Italian Sub Squares – A Crowd-Pleasing Party Appetizer

If you love Italian subs, you’ll be obsessed with these Italian Sub Squares! They’re everything you love about a classic Italian sandwich but baked into a warm, cheesy, pull-apart dish that’s perfect for sharing. Packed with layers of deli meats, cheeses, and tangy dressing, these squares are ideal for game day, potlucks, parties, or an easy weeknight dinner.

With buttery crescent dough as the base and top layer, every bite is soft, flavorful, and satisfying. Plus, they’re easy to prep ahead of time, making them a go-to recipe for busy hosts and hungry families.

Why You’ll Love These Italian Sub Squares

This recipe is:

Perfect for feeding a crowd, whether for parties or casual dinners.
Loaded with flavor thanks to layers of salami, ham, pepperoni, and cheese.
Customizable with your favorite sandwich toppings and condiments.
A fun twist on a classic Italian sub, baked into convenient squares.

These delicious bites are hearty enough to serve as a main dish but also make a fantastic appetizer or side for soups and salads.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 cans crescent roll dough (or puff pastry)
¼ cup Italian dressing or mayonnaise
6 slices deli ham
6 slices salami
6 slices pepperoni
6 slices provolone cheese
6 slices mozzarella cheese
½ cup sliced banana peppers (optional for tangy flavor)
¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing the top)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the dish, sealing any seams.

Step 2: Layer the Meats and Cheeses

Spread a thin layer of Italian dressing over the dough. Add a layer of ham, then salami, pepperoni, and provolone cheese. Repeat with mozzarella and optional toppings like banana peppers or olives.

Step 3: Add the Top Layer

Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and carefully place it on top of the filling. Seal the edges well to keep the layers intact while baking. Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

Step 4: Bake and Slice

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Allow it to cool slightly before cutting into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips and Variations

Add Veggies: Layer roasted red peppers, spinach, or thinly sliced onions for extra flavor.
Spicy Version: Use spicy pepperoni or add red pepper flakes for a kick.
Make Ahead: Assemble the sub squares a few hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Dipping Sauces: Serve with marinara sauce, ranch, or extra Italian dressing for dipping.

Final Thoughts

These Italian Sub Squares are the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish. With layers of savory meats, gooey melted cheese, and tangy dressing, they’re sure to disappear fast at any gathering. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, this recipe is perfect for game day, parties, or a simple family dinner.

Make a batch today and enjoy all the flavors of your favorite Italian sub in a fun, shareable form!