Italian Sub Squares: A Crowd-Pleasing Party Snack

Introduction

Italian Sub Squares are a fantastic way to enjoy all the flavors of an Italian sub sandwich in a convenient and shareable format. This recipe features layers of savory meats, cheeses, and vegetables baked between two layers of flaky crescent roll dough. It’s a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack that’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or game day gatherings.

Anecdotal Story

I was hosting a game day party and wanted to make a fun and easy snack that everyone would enjoy. I had some leftover Italian sub ingredients, and the idea of these Italian Sub Squares came to mind. They were a huge hit! The combination of the warm, flaky crust, the melted cheese, and the savory meats and veggies was a winner. Now, they’re a regular at all my gatherings.

Ingredient Descriptions

• Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough: This provides a convenient and flaky crust for the sub squares. You can find it in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores.
• Sliced Ham, Salami, Pepperoni: These classic Italian meats provide a savory and salty flavor to the filling. You can use your favorite combination of Italian meats.
• Sliced Provolone and Mozzarella Cheese: These cheeses add a creamy and melty texture to the filling. Provolone offers a slightly sharp flavor, while mozzarella is mild and milky.
• Roasted Red Peppers: Adds a sweet and smoky flavor to the filling. You can use store-bought roasted red peppers or roast your own.
• Banana Peppers (Optional): Adds a tangy and slightly spicy kick to the filling.
• Black Olives (Optional): Adds a salty and briny flavor to the filling.
• Eggs: Used to create an egg wash that gives the top crust a golden brown color and a shiny finish.
• Dried Italian Seasoning: Adds a blend of classic Italian herbs to enhance the flavor of the filling.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty and nutty flavor to the top crust.

Equipment/Tools

• 9×13 inch Baking Dish: For baking the sub squares.
• Mixing Bowl: For whisking the eggs.
• Pastry Brush: For brushing the egg wash over the dough.

Complete Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements

• 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
• ¼ lb sliced ham
• ¼ lb sliced salami
• ¼ lb sliced pepperoni
• ¼ lb sliced provolone cheese
• ¼ lb sliced mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
• ½ cup sliced banana peppers (optional)
• ¼ cup chopped black olives (optional)
• 4 large eggs, beaten
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. 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.
3. Layer the Meats and Cheeses: Layer the ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone, and mozzarella evenly over the dough.
4. Add Veggies: Sprinkle the chopped roasted red peppers, banana peppers, and black olives over the layers of meat and cheese, if using.
5. 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.
6. Add Egg Wash and Seasoning: Brush the beaten eggs evenly over the top layer of dough. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
8. Cool and Slice: Allow the Italian sub squares to cool for about 5-10 minutes before slicing into squares.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

• Dough is not cooked through: Make sure the oven is preheated to the correct temperature and bake the squares for the full amount of time.
• Filling is too dry: Add a thin layer of marinara sauce or pizza sauce over the meat and cheese layer for extra moisture.
• Squares are sticking to the pan: Grease the baking dish thoroughly before adding the dough.
• Top crust is burning: Tent the baking dish with aluminum foil if the top is browning too quickly.

Tips and Variations

• Use different meats and cheeses: You can use any combination of your favorite Italian meats and cheeses.
• Add different vegetables: You can add other vegetables to the filling, such as spinach, mushrooms, or onions.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the meats and add extra vegetables for a vegetarian version.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the Italian Sub Squares warm as an appetizer or snack.
• Cut them into bite-sized pieces for easier serving.
• Serve with marinara sauce or pizza sauce for dipping.

Pairing Recommendations

• Drinks: A cold beer, a glass of wine, or a refreshing soda pairs well with these sub squares.
• Side Dishes: Serve the Italian Sub Squares with a side salad, chips and dip, or other party snacks.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

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Comprehensive FAQ

• Can I make these sub squares ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the sub squares ahead of time and bake them just before serving.
• How do I store leftover sub squares? Store leftover sub squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving