The BEST Antipasto Squares Recipe

Antipasto squares are a delightful and savory appetizer that brings together all the bold flavors of a classic Italian antipasto platter in a convenient, easy-to-make dish. These layered squares are packed with an irresistible combination of meats, cheeses, and peppers, all nestled between flaky crescent roll dough. Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a potluck, or simply craving a delicious snack, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. The contrast of crispy, golden-brown crust with the melty, savory filling makes every bite absolutely mouthwatering.

The origins of antipasto trace back to Italy, where it is traditionally served as the first course of a meal, offering a variety of cured meats, cheeses, and marinated vegetables. This recipe takes those traditional elements and transforms them into a hearty, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to for busy home cooks who want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.

One of the standout aspects of antipasto squares is their versatility. You can customize the filling with your favorite Italian meats such as salami, ham, pepperoni, or even prosciutto. Likewise, you can experiment with different cheeses like provolone, mozzarella, or Swiss to tailor the recipe to your taste. Adding roasted red peppers, banana peppers, or olives can bring an extra dimension of flavor to the dish.

The combination of ingredients in this dish creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The buttery crescent roll dough provides a flaky, slightly crispy contrast to the rich and savory filling. The meats add a satisfying saltiness, while the cheeses create a gooey, indulgent bite. If you love Italian flavors, this is a must-try recipe.

This dish is not only great for gatherings but also works well as a make-ahead meal. You can prepare it the night before and simply reheat it before serving. The flavors meld together beautifully as they sit, making it even more delicious the next day. Additionally, antipasto squares are a great option for lunchboxes or picnics since they taste just as good at room temperature.

Another reason why this recipe is a favorite among home cooks is its ease of preparation. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a flavorful, crowd-pleasing appetizer ready in under an hour. Plus, using store-bought crescent roll dough simplifies the process even further, making it accessible to even the most novice cooks.

If you’re looking to elevate the dish, consider serving it with a side of marinara sauce or a balsamic glaze drizzle. The tangy acidity of the sauce complements the richness of the antipasto squares perfectly, creating a balanced and flavorful bite. You can also add fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

This recipe is an excellent choice for game days, holidays, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with minimal effort. Its beautiful layers make it visually appealing, and the incredible flavors ensure that it disappears quickly from the serving tray. If you’re preparing it for a party, consider doubling the recipe—these squares tend to vanish fast!

Whether you’re a fan of classic Italian cuisine or just love a good, cheesy, savory snack, this antipasto squares recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, making it one of the best appetizer recipes you’ll ever try. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy one of the tastiest, easiest appetizers ever!

Servings

Yields: 12 squares

Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 1/4 lb sliced ham
• 1/4 lb sliced salami
• 1/4 lb sliced pepperoni
• 1/4 lb sliced provolone cheese
• 1/4 lb sliced mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light coat of olive oil.
2. Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the baking dish, sealing any perforations.
3. Layer half of the ham, salami, and pepperoni evenly over the dough.
4. Add a layer of provolone cheese, followed by a layer of mozzarella cheese.
5. Sprinkle the chopped roasted red peppers evenly over the cheese.
6. Repeat the layering with the remaining meats and cheeses.
7. Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and place it over the top, pressing the edges to seal.
8. In a small bowl, beat the eggs with oregano, garlic powder, and black pepper.
9. Brush the egg mixture over the top of the dough, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
10. Drizzle olive oil over the top for extra crispiness.
11. Bake for 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
12. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing into squares and serving.

Tips

• For extra crispiness, bake the bottom crescent roll layer for 5 minutes before adding the fillings.
• Customize with your favorite deli meats and cheeses for a personalized touch.
• Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
• These squares store well in the fridge and can be reheated in an oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.

Summary

This Antipasto Squares Recipe is a delicious, easy-to-make appetizer that brings together all the bold flavors of Italian antipasto in a convenient, baked dish. With layers of savory meats, melted cheese, and roasted peppers between flaky crescent roll dough, it’s the perfect addition to any gathering. This recipe is quick to prepare, highly customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit with your family and guests!