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Delicious Italian Sub Squares

Featured in Easy Sandwiches Done Right.

Turn your favorite Italian sub into an effortless party favorite! Start with crescent roll dough for a buttery crust, then layer it up with cheeses like provolone, deli meats like salami or pepperoni, and sweet but tangy roasted peppers. A rich topping of egg wash, pesto, and Parmesan gives it a golden finish once baked. These flaky squares are simple to slice and perfect for any get-together or quick snack.
Emily Watson
Updated on Sun, 23 Feb 2025 15:41:55 GMT
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Tasty Italian Sub Squares | thefamilycooks.com

Transform a classic Italian sub into an elegant party dish with these delightful Italian Sub Squares. This clever casserole layers premium deli meats, melted provolone, and tangy peppers between flaky crescent dough for an impressive presentation that's perfect for entertaining.

This crowd-pleasing recipe transforms ordinary sandwich ingredients into an extraordinary baked dish. The combination of buttery crescent dough and classic Italian flavors creates something truly special.

Key Ingredients

  • Crescent roll dough: Creates flaky, golden layers
  • Italian deli meats: Use high-quality sliced meats
  • Provolone cheese: Choose whole milk variety
  • Roasted peppers: Adds sweet depth
  • Pepperoncini: Provides bright acidity
  • Fresh basil pesto: Delivers herbal notes
  • Grated Parmesan: Adds savory finish

Preparation Method

Pan Setup:
Grease baking dish thoroughly. Press dough evenly, sealing seams. Create slight edge rim.
Layer Assembly:
Begin with cheese base. Layer meats evenly. Add peppers strategically. Top with final cheese layer.
Finishing Touches:
Cover with second dough sheet. Seal edges well. Apply egg wash evenly. Spread pesto layer.
Baking Process:
Start covered with foil. Remove halfway. Monitor browning carefully.
Final Steps:
Rest briefly. Slice carefully. Present neatly.
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Italian Sub Squares\ | thefamilycooks.com

This recipe evolved from traditional Italian deli flavors, reimagined in a convenient baked format.

Baking Temperature Guide

Success depends on proper temperature control. Begin at 350°F with foil coverage to ensure even heating. Remove foil during final baking phase to achieve golden-brown perfection.

Advance Preparation

Prepare up to 24 hours ahead by assembling and refrigerating before the egg wash step. When ready to bake, apply egg wash and add 5-7 minutes to standard baking time.

Storage Guidelines

Store leftovers in sealed containers for up to three days refrigerated. Reheat at 325°F for 10 minutes to restore crispness.

Accompaniment Ideas

Complete the meal with mixed green salad, marinated antipasti, or classic pasta salad. Consider offering warm marinara or creamy ranch for dipping.

Recipe Variations

Experiment with different combinations like adding fresh spinach layers, incorporating specialty meats, or including pickled vegetables for extra flavor.

Common Solutions

For sticky dough, use light flour dusting. If top browns too quickly, protect with foil tent until fully heated.

Italian Sub Squares Pin it
Italian Sub Squares | thefamilycooks.com

This recipe brilliantly combines Italian deli traditions with modern convenience. The result is an impressive dish that delivers consistent results and garners enthusiastic praise at any gathering.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Sure, you can make it up to a day ahead and keep it in the fridge until it’s time to bake.
→ Can I swap out the meats?
Absolutely! You can mix it up with prosciutto, capicola, or mortadella for extra flavor.
→ Why do I need to cover it at first?
This helps keep the crust from getting too brown before the insides are nice and warm.
→ Can regular crescent rolls work instead of sheets?
Yep, just be sure to seal the perforations by pressing the dough together.
→ What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep it in the fridge, covered, for up to three days. Reheat in the oven so the crust stays crispy.

Tasty Sub Squares

This savory twist on an Italian sub brings deli layers of cheese, meats, and tangy peppers together in buttery crescent dough for an easy-to-share treat.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes

Category: Sandwiches

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 15 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Base

01 2 cans of crescent roll dough sheets

→ Meats & Cheese

02 8 oz of provolone cheese, sliced
03 Quarter pound of deli ham, sliced
04 Quarter pound of Genoa salami, sliced
05 Quarter pound of pepperoni from the deli, sliced

→ Vegetables

06 12-oz can of roasted red bell peppers, drained and cut into strips
07 Half a cup of sliced and drained pepperoncini

→ Topping

08 1 large egg
09 1 tablespoon of grated parmesan cheese
10 1 tablespoon of pre-made pesto

Instructions

Step 01

Turn your oven to 350°F and coat a 9x13 baking dish lightly with non-stick spray

Step 02

Spread one crescent dough sheet into the dish, making sure it goes 1 inch up along the edges

Step 03

Start with half of the provolone cheese, then add the pepperoni, ham, salami, roasted peppers, pepperoncini, and finish with the rest of the provolone

Step 04

Lay the second crescent dough sheet over the top and press the edges together to seal it

Step 05

Whisk the egg with the pesto and parmesan, then spread that mixture over the top dough

Step 06

Cover your dish with foil you sprayed with some non-stick spray, bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and keep baking another 15 to 20 minutes until the top looks golden

Step 07

Let it cool for about 10 minutes, then slice it up and enjoy

Notes

  1. This is a super fun handheld take on a classic Italian sandwich
  2. You can serve it up as either a main course or a tasty appetizer
  3. It’s a hit for gatherings, parties, or any group meal

Tools You'll Need

  • A 9x13 baking dish
  • Foil to cover the dish
  • A pastry brush
  • A small bowl for mixing

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Has dairy from the provolone and parmesan
  • Contains gluten because of the crescent dough
  • Includes eggs

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 260
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~