Antipasto Squares Recipe
Antipasto Squares bring all the bold, savory flavors of a classic Italian antipasto platter into one easy, sliceable dish. Layers of flaky dough, cured meats, olives, roasted peppers, and melted cheese come together to create a crowd-pleasing appetizer or light meal. These squares are perfect for parties, potlucks, or even make-ahead lunches because they travel well and taste great warm or at room temperature. If you love big flavors with minimal effort, this recipe delivers every time.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Cooling Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 squares
Ingredients
Refrigerated crescent roll dough: 2 cans
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
Red bell pepper: 1/2 cup, roasted or jarred, sliced
Black olives: 1/2 cup, sliced
Pepperoncini: 1/4 cup, sliced
Salami: 6 ounces, thinly sliced
Ham or prosciutto: 6 ounces, thinly sliced
Provolone cheese: 1 cup, shredded
Mozzarella cheese: 1 cup, shredded
Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup, grated
Egg: 1 large, beaten
Fresh basil or parsley: for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Unroll one can of crescent dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the dish, sealing any seams.
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Brush half of this mixture over the dough.
Layer half of the provolone and mozzarella evenly over the dough.
Add a layer of salami, followed by ham or prosciutto.
Scatter olives, roasted red peppers, and pepperoncini evenly across the meats.
Sprinkle the remaining provolone and mozzarella over the vegetables.
Unroll the second can of dough and carefully place it on top, gently stretching to cover the filling.
Brush the top with the remaining oil mixture, then brush lightly with beaten egg and sprinkle Parmesan on top.
Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing into squares.
Tips
Press the bottom dough firmly into the corners to prevent soggy edges.
Use paper towels to pat dry olives and peppers to avoid excess moisture.
Thinly sliced meats layer more evenly and cut cleanly after baking.
Let the dish rest before cutting for neat, defined squares.
A serrated knife works best for slicing through layers.
For extra crispness, bake on the lower rack for the first 10 minutes.
Don’t overload fillings or the top crust may tear.
Brush oil evenly to ensure golden color.
Shred cheese yourself for better melting.
Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
Variations
Vegetarian: Skip meats and add grilled zucchini, mushrooms, and artichokes.
Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or spicy salami.
Cheese-Forward: Include fontina or asiago for deeper flavor.
Low-Carb: Use low-carb dough or bake as a crustless layered casserole.
Mediterranean: Add feta and sun-dried tomatoes.
Puff Pastry: Replace crescent dough with puff pastry for a flakier texture.
Chicken Antipasto: Use thin slices of cooked Italian-seasoned chicken.
Mini Squares: Bake in a sheet pan and cut smaller portions for parties.
Herb Crust: Sprinkle dried oregano and basil on the top crust.
Breakfast Style: Add scrambled eggs and swap meats for breakfast sausage.
Q & A
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, bake and refrigerate up to 2 days, then reheat.
Can I freeze Antipasto Squares?
Yes, freeze baked and cooled squares for up to 2 months.
Do they need to be served hot?
No, they taste great at room temperature.
Can I use homemade dough?
Absolutely, just roll it thin and evenly.
What dipping sauces work well?
Marinara or garlic aioli are great options.
Can I reduce the saltiness?
Use low-sodium meats and rinse olives.
Are these good for picnics?
Yes, they travel very well.
Can I use one type of meat only?
Yes, salami alone works nicely.
Why is my bottