If you love a good Italian sub—piled high with layers of savory meats, melty cheese, and tangy peppers—then these Italian Sub Squares are about to become your new favorite way to enjoy those bold flavors. Think of this as the ultimate baked deli sandwich, with crispy, golden layers of buttery crescent dough holding everything together. It’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and tastes just as good (if not better) than your favorite Italian sub shop sandwich.
This recipe is a game-changer for parties, game days, or even meal prepping for the week. Once baked, the squares hold their shape beautifully, making them perfect for serving as appetizers, lunch, or a quick grab-and-go snack. And let’s be honest—any excuse to eat melted cheese and crispy bread is a good one!
Let’s get into how to make this easy, cheesy, flavor-packed dish.
Why You’ll Love These Italian Sub Squares
✔ Easy to Make – Layers of ingredients come together in minutes, and the oven does the rest.
✔ Packed with Flavor – All the best Italian sandwich fillings, baked until golden and melty.
✔ Great for a Crowd – Perfect for parties, potlucks, or Sunday football.
✔ Customizable – Swap in your favorite meats and cheeses.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Layers:
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough – This creates a buttery, flaky crust.
- ¼ lb sliced ham – A classic sub sandwich staple.
- ¼ lb sliced salami – Adds that signature Italian sub flavor.
- ¼ lb sliced pepperoni – Brings a little spice.
- ¼ lb sliced provolone cheese – Melts beautifully.
- ¼ lb sliced mozzarella cheese – Adds gooey, creamy texture.
- ¼ cup banana peppers or roasted red peppers, chopped – Adds a tangy, slightly sweet bite.
- ¼ cup sliced black olives – Optional, but they add great flavor.
For the Egg Wash & Seasoning:
- 1 egg – Beaten, for brushing on top to create a golden, shiny crust.
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted – For extra richness.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning – Adds classic herb flavors.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Because a little garlic makes everything better.
- ½ teaspoon sesame seeds or grated Parmesan – Optional, but adds a nice crunch and flavor on top.
How to Make Italian Sub Squares
1. Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the baking dish. Try to seal any seams so it forms one solid layer. (source: Ineskohl.info)
2. Layer the Meats & Cheeses
Now, let’s build those classic Italian sub flavors. Start layering:
- Half the provolone
- All the ham
- All the salami
- All the pepperoni
- The chopped banana peppers and olives (if using)
- Half the mozzarella
This layering ensures even distribution of flavors, so every bite has a little bit of everything.
3. Add the Top Layer of Dough
Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and place it over the top. Again, press the seams together as much as possible to create a smooth layer.
4. Brush with Egg Wash & Seasoning
In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and melted butter. Brush this all over the top layer of dough. This helps it bake up golden brown and shiny.
Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and sesame seeds or Parmesan over the top for extra flavor.
5. Bake Until Golden & Crispy
Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp. The cheese inside should be fully melted, and the layers will hold together when sliced.
6. Let It Cool & Slice Into Squares
Here’s the hardest part—letting it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps everything set so that when you cut into it, you get nice, clean squares instead of a cheesy mess.
Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to slice into 12-15 squares, depending on how big you want them.
How to Serve Italian Sub Squares
These are fantastic on their own, but if you want to take them to the next level, try serving them with:
- Marinara sauce – A great dipping option for extra flavor.
- Italian dressing – Drizzle a little over the top for that classic sub sandwich taste.
- Side salad – A fresh green salad balances out the richness.
Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as an appetizer for a party spread!
Tips for the Best Italian Sub Squares
✔ Press the Dough Seams Together – This helps create a smooth top and prevents any openings as it bakes.
✔ Let It Cool Before Cutting – This keeps the layers intact when slicing.
✔ Customize Your Fillings – Not a fan of one of the meats? Swap it out for capicola, turkey, or even roast beef.
✔ Add More Heat – If you like spice, add crushed red pepper flakes inside the layers or a little hot sauce in the egg wash.
✔ Make Ahead for Easy Entertaining – You can assemble these a few hours ahead of time and keep them in the fridge until ready to bake.
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftover squares in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp up the crust again.
- Freeze: Wrap squares individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
To reheat from frozen, bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Final Thoughts
These Italian Sub Squares are everything you love about an Italian sub—stacked meats, gooey cheese, and zesty peppers—all baked into a golden, buttery crust. They’re easy, crowd-friendly, and completely addictive. Whether you’re making them for a party, a game day snack, or just a fun dinner idea, they’re always a hit.
Give them a try, and let me know how they turn out! Enjoy! 😊
