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Italian Sub Squares Recipe

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Italian Sub Squares bring the bold flavors of an Italian sandwich into a baked, handheld appetizer. Layers of pepperoni, ham, salami, provolone cheese, roasted red peppers, and pepperoncini are stacked between golden crescent roll dough and baked to perfection. The top is brushed with a savory pesto and Parmesan egg wash, adding a rich, aromatic touch. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for game day, parties, or a quick family meal!
Soo Ben
Updated on Mon, 10 Mar 2025 04:29:22 GMT
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Italian Sub Squares Pin it
Italian Sub Squares | mamamiakitchen.com

If you’re a fan of classic Italian subs, you’re going to love these Italian Sub Squares! Packed with layers of provolone cheese, pepperoni, ham, and Genoa salami, all baked inside flaky crescent roll dough, this dish delivers the bold, savory flavors of an Italian sub—in a fun, handheld slice.

Whether you’re hosting a game night, holiday gathering, or just craving a satisfying meal, these baked Italian sub squares are the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and meaty goodness.

I first made these Italian Sub Squares for a football party, and they disappeared within minutes. The cheesy, meaty layers, combined with the crisp, buttery crust, made them a game-day favorite. Now, they’re a staple for any gathering, whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a holiday spread.

What Are Italian Sub Squares?

Think of Italian Sub Squares as a baked version of an Italian sub sandwich, but instead of a bulky roll, everything is layered between flaky crescent roll dough.

Each bite delivers the perfect balance of crispy edges, gooey melted cheese, and zesty, flavorful meats. You get all the bold flavors of an Italian deli sandwich, but in an easier-to-eat, crowd-friendly format.

Ingredients for Italian Sub Squares

For the Base & Topping

  • Crescent Roll Dough Sheets (2 cans, 8 oz each): The buttery, flaky base and top layer.
  • Egg (1 large): Helps create a golden, crispy top.
  • Prepared Pesto (2 tablespoons, optional): Adds extra herby flavor and depth.
  • Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, grated): A savory finishing touch.

For the Filling

  • Provolone Cheese (8 slices): Melts beautifully and pairs perfectly with Italian meats.
  • Pepperoni (20-25 slices): Brings a spicy, smoky flavor.
  • Ham (6 slices, thinly sliced): Adds a slightly sweet and salty contrast.
  • Genoa Salami (6 slices): A must-have for that authentic Italian sub flavor.
  • Roasted Red Bell Peppers (½ cup, sliced): Adds a hint of sweetness and tang.
  • Pepperoncini Peppers (¼ cup, sliced, optional): Brings a bit of zesty, mild heat.

How to Make Italian Sub Squares

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Easy Italian Sub Squares Recipe | mamamiakitchen.com
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Press one sheet of crescent roll dough into the bottom of the dish, ensuring it reaches the edges and goes about 1 inch up the sides.
Step 2: Layer the Fillings
Place 4 slices of provolone cheese on the dough. Add an even layer of pepperoni, ham, and Genoa salami. Sprinkle on roasted red bell peppers and pepperoncini for extra flavor. Top with the remaining 4 slices of provolone cheese.
Step 3: Seal the Top
Lay the second sheet of crescent roll dough over the fillings. Pinch the edges together to seal everything inside.
Step 4: Add the Topping
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, pesto, and Parmesan cheese. Brush this mixture over the top of the dough for a flavorful, golden crust. Cover with nonstick foil (or spray regular foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking).
Step 5: Bake & Serve
Bake covered for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes, then slice into squares and serve warm!

Variations & Customizations

  • Cheese Variations: Try mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack for a different cheesy experience.
  • Meat Swaps: Use turkey, roast beef, or crispy bacon instead.
  • Add a Spicy Kick: Spread a thin layer of hot giardiniera or banana peppers inside.
  • Garlic Butter Finish: Brush the top with melted garlic butter instead of pesto.

What to Serve with Italian Sub Squares

  • Marinara Sauce: For a classic Italian dipping sauce.
  • Italian Pasta Salad: A fresh and tangy side dish.
  • Homemade Garlic Bread: Because you can never have too much bread!
  • Crisp Green Salad: A light contrast to the rich, cheesy layers.
Homemade Italian Sub Squares Recipe Pin it
Homemade Italian Sub Squares Recipe | mamamiakitchen.com

Storage & Reheating Tips

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: Wrap cooled squares in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until warm and crispy again.

Tip: Avoid microwaving—this makes the crescent dough soggy.

These Italian Sub Squares are the ultimate game-day appetizer, holiday party snack, or quick family dinner. With layers of melted cheese, bold Italian meats, and a flaky crescent roll crust, this dish is pure comfort food in every bite.

Give them a try and see why they’re an instant hit with family and friends!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use pizza dough instead of crescent roll dough?
Yes! Pizza dough will work, but it may require a slightly longer baking time.
→ What can I serve these with?
Marinara sauce, Italian dressing, or a spicy mustard dip pair perfectly.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish and refrigerate it unbaked, then bake when ready.
→ Can I add more toppings?
Absolutely! Try adding olives, banana peppers, or fresh basil for extra flavor.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Italian Sub Squares

A baked Italian sub in square form, packed with meat, cheese, and peppers.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes
By: Sou


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 15 Servings (15 squares)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Dough & Base

01 2 cans crescent roll dough sheets

→ Filling

02 8 ounces sliced provolone cheese
03 1/4 pound sliced deli pepperoni
04 1/4 pound sliced deli ham
05 1/4 pound sliced Genoa salami
06 1 can (12 oz) roasted red bell peppers, drained and thinly sliced
07 1/2 cup canned sliced pepperoncini, drained

→ Topping

08 1 large egg
09 1 tablespoon prepared pesto
10 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 02

Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the baking dish, extending the edges about 1 inch up the sides.

Step 03

Place half of the provolone cheese on the dough. Layer the pepperoni, ham, salami, roasted red peppers, and pepperoncini. Top with the remaining provolone cheese.

Step 04

Unroll the second can of crescent dough and place it over the filling. Pinch the edges to seal the top and bottom layers together.

Step 05

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, pesto, and Parmesan cheese. Brush the mixture evenly over the top layer of dough.

Step 06

Cover with foil (spray one side with cooking spray to prevent sticking) and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Step 07

Let the dish cool for 10 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm.

Notes

  1. For a crispier top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
  2. Swap provolone with mozzarella or Swiss cheese for a different flavor.
  3. Serve with marinara or Italian dressing for dipping.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Pastry brush

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: ~