Italian Sub Squares are a delicious, easy-to-make baked dish inspired by the flavors of a classic Italian sub sandwich. With layers of deli meats, cheese, and a buttery crescent roll crust, this recipe is perfect for parties, game days, or a simple family dinner. The combination of savory ham, salami, pepperoni, and melted provolone makes each bite irresistible.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easyย โ Made with pre-made crescent roll dough, this recipe comes together in no time.
- Great for a Crowdย โ Perfect for parties, potlucks, and gatherings.
- Customizableย โ Swap out the meats and cheeses to fit your preferences.
- Make-Ahead Friendlyย โ Can be prepared in advance and baked when ready.
- Packed with Flavorย โ All the classic Italian sub flavors in a warm, melty, baked dish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Crescent roll dough
- Deli ham
- Genoa salami
- Pepperoni
- Provolone cheese
- Banana peppers (optional)
- Italian seasoning
- Olive oil
- Egg wash (for a golden crust)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and roll out one can of crescent roll dough to form the bottom layer.
- Layer the deli meats, cheese, and banana peppers evenly over the dough.
- Place the second can of crescent roll dough over the top, sealing the edges.
- Brush the top with an egg wash and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
- Servings:ย 8-10 squares
- Prep Time:ย 10 minutes
- Cook Time:ย 25-30 minutes
- Total Time:ย 35-40 minutes
Variations
- Cheese Swap:ย Use mozzarella, Swiss, or cheddar instead of provolone.
- Meat Alternatives:ย Try turkey, roast beef, or even a vegetarian version with roasted veggies.
- Spicy Kick:ย Add crushed red pepper flakes or spicy mustard inside.
- Garlic Butter Top:ย Brush melted garlic butter on top before baking for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerate:ย Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat:ย Warm in a 300ยฐF oven for 10 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
- Freeze:ย Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
FAQs
How do I prevent the bottom crust from getting soggy?
Pre-baking the bottom layer for 5 minutes before adding the filling can help prevent sogginess.
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough?
Yes! Puff pastry will create a flakier texture but works just as well.
Whatโs the best way to cut the squares neatly?
Let the dish cool slightly and use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean cuts.
Can I add veggies to this recipe?
Absolutely! Onions, bell peppers, or spinach would be great additions.
What dipping sauces go well with Italian Sub Squares?
Marinara, ranch, or honey mustard pair perfectly with these squares.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish and store it in the fridge, then bake when ready.
Can I serve this cold?
While best served warm, they taste great cold, just like a deli sandwich.
How do I make the top crust extra crispy?
Brush with butter and bake an additional 5 minutes for a crispier top.
Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent rolls?
Yes, homemade pizza dough or biscuit dough works as a substitute.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! The mild flavors and cheesy layers make it a hit with kids.
Conclusion
Italian Sub Squares are a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy the taste of an Italian sub in a baked, shareable form. Whether for a party, lunch, or quick dinner, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it with your favorite meats and cheeses, and enjoy a warm, melty bite of Italian goodness!
PrintItalian Sub Squares
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 squares 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Theseย Italian Sub Squaresย are a delicious baked version of the classic Italian sub sandwich. Layers of ham, salami, pepperoni, and provolone cheese are baked between crescent roll dough for a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful dish. Itโs an easy-to-make appetizer or main dish thatโs perfect for sharing!
Ingredients
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/4 lb sliced ham
- 1/4 lb sliced salami
- 1/4 lb sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 lb sliced provolone cheese
- 1/4 lb sliced mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup banana peppers, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the ovenย to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the base:ย Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the baking dish, pinching the seams together.
- Layer the ingredients:ย Spread the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard over the dough. Then layer half of the provolone, ham, salami, pepperoni, mozzarella, roasted red peppers, and banana peppers (if using). Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Top with dough:ย Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and lay it over the top, sealing the edges.
- Egg wash & season:ย Brush the top with the beaten egg, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Drizzle melted butter over the top for extra flavor.
- Bakeย for 25โ30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Cool & slice:ย Let cool for 5 minutes, then slice into squares and serve warm.
Notes
- Add black olives or pepperoncini for extra flavor.
- Serve with marinara or Italian dressing for dipping.
- For a crispy top, broil for 2 minutes at the end of baking.
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