These Italian Sub Squares take everything you love about a classic Italian sub and turn it into a savory, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing casserole! With layers of deli meats, melty cheese, and Italian seasonings nestled between flaky crescent roll dough, this dish is easy to make and perfect for parties, potlucks, or family dinners. Just a quick bake, and you’ve got a sliceable, sharable sub that’s packed with all the delicious flavors of Italy!
Why These Italian Sub Squares Will Be a Hit at Any Gathering
- All Your Favorite Flavors: Packed with classic Italian meats like salami, ham, and pepperoni, along with provolone cheese, this dish is bursting with flavor.
- Simple to Prepare: With pre-made crescent roll dough, these squares come together quickly and bake to perfection in just about 30 minutes.
- Perfect for Sharing: Easily cut into squares, this recipe makes serving a breeze and is ideal for feeding a crowd.
- Versatile: Customize the filling with your favorite Italian ingredients, like roasted red peppers or olives, to make it your own!
Ingredients
(Serves 8-10)
- 2 cans (about 225g or 8 oz each) crescent roll dough
- 150g (1/3 lb) sliced salami
- 150g (1/3 lb) sliced ham
- 150g (1/3 lb) sliced pepperoni
- 225g (1/2 lb) sliced provolone or mozzarella cheese
- 60g (1/4 cup) roasted red peppers, sliced (optional)
- 3 large eggs
- 30g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer the Bottom Crust: Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the baking dish, pressing the seams together to form a solid layer.
- Assemble the Layers: Start with a layer of salami, followed by ham, pepperoni, and cheese. Add the roasted red peppers if you’re using them.
- Add the Top Crust: Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and place it over the layers, pressing the seams together again.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk the eggs with Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Brush with Egg Mixture: Brush the top of the dough with the egg mixture to create a golden, flavorful crust as it bakes.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the dish to cool for about 10 minutes, then slice into squares. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Substitutions: Feel free to use your favorite Italian meats, like capicola or mortadella, to switch up the flavor.
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the dish the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for a fresh, warm meal.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these Italian Sub Squares ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dish, cover it, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Provolone or mozzarella are classic choices, but Swiss or even cheddar can add a fun twist.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, these squares freeze well. Just wrap them tightly and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Tips and Notes
- Get Creative with Fillings: Add in thinly sliced tomatoes, olives, or banana peppers for more texture and flavor.
- Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to load up on fillings, keep it to a moderate amount to ensure the squares hold together when sliced.
Delicious Variations for Your Italian Sub Squares – Try Something New!
- Veggie Italian Sub Squares: Skip the meat and load up with grilled zucchini, roasted red peppers, spinach, and extra cheese for a veggie-packed twist.
- Spicy Italian Sub Squares: Add a layer of spicy Italian sausage and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Caprese Style: Add fresh basil leaves, sliced tomatoes, and mozzarella, then drizzle with balsamic glaze for a Caprese-inspired sub square.
- Mushroom Lover’s: Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy, hearty variation that’s perfect with the Italian flavors.
Italian Sub Squares
Ingredients
- 2 cans 8 oz each crescent roll dough
- ¼ lb sliced ham
- ¼ lb sliced salami
- ¼ lb sliced pepperoni
- ¼ lb sliced provolone cheese
- ¼ lb sliced mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup 0.12 lb roasted red peppers, sliced
- ½ cup 0.12 lb banana pepper rings, drained (optional for extra tang)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Bottom Layer
- Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the baking dish, pinching the seams together to form an even layer.
Step 3: Layer the Meats and Cheeses
- Layer the ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone cheese, and mozzarella cheese over the crescent roll dough, in that order.
- Evenly distribute the roasted red peppers and banana peppers (if using) on top of the cheese.
Step 4: Top Layer of Dough
- Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and carefully place it over the filling. Pinch the seams together to form an even layer, covering the meats and cheeses.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Seasoning
- In a small bowl, beat the eggs and brush them over the top layer of dough.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder evenly over the egg wash.
Step 6: Bake the Italian Sub Squares
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Allow the Italian Sub Squares to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Variations: Add toppings like sliced olives, chopped onions, or fresh basil for extra flavor.
- Serving Tip: Serve with marinara sauce on the side for dipping to add an extra Italian touch.