Italian Sub Squares
Italian Sub Squares are a deliciously easy and crowd-pleasing dish that combines all the bold flavors you love from traditional Italian subs into a convenient, bakeable form. Perfect for parties, game days, or a quick family dinner, these squares come together effortlessly, making them a go-to recipe for anyone seeking comfort food with a twist. My introduction to this recipe was during a busy weeknight when I was craving the satisfying taste of an Italian hoagie, but needed a simpler option. Baking them as squares allowed me to delight in those flavors without the hassle of assembling sandwiches.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This recipe is not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for the taste buds. With layers of savory meats and melted cheeses, combined with zesty roasted red peppers and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, it’s a meal that will have everyone coming back for more. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something substantial but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, allowing you to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
“These Italian Sub Squares are a game changer! They disappeared at our last family gathering, and everyone was asking for the recipe!” – A happy customer.
Step-by-Step Overview
Making Italian Sub Squares is a straightforward process that leads to a satisfying dish. Each step builds on the last, layering flavors and textures in a fun and tasty way. You’ll begin by creating a crust using crescent roll dough, fill it with savory meats and cheeses, and then top it with another layer of dough. Bake, slice, and serve!
What You’ll Need
To create these delectable squares, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cans (8 oz each) of 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)
- 1/2 cup sliced banana peppers (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped black olives (optional)
- 4 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Feel free to mix up the meats or cheeses according to your personal preferences. The beauty of this recipe is in its versatility!
Directions to Follow
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
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Layer the Dough: Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring that you seal the seams to form a complete crust.
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Layer the Meats and Cheeses: Evenly distribute the slices of ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone, and mozzarella over the dough.
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Add Veggies: Sprinkle the chopped roasted red peppers, banana peppers, and black olives if desired over the layers of meat and cheese.
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Top with More Dough: Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough on top of the filling. Seal the seams carefully again.
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Add Egg Wash and Seasoning: Brush the beaten eggs evenly over the top dough layer. Finish by sprinkling the Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese.
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Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
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Cool and Slice: Allow the Italian sub squares to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing them into squares for serving.
How to Serve Italian Sub Squares
These squares are a delightful standalone dish but can also be elevated with a few simple additions. Serve them with a bright and tangy salad for a refreshing contrast, or pair them with marinara sauce for a dipping experience. A side of garlic bread could also complement the flavors beautifully.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To store your Italian Sub Squares, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool them completely before freezing to avoid ice crystals, and reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy.
Pro Chef Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the filling.
- Don’t skip the egg wash; it gives the dough a beautiful golden color and enhances the taste!
- If you’re preparing for a gathering, try making these squares ahead of time and simply reheat them before serving.
Creative Twists
Experimenting with this recipe is half the fun! Try swapping out traditional meats for turkey or chicken for a leaner option. You could even create a vegetarian version using colorful vegetables and a variety of cheeses for delightful flavors.
FAQs
How long does it take to prep?
Preparation typically takes about 15-20 minutes, with around 25-30 minutes of bake time.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the squares a day in advance and store them in the fridge before baking.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat the squares in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave for a minute or two. If using the oven, cover with foil to retain moisture.
Dive into this crowd-pleasing dish, and enjoy the savory goodness of Italian flavors baked right into a delicious square!
Italian Sub Squares
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz each)
Meats
- 1/4 lb sliced ham
- 1/4 lb sliced salami
- 1/4 lb sliced pepperoni
Cheeses
- 1/4 lb sliced provolone cheese
- 1/4 lb sliced mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers (drained and chopped)
- 1/2 cup sliced banana peppers (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped black olives (optional)
Others
- 4 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the prepared baking dish to form a complete crust.
- Layer the sliced ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone, and mozzarella over the dough.
- Sprinkle the chopped roasted red peppers, banana peppers, and black olives over the layers of meat and cheese.
- Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough on top of the filling and seal the seams.
- Brush the beaten eggs over the top dough layer and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese.
Baking
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing into squares for serving.
