Hey all, you know I love a good party snack, and these Italian Sub Squares are the absolute perfect finger food! They’re basically like mini Italian subs baked into a delicious, cheesy, handheld package. And the best part? They’re super easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.

I first made these squares for a potluck a few months ago, and they were a HUGE hit. Everyone kept coming back for more, and I even had a few people asking for the recipe. (Don’t worry, I shared it with them!)

These squares are perfect for game day, picnics, potlucks, or any time you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Plus, they’re great for using up any leftover deli meat and cheese you might have in the fridge. So grab your ingredients, put on your party hat, and let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love These Italian Sub Squares

Flavor Packed: These squares are bursting with flavor, thanks to the combination of savory meats, melty cheese, and a flavorful egg wash.
Easy to Make: Don’t be intimidated by the idea of making your own party food. This recipe is super easy to follow, even if you’re a beginner cook.
Customizable: You can easily switch up the fillings to your liking. Try different types of meats, cheeses, or veggies.
Perfect for Sharing: These squares are great for feeding a crowd. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and let everyone enjoy!

Ingredients for Italian Sub Squares

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious little bites:

Crescent Roll Dough: We’re using refrigerated crescent roll dough for convenience, but you can use your favorite pizza dough if you prefer.
Deli Ham: I like to use Black Forest ham, but any type of deli ham will work.
Pepperoni: Because what’s an Italian sub without pepperoni?
Salami: Genoa salami adds a nice spicy kick.
Provolone Cheese: Provolone adds a sharp, tangy flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella adds a creamy, melty texture.
Roasted Red Peppers: These add a sweet and smoky flavor.
Eggs: We’ll use eggs for an egg wash that gives the squares a beautiful golden brown color and adds flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty, cheesy finish to the egg wash.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that adds a classic Italian flavor.
Garlic Powder: For that essential garlicky kick.
Dried Oregano: A touch of oregano adds a nice herbal note.

Variations

Meat Lover’s Dream: Add some cooked sausage, bacon, or ground beef to the filling.
Veggie Delight: Toss in some chopped veggies like mushrooms, onions, peppers, or olives.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
Cheese Lover’s Paradise: Try different types of cheese like cheddar, Swiss, or even a Mexican blend.

How to Make Italian Sub Squares

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it well. This will prevent the squares from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Prepare the Base

Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Make sure it covers the entire bottom of the dish.

Step 3: Layer the Filling

Now, let’s build our Italian sub squares! Layer the ham, pepperoni, salami, provolone cheese, mozzarella cheese, and roasted red peppers evenly over the dough.

Step 4: Top with Dough

Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and carefully place it over the top of the layered ingredients. Press the edges of the dough together to seal in all that deliciousness.

Step 5: Prepare the Egg Wash

In a bowl, beat together the eggs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and oregano until well combined.

Step 6: Brush and Bake

Brush the egg mixture over the top layer of dough. This will give the squares a beautiful golden brown color and add a ton of flavor. Then, pop the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once the squares are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before cutting into squares. This will prevent the filling from oozing out everywhere. Serve the squares warm or at room temperature.

Tips and Tricks

Even Layers: Try to layer the ingredients evenly so that each square has a good mix of meats and cheese.
Seal the Edges: Make sure to press the edges of the dough together well to prevent the filling from spilling out.
Don’t Overcrowd: Don’t overcrowd the baking dish. If you have extra filling, you can always bake it in a separate dish.

How to Serve

These Italian Sub Squares are delicious on their own, but you can also:

Dipping Sauces: Serve them with marinara sauce, garlic butter, or even ranch dressing for dipping.
Side Salad: A simple green salad is a refreshing complement to these hearty squares.

Leftovers and Freezing

Leftovers

Store leftover squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked squares for up to 2 months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator before baking.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of dough?

Yes, you can use your favorite pizza dough or even puff pastry.

2. Can I add other toppings?

Absolutely! Get creative and add your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, onions, peppers, or olives.

3. Can I make these squares ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the squares ahead of time and bake them later.

4. How can I reheat the squares?

You can reheat them in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave until warmed through.

There you have it! A fun, easy, and delicious recipe that will be a hit with everyone. Enjoy your Italian Sub Squares, and happy cooking!