Italian Sub Squares are a mouth-watering and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for game days, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for something delicious and filling. Growing up, these squares were my absolute favorite, combining all the flavors of a traditional Italian sub in a warm, baked square form. With layers of savory deli meats, melted cheeses, tangy peppers, and fragrant Italian seasoning, this dish is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

What Are Italian Sub Squares?

Italian Sub Squares are a creative spin on the classic Italian sub sandwich. Instead of the usual bread, this recipe uses refrigerated crescent rolls as the base and top layer. In between, you’ll find layers of Italian deli meats like ham, salami, and pepperoni, along with provolone cheese, banana peppers, roasted red peppers, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for added flavor. When baked, the crescent dough forms a golden, crispy crust, and the flavors inside meld together into a warm, savory dish that's easy to serve and eat.

This recipe is ideal for busy families or for those who want to create a quick yet impressive meal. It's simple to make, and the end result is absolutely delicious, with a perfect combination of textures and flavors in every bite.

Key Ingredients for Italian Sub Squares

The ingredients for this dish are simple and easy to find, but they come together to create a meal that tastes far more sophisticated than the sum of its parts. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

For the Base and Top Layer:

• 2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls: These provide the flaky, golden base and top layer of the squares, making the preparation quick and easy. Crescent rolls are versatile and provide a perfect vessel for the filling.

For the Filling:

• ½ lb sliced ham: A classic deli meat that adds a savory, slightly sweet flavor to the squares.

• ½ lb sliced salami: This brings a bit of spice and richness to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

• ½ lb provolone cheese: Provolone is a smooth, mild cheese that melts perfectly and blends well with the other ingredients.

• ½ cup sliced pepperoni: Pepperoni adds a zesty kick and more savory depth to the filling.

• ½ cup banana pepper rings: These tangy, slightly spicy peppers provide a pop of flavor and a bit of crunch that balances out the richness of the meats and cheeses.

• ½ cup roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers are sweet, smoky, and juicy, adding a bit of contrast to the other ingredients.

For the Topping:

• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning: This brings all the Mediterranean flavors together, with herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.

• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top adds a sharp, nutty flavor and a touch of salty richness.

• ¼ cup olive oil: Olive oil helps to crisp the top layer of crescent dough, giving it a golden and slightly buttery finish.

Tools You’ll Need

To make Italian Sub Squares, you won’t need any specialized equipment—just a few basic tools you probably already have in your kitchen:

• 9x13-inch baking dish: This is the perfect size for the recipe, ensuring even baking and plenty of room for the layers.

• Cooking spray or grease: To prevent the crescent rolls from sticking to the dish.

• Knife and cutting board: For slicing the meats, cheese, and peppers.

• Spoon or spatula: To layer the ingredients evenly and spread the olive oil and Parmesan on top.

How to Make Italian Sub Squares

Making Italian Sub Squares is easy and quick, especially with the use of refrigerated crescent rolls as the base. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light layer of olive oil. This will ensure that the crescent rolls don’t stick to the dish during baking.

Step 2: Layer the Crescent Dough

Unroll the two cans of crescent rolls and place one layer of dough on the bottom of the greased baking dish. Press the dough to cover the entire bottom of the dish, ensuring there are no gaps.

Step 3: Add the Meats and Cheeses

Start by layering the deli meats: ham, salami, and pepperoni. Arrange the slices evenly over the dough. Follow with a layer of provolone cheese, spreading it out evenly over the meats. This ensures that every bite will be rich and cheesy.

Step 4: Add the Peppers and Seasonings

Next, add the banana pepper rings and roasted red peppers to the dish. These will add a delightful tanginess and a burst of color. Sprinkle the entire layer with Italian seasoning, ensuring that every bite will be infused with the delicious flavors of oregano, basil, and thyme.

Step 5: Add the Final Layer of Crescent Dough

Unroll the second can of crescent rolls and carefully place it over the top of the layered ingredients. Gently press the dough to seal the edges, ensuring that the filling is completely enclosed.

Step 6: Brush with Olive Oil and Parmesan

Brush the top layer of dough with olive oil to help it become golden and crispy as it bakes. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over the top for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Step 7: Bake and Enjoy

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on the dish towards the end to prevent over-baking. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares.

Why You’ll Love Italian Sub Squares

Here are a few reasons why Italian Sub Squares are a crowd favorite:

• Quick and Easy: With the use of crescent rolls, this recipe is much quicker than traditional Italian subs. The prep time is minimal, and the baking process is straightforward.

• Great for Gatherings: These squares are perfect for sharing at game day, parties, or family gatherings. They’re easy to slice into individual portions, making them great for serving a crowd.

• Flavorful and Savory: Combining Italian meats, cheeses, and peppers, this dish is a flavor explosion in every bite. The tang of the banana peppers and roasted red peppers balances perfectly with the richness of the cheeses and meats.

• Customizable: You can easily modify the ingredients based on personal preferences or dietary restrictions. For example, you can swap out the meats or cheeses for alternatives, making the dish more suitable for various tastes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While Italian Sub Squares are relatively simple to make, there are a few things you’ll want to avoid to ensure the perfect dish:

1. Not Pressing the Dough Down Enough: If the crescent dough is not pressed firmly enough into the baking dish, the filling may leak out during baking. Make sure to press the dough well to seal in the filling.

2. Using Too Much Olive Oil: While the olive oil adds flavor and helps crisp the dough, be sure not to use too much. A light brushing is all you need to ensure the top layer turns golden and crispy.

3. Not Letting It Cool Before Slicing: After baking, let the squares cool for a few minutes before slicing. This will allow the layers to set, preventing the filling from spilling out when you cut into the squares.

Nutritional Information and Calories

A single serving of Italian Sub Squares (one square) contains approximately 300-350 calories depending on the portion size and the exact ingredients used. The recipe makes about 12 squares, making it easy to adjust for a larger or smaller crowd.

Best Time to Serve Italian Sub Squares

Italian Sub Squares are a perfect dish for a variety of occasions:

• Game Day: They’re great for serving at parties or gatherings with friends and family to enjoy during the big game.

• Family Gatherings: These squares are perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or casual family dinners.

• Make-Ahead Meals: Since they can be prepped in advance, they’re ideal for busy weeknights when you need something easy and filling.

Tips for Saving Energy

To save energy while making Italian Sub Squares, consider the following:

• Batch Cooking: If you’re making multiple trays, bake them at once rather than one at a time.

• Use a Convection Oven: A convection oven circulates heat more efficiently, reducing cooking time and energy usage.

Who Benefits from This Dish?

Italian Sub Squares are great for:

• Sports Fans and Families: Ideal for feeding a group of people, especially during events like game day.

• Meat Lovers: With layers of savory deli meats, this dish is a hit among those who enjoy rich, flavorful meat-based meals.

Who Should Avoid This Dish?

While delicious, this dish may not be suitable for:

• Vegetarians: The dish contains multiple types of meat.

• Those on Low-Sodium Diets: The deli meats and cheese can make the dish high in sodium.

Calories: 300–350 calories per serving
Best for: Game days, family gatherings, make-ahead meals
Energy-saving tips: Use a convection oven, batch cooking
Who benefits: Meat lovers, sports fans, families
Who should avoid: Vegetarians, those on low-sodium diets