven’t tested this particular substitution extensively, we generally do not recommend puff pastry for this recipe. Our primary concern is that puff pastry might not be sturdy enough to contain the substantial filling ingredients of these Italian Sub Squares, potentially leading to a softer, less cohesive structure. Crescent roll dough provides a better balance of flakiness and structural integrity.
Leftover Italian Sub Squares can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, they freeze exceptionally well! Allow the baked squares to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let them defrost overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Reheating in the oven helps crisp up the crust again, restoring their delicious texture.
Tips for Perfect Italian Sub Squares
To ensure your Italian Sub Squares turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:
- Quality Deli Meats: The flavor of your squares heavily relies on the quality of your deli meats. Opt for freshly sliced pepperoni, ham, and salami from the deli counter for the best taste and texture.
- Dough Sealing: Whether using crescent roll dough sheets or regular crescent rolls, take extra care to pinch and seal the edges of the dough together. A tight seal prevents the cheese from oozing out during baking, keeping your squares neat and flavorful.
- Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to load up on the delicious fillings, avoid overfilling the squares. Too much filling can make them difficult to seal and may result in a soggy bottom crust.
- Even Browning: The pesto-egg wash not only adds flavor but also helps create a beautiful golden-brown crust. Ensure it’s brushed evenly for a consistent finish. If you notice one side browning faster, rotate the pan halfway through the uncovered baking time.
- Resting Time: Allowing the squares to cool for 10 minutes after baking is crucial. This resting period allows the cheese to set and the internal structure to firm up, making them much easier to cut into clean, appealing squares.
- Spice it Up: For those who love a bit more heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto mixture or layering in some thinly sliced jalapeños with the pepperoncini.
Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations
Italian Sub Squares are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to various tastes and occasions. Here are some ideas:
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Offer marinara sauce, a side of creamy ranch, or even an extra drizzle of pesto for dipping.
- Fresh Salad Pairing: Pair the warm, savory squares with a crisp, refreshing green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Antipasto Platter Addition: These squares make an excellent addition to an antipasto platter, alongside olives, marinated artichoke hearts, and fresh mozzarella.
- Make it a Meal: For a light lunch or dinner, serve 2-3 squares per person with a hearty soup or a side of pasta salad.
- Vegetarian Option: Exclude the meats and instead layer with roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, and extra roasted red peppers for a flavorful vegetarian version.
- Cheese Lovers Dream: Experiment with different cheeses! Provolone is classic, but you could also add a layer of mozzarella for extra meltiness or a sprinkle of sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor.
Craving More Easy & Delicious Recipes?
If you loved these Italian Sub Squares, be sure to explore more of our fantastic, crowd-pleasing recipes:
- Italian Grinder Sliders
- Monte Cristo Sliders
- Reuben Sliders
- Pizza Sliders
- Italian Grinder Chicken Salad
- Grinder Salad Sub Sandwich
- Meatball Sub Cups
- Kmart Subs
- Meatball Sub on a Stick
- Italian Sub Skewers
- French Dip Squares
- French Dip Sliders
Italian Sub Squares
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Ingredients
- 2 cans crescent roll dough sheets
- 8 ounces sliced provolone cheese
- ¼ pound sliced deli pepperoni
- ¼ pound sliced deli ham
- ¼ pound sliced del Genoa salami
- 12 ounce can roasted red bell peppers drained, thinly sliced
- ½ cup canned sliced pepperoncini drained
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon prepared pesto
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Unroll one can of the crescent dough sheets and press it into the bottom of the baking dish, ensuring the dough extends up the sides of the pan by about 1 inch high.
- Layer half of the provolone cheese on the bottom dough layer. Top with the pepperoni, then ham, then Genoa salami. Add the sliced roasted red bell peppers and drained pepperoncini. Finally, add the remaining provolone cheese on top of the filling.
- Unroll the second can of crescent dough sheets and carefully place it on top of the filling. Do your best to pinch all the edges of the top dough sheet together with the bottom dough sheet to create a securely sealed package.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg, prepared pesto, and grated Parmesan cheese until fully combined.
- Brush this egg-pesto-Parmesan mixture evenly all over the top surface of the dough. Cover the baking dish with non-stick foil, or spray a piece of regular foil with cooking spray and place it spray side down on top of the dish.
- Bake the covered dish for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, uncover the dish and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and cooked through.
- Let the Italian Sub Squares cool in the pan for 10 minutes before cutting into individual portions and serving warm.
Notes
- These delicious squares can be frozen for longer storage. Refer to the storage tips provided in the FAQ section above for detailed instructions.
- If you cannot find crescent roll dough sheets, standard crescent rolls can be used. Just ensure you firmly seal all the perforations to create a continuous dough layer.
- For the best flavor and ease of layering, try to use deli-sliced pepperoni. This will be more efficient and yield better results than using many individual standard-sized pepperonis.
- The pesto adds an amazing layer of flavor to the crust and is highly recommended. However, it is optional. If omitting, brush the top dough with a light egg wash or olive oil to ensure it browns nicely.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.