Italian Sub Squares

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Italian Sub Squares combine the best parts of a deli-style sub and a hot, melty sandwich—all baked into a crowd-friendly format. They’re easy to prep, bake in one pan, and cut into perfect portions. Whether served warm or at room temperature, they’re full of bold, savory flavor and ideal for sharing. Plus, you can customize the fillings to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Crescent roll dough (2 cans for top and bottom layers)
• Deli meats (such as salami, ham, pepperoni, turkey)
• Provolone or mozzarella cheese
• Banana peppers or pickles (optional)
• Sliced tomatoes (optional)
• Shredded lettuce (added after baking, optional)
• Italian dressing or vinaigrette
• Dijon or yellow mustard (optional)
• Olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
• Italian seasoning
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Roll out one can of crescent dough and press it into the bottom of the pan, sealing seams.
3. Layer slices of deli meats evenly over the dough.
4. Add cheese, pickles, banana peppers, and tomatoes if using.
5. Drizzle with Italian dressing and mustard, if desired.
6. Top with the second sheet of crescent dough, pressing seams and edges to seal.
7. Brush the top with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and cooked through.
9. Let cool slightly before slicing into squares. Add shredded lettuce after baking if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 squares.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Use different meats like roast beef, pastrami, or capicola.
• Swap in Swiss, cheddar, or pepper jack cheese.
• Make it vegetarian with roasted red peppers, artichokes, and spinach.
• Add olives, onions, or hot peppers for extra flavor.
• Use puff pastry or pizza dough instead of crescent rolls.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Microwaving is quicker but may soften the crust. Avoid adding lettuce before storing to keep it from wilting.

FAQs

Can I make Italian Sub Squares ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake them ahead and reheat before serving, or assemble them and bake just before guests arrive.

What meats work best for this recipe?

Classic Italian deli meats like salami, ham, pepperoni, and turkey work great, but you can mix and match.

Do I need to prebake the bottom layer of dough?

No, the layers cook together in the oven and bake evenly as long as the oven is preheated.

Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?

Yes, puff pastry will make it flakier and more buttery—just adjust baking time as needed.

How do I keep the bottom from getting soggy?

Avoid overloading with wet ingredients like tomatoes and pickles, or pat them dry before adding.

Can I freeze Italian Sub Squares?

Yes, wrap slices tightly and freeze. Reheat in the oven straight from frozen until hot.

Should I add the lettuce before baking?

No, add shredded lettuce after baking to keep it fresh and crisp.

What can I serve with these squares?

They’re great with chips, a simple green salad, or pasta salad.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Add hot peppers, spicy mustard, or use spicy deli meats like hot capicola.

Can I make this without Italian dressing?

Yes, you can use a mix of olive oil, vinegar, and Italian seasoning instead.

Conclusion

Italian Sub Squares are a delicious and easy way to feed a crowd with all the flavors of a classic Italian sub in a baked, shareable form. Crispy on the outside, melty and savory on the inside, they’re perfect for any event or quick family meal. With endless filling options, these baked sandwiches are sure to become a go-to favorite in your recipe lineup.

Italian Sub Squares

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Italian Sub Squares take the classic flavors of a deli sandwich and bake them into a golden, cheesy, shareable dish. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, these easy-to-make squares are packed with meats, cheese, and zesty toppings layered between crescent roll dough.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 squares
• Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American-Italian

Ingredients

• 2 cans crescent roll dough
• 1/4 lb sliced salami
• 1/4 lb sliced ham
• 1/4 lb sliced pepperoni or turkey
• 6–8 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup banana peppers or sliced pickles (optional)
• 1 small tomato, sliced (optional)
• 1/4 cup Italian dressing or vinaigrette
• 2 tablespoons mustard (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (optional)
• Shredded lettuce for topping (optional, added after baking)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Roll out one can of crescent dough into the bottom of the dish. Press seams to seal.
3. Layer deli meats evenly over the dough.
4. Add cheese slices, banana peppers, and tomatoes if using.
5. Drizzle with Italian dressing and mustard (if using).
6. Top with the second sheet of crescent dough and press seams and edges to seal.
7. Brush with olive oil or butter. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and Parmesan.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Let cool slightly. Slice into squares. Add shredded lettuce on top before serving, if desired.

Notes

• Pat wet ingredients like tomatoes or pickles dry to prevent sogginess.
• Let the squares rest a few minutes before slicing to help them hold together better.
• For a crispier crust, bake uncovered in the lower third of the oven.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 square
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 630mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: undefined
• Unsaturated Fat: undefined
• Trans Fat: undefined
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: undefined
• Protein: 11g
• Cholesterol: undefined