Nostalgic Appeal
These Italian Sub Squares remind me of those satisfying sub sandwiches I used to enjoy from my favorite deli, but in a more convenient and shareable format. The combination of savory meats, melted cheese, and crisp vegetables is a classic for a reason. It’s a dish that evokes feelings of comfort, satisfaction, and those happy memories of enjoying a delicious sub sandwich with friends and family.
Homemade Focus
While you could certainly buy pre-made sub sandwiches or ingredients, there’s something truly special about making these Italian Sub Squares from scratch. You control the quality of the ingredients, and the process of layering and baking the squares is surprisingly simple and rewarding.
Flavor Goal
The flavor profile I’m aiming for is a delightful combination of savory, cheesy, and slightly tangy flavors with a hint of spice from the optional banana peppers. The crescent roll dough provides a buttery and flaky base, the ham, salami, and pepperoni add a variety of savory flavors, the provolone and mozzarella cheese melt into a gooey and cheesy filling, and the roasted red peppers add a touch of sweetness and acidity.
Ingredient Insights
Let’s explore the key ingredients that make these squares so special! We start with [refrigerated crescent roll dough, providing a convenient and flaky base for the squares]. Then comes the [sliced ham, salami, and pepperoni, adding a variety of savory flavors]. We also incorporate [sliced provolone and mozzarella cheese, melting into a gooey and cheesy filling]. The [roasted red peppers, drained and chopped, adding a touch of sweetness and acidity]. And finally, the [optional sliced banana peppers and chopped black olives, adding extra flavor and texture].
Essential Equipment
For this recipe, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment: a 9×13 inch baking dish, a rolling pin (optional, for smoothing out the dough), and measuring cups and spoons.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (8 oz each) 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
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer the Dough: Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, sealing the seams to form a crust.
- Layer the Meats and Cheeses: Layer the ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone, and mozzarella evenly over the dough.
- Add Veggies: Sprinkle the chopped roasted red peppers, banana peppers (if using), and black olives (if using) over the layers of meat and cheese.
- Top with More Dough: Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and place it over the top, carefully sealing the seams and pressing to cover the filling.
- Add Egg Wash and Seasoning: Brush the beaten eggs evenly over the top layer of dough. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the Italian sub squares to cool for about 5-10 minutes before slicing into squares.
Troubleshooting
- Dough is not cooked through: Make sure the oven is preheated properly and that the squares are baked for the full amount of time. You can also check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Filling is leaking: Make sure the seams of the dough are sealed tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
- Squares are too greasy: If the squares seem too greasy, you can blot them with a paper towel after baking.
Tips and Variations
- Use different types of meat and cheese for the filling, such as turkey, roast beef, or Swiss cheese.
- Add different vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or onions.
- Use different types of bread dough, such as pizza dough or crescent roll sheets.
- Serve with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Italian Sub Squares are delicious on their own as a party appetizer or a casual meal. They also pair well with a side salad or your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutritional Information (Estimated, per serving)
(This information is an estimate based on average values for the ingredients used and a serving size of one square. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, ingredient substitutions, and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 10-12g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 80-100mg
- Protein: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
- Fiber: Approximately 1-2g
- Sugar: Approximately 2-3g
- Sodium: Approximately 600-700mg (may vary depending on the type of meat and cheese used)
To get more precise nutritional information:
- Use a nutrition calculator: Many online calculators allow you to input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. This will give you the most accurate results.
- Check food labels: Pay close attention to the nutrition facts panels on the packaging of your ingredients.
- Adjust for variations: If you make substitutions (e.g., different type of cheese), adjust the calculations accordingly.
Italian Sub Squares: A Party-Ready Twist on a Classic
Description
These Italian Sub Squares are a delicious and easy twist on a classic sub sandwich! They’re made with layers of savory meats, cheeses, and vegetables, all baked between flaky crescent roll dough. Learn how to make this fun and satisfying recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cans (8 oz each) 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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer the Dough: Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, sealing the seams to form a crust.
- Layer the Meats and Cheeses: Layer the ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone, and mozzarella evenly over the dough.
- Add Veggies: Sprinkle the chopped roasted red peppers, banana peppers (if using), and black olives (if using) over the layers of meat and cheese.
- Top with More Dough: Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and place it over the top, carefully sealing the seams and pressing to cover the filling.
- Add Egg Wash and Seasoning: Brush the beaten eggs evenly over the top layer of dough. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the Italian sub squares to cool for about 5-10 minutes before slicing into squares.
Recipe Summary and Q&A
Q: Can I make these Italian Sub Squares ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the squares ahead of time and bake them when you’re ready to serve.
Q: Can I freeze these squares?
A: Yes, you can freeze them. Bake the squares first, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly and freeze them. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of dough?
A: While crescent roll dough is recommended for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of dough, such as pizza dough or puff pastry.