If you are looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines vibrant flavors with effortless preparation, you have to try the Antipasto Squares Recipe. This delightful dish layers savory deli meats, melty cheeses, and colorful roasted red peppers all nestled between golden, flaky crescent roll dough. It’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or even a casual family get-together where you want something delicious but fuss-free. Every bite bursts with Italian-inspired goodness, making it one of my absolute favorite recipes to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Antipasto Squares Recipe is how simple yet essential each ingredient is, contributing to a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the buttery crescent rolls that form the crust to the medley of Italian meats and cheeses, every element works together to create a mouthwatering experience.
- Refrigerated crescent rolls (2 cans, 8 oz each): The buttery, flaky base and top layers that hold all the fillings together with a golden finish.
- Deli ham (¼ pound, thinly sliced): Adds a mild, smoky flavor and delicate texture.
- Salami (¼ pound, thinly sliced): Offers a rich, slightly spicy contrast to the other meats.
- Pepperoni (¼ pound, thinly sliced): Brings a zesty kick and vibrant color to the mix.
- Provolone cheese (¼ pound, sliced): Smooth and mild, it melts beautifully to create a creamy layer.
- Swiss cheese (¼ pound, sliced): Introduces a nutty flavor and smooth meltiness with each bite.
- Roasted red peppers (1 jar, 12 oz, drained and cut into strips): Sweet, smoky, and brimming with vivid color that brightens the dish.
- Eggs (3): Used to bind and enrich the toppings, making sure everything sets perfectly during baking.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (3 tablespoons): Adds a sharp, salty depth that elevates the savory flavors.
- Basil pesto (1 tablespoon): Infuses herbal brightness and a little garlicky punch for extra personality.
How to Make Antipasto Squares Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. While that warms up, lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. This step is crucial because it prevents your Antipasto Squares from sticking and helps achieve the perfect golden crust on the bottom.
Step 2: Form the Bottom Layer
Unroll one can of refrigerated crescent rolls and press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This layer acts like a flaky pizza crust that will hold all those delicious toppings you’re about to pile on.
Step 3: Layer the Meats, Cheeses, and Peppers
Begin layering your sliced deli ham first and then add the swiss cheese slices. Follow that with layers of salami, provolone cheese, pepperoni, and finally the roasted red pepper strips. The alternating layers of meats and cheeses create a beautifully textured and flavorful filling that’s as lovely to look at as it is to eat.
Step 4: Seal with the Top Crescent Roll Layer
Now unroll the second can of crescent rolls and carefully place it over the layered toppings. Press down gently and seal any seams to encase all the deliciousness inside. This ensures everything bakes together perfectly and gives the squares an irresistible golden top.
Step 5: Add the Egg Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and basil pesto. This mixture enriches the top layer and adds a flavorful custardy touch when poured evenly over the crescent rolls before baking. It locks in moisture, giving the squares a luscious finish.
Step 6: Bake and Finish
Cover the pan with aluminum foil to prevent the top from browning too quickly, then bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the crescent rolls are puffed and golden brown. Let the pan cool slightly before cutting into 24 squares for serving.
How to Serve Antipasto Squares Recipe
Garnishes
While the Antipasto Squares Recipe shines on its own, simple garnishes can amplify the presentation and flavor. Fresh basil leaves sprinkled on top add a pop of green and fresh aroma, or a light drizzle of balsamic glaze can add sweet tang to contrast the savory layers. For a touch of heat, some crushed red pepper flakes on the side can be a great option for your guests.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides that balance its richness. A crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a tomato and cucumber salad with red onion complements the squares beautifully. Additionally, a bowl of marinated olives or artichokes keeps things in the antipasto family and adds an extra burst of Mediterranean flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress at your next gathering? Serve the squares on a wooden charcuterie board alongside bowls of olives, sliced fresh tomatoes, and assorted pickles for a colorful antipasto spread. You can also stack the squares in a tiered display or arrange them around a small bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. Presentation that emphasizes the ingredients’ vibrant colors makes this dish irresistible to guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Antipasto Squares left over (which not everyone will), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld nicely overnight, making the squares even tastier the next day. Just make sure they’re well covered to keep the crust from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the whole baked dish before cutting it into squares. Wrap the cooled pan tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat until warmed through for a convenient ready-to-go snack or meal.
