Super Easy Italian Sub Squares Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Crowd Pleaser

Packed with layers of savory meats and melted cheese, this Italian sub squares recipe brings the classic sandwich into an irresistible baked delight.

Crisp bread holds a medley of zesty salami, ham, and provolone that melts into gooey perfection.

Each bite delivers a punch of traditional Italian deli flavors that dance across your palate.

The ingredients come together quickly, making this dish perfect for game day or casual gatherings.

Tender bread absorbs the rich marinara and spices, creating a mouthwatering blend of textures and tastes.

Meat lovers will celebrate this hearty twist on a sandwich favorite.

Serve these squares hot and watch them disappear in minutes.

Insider Tips for Perfect Sub Squares

• Pinch crescent dough edges tightly to prevent fillings from leaking during baking, ensuring a neat and compact Italian sub square.
• Layer provolone evenly across both bottom and top layers to guarantee consistent cheesy flavor in every bite.
• Pat roasted peppers and pepperoncini dry before adding to prevent excess liquid from making the base soggy.
• Apply egg-pesto-parmesan mixture gently and evenly for a golden, flavorful crust that adds rich Italian-style complexity.
• Prepare the entire dish ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for convenient entertaining.

Sub Squares Flavors You Can Try Next

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace crescent dough with gluten-free puff pastry or gluten-free crescent roll dough. Use certified gluten-free deli meats and check pesto ingredients for gluten content.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap crescent dough with thin sliced chicken or turkey as a wrap base. Use low-carb cold cuts and reduce peppers for fewer carbohydrates.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute deli meats with grilled portobello mushrooms, roasted zucchini, and plant-based deli slices. Add extra provolone for protein and flavor.
• Mediterranean Style: Replace traditional meats with prosciutto, add kalamata olives, swap pesto with sundried tomato spread, and sprinkle feta cheese on top before baking.

Bringing Out the Best in Sub Squares

• Party Platter Perfection: Slice these squares into bite-sized pieces for a crowd-pleasing appetizer at game day gatherings or potluck events.
• Italian Picnic Delight: Pack these squares in a portable container for an outdoor lunch or weekend picnic with friends and family.
• Game Night Companion: Serve alongside cold beer or zesty marinara sauce for dipping, creating a delicious casual meal that everyone will love.
• Brunch Breakthrough: Cut into smaller triangles and pair with a fresh green salad for a satisfying weekend brunch option that feels gourmet yet easy to prepare.

Sub Squares Storage That Keeps Them Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze whole or slice into individual portions. Store for up to 2 months.
• Place slice on microwave-safe plate. Heat at 50% power for 30-45 seconds to maintain texture and prevent soggy edges.
• Warm at 325F for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning. Crisp the top during the last 2-3 minutes for extra texture.

FAQs

• What ingredients make up the classic Italian sub flavors?

The classic Italian sub flavors come from pepperoni, ham, salami, provolone cheese, roasted peppers, and pepperoncini, which create an authentic Italian deli taste in this baked dish.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep or gatherings?

Absolutely! This recipe serves a crowd, is easily sliced into squares, and can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for potlucks, game day parties, or family dinners.

• Can I customize the meat and cheese selections?

Yes, you can swap out meats and cheeses based on your preferences. Try different deli meats like capicola or prosciutto, and experiment with cheeses like mozzarella or fontina for variety.

Italian Sub Squares Reasons to Love Them

• Transform classic Italian sub flavors into a crowd-winning dish that's perfect for game days, potlucks, and casual gatherings with friends and family.
• Whip up a delicious meal in minimal prep time using convenient crescent dough and pre-sliced deli meats for a hassle-free cooking experience.
• Build mouthwatering flavor profiles by stacking savory meats, melty provolone, and zesty peppers between buttery crescent dough layers for a truly satisfying bite.
• Easily adaptable recipe that serves multiple people, cuts into neat squares, and appeals to both kids and adults with its familiar Italian sub ingredients.

Ingredients for Hearty Sub Squares

• Crescent Dough Sheets: Soft, pliable dough that creates a perfect foundation for the Italian sub squares.

• Pepperoni, Ham, Salami: Classic Italian deli meats that provide rich, savory flavor and protein to the dish.

• Provolone Cheese: Mild, creamy cheese that melts beautifully and adds a smooth texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, aged cheese that brings a nutty and salty depth to the topping.
• Egg: Helps create a golden, glossy finish on the top of the dish.

• Pesto: Aromatic herb sauce that adds a fresh, bright flavor to the dish.

• Roasted Peppers, Pepperoncini: Tangy and slightly spicy peppers that provide a zesty contrast to the rich meats.

• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and ensures easy removal from the baking dish.
• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover the dish during initial baking to prevent over-browning.

Sub Squares Preparation Must-Haves

• 9×13 Baking Dish: Essential for layering and baking the sub squares with perfect dimensions.
• Cooking Spray: Critical for preventing sticking and ensuring easy removal.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining egg, pesto, and parmesan for the topping.
• Pastry Brush: Ideal for evenly spreading the egg mixture over the top layer.
• Aluminum Foil: Needed to cover the dish during initial baking and prevent over-browning.
• Knife: Necessary for cutting the baked sub squares into serving portions.

How to Layer Italian Sub Squares

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350F.

Grab your 9×13 baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create The Foundation

Gently unfold one sheet of crescent dough, pressing it into the bottom of the dish and slightly up the sides.

Layer half of the provolone cheese as your first delicious base.

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers

• Pepperoni slices
• Ham pieces
• Salami strips
• Roasted red peppers
• Tangy pepperoncini

Sprinkle the remaining provolone cheese over these tasty ingredients.

Step 4: Seal The Deliciousness

Carefully drape the second crescent dough sheet over the top.

Pinch the edges to create a perfect seal.

• Egg
• Pesto
• Parmesan cheese

Brush this flavorful mixture all over the top of the dough.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Cover the dish with greased foil and slide into the oven.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing into squares of pure deliciousness.