Reheating
To revive the Antipasto Squares, reheat them in the oven at 350ºF for about 10-15 minutes until the crust is crisp again and the cheese is melty. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the dough soggy. An oven or toaster oven is best to keep that signature flakiness and texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses in the Antipasto Squares Recipe?
Absolutely! While provolone and swiss provide a classic flavor, feel free to swap in mozzarella, cheddar, or even a spicy pepper jack to suit your taste preferences. Just ensure the cheese melts well to keep the texture consistent.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the deli meats and increase the roasted red peppers or add ingredients like artichoke hearts, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian twist on the Antipasto Squares Recipe.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the entire dish up to a day before baking. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake when you’re ready. This makes entertaining even easier without sacrificing flavor or freshness.
What’s the best way to cut the Antipasto Squares?
A sharp knife works best, preferably one that’s serrated or a chef’s knife that you’ve dipped in hot water and wiped dry for clean cuts. Cutting too soon after baking can cause the filling to ooze out, so allow a few minutes to cool before slicing into squares.
Can I make these gluten-free?
While the traditional recipe uses crescent rolls with gluten, you can try gluten-free crescent dough or puff pastry available at specialty stores. Just be sure to check the baking times and temperatures as they may vary slightly depending on the dough used.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Antipasto Squares Recipe that makes it a permanent favorite in my recipe box. It’s an easy way to bring people together around a table with incredible flavors and satisfying textures that everyone raves about. I urge you to give this recipe a try—it’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for sharing and guaranteed to leave your guests asking for seconds.
Print
Antipasto Squares Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 squares
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Antipasto Squares are a savory, Italian-inspired appetizer featuring layers of deli meats, cheeses, and roasted red peppers sandwiched between crescent roll dough, baked to golden perfection and topped with a flavorful egg and pesto mixture. Perfect for parties or gatherings, these bite-sized squares combine rich, tangy flavors in an easy-to-make dish.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 (8-oz) cans refrigerated crescent rolls or crescent sheet
Meats and Cheese
- ¼ pound thinly sliced deli ham
- ¼ pound thinly sliced salami
- ¼ pound thinly sliced pepperoni
- ¼ pound provolone slices
- ¼ pound swiss cheese slices
Vegetables
- 1 (12-oz) jar roasted red peppers, drained and cut into strips
Topping Mixture
- 3 eggs
- 3 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- 1 Tbsp basil pesto
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Form bottom crust. Unroll one package of refrigerated crescent roll dough and firmly press it into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even base layer.
- Layer fillings. Evenly layer the ham, swiss cheese, salami, provolone cheese, pepperoni, and roasted red pepper strips on top of the dough base. Ensure the ingredients cover the dough uniformly.
- Add top crust. Unroll the second can of crescent rolls and place it over the layered fillings. Press the seams gently to seal the edges and encase the fillings completely.
- Prepare and pour egg topping. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated parmesan cheese, and basil pesto until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the top crescent roll layer, ensuring coverage.
- Bake covered. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow the filling to set and the dough to cook through.
- Bake uncovered. Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and fully cooked.
- Cool and serve. Allow the antipasto squares to cool slightly before cutting into 24 squares for serving. This helps the layers set for easier slicing.
Notes
- You can substitute different deli meats or cheeses based on your preference or availability.
- Ensure the roasted red peppers are well drained to avoid soggy crust.
- Press seams of crescent dough carefully to prevent leaking of fillings during baking.
- For a crispier top, remove the foil earlier during baking.
- These squares can be served warm or at room temperature, making them versatile for entertaining.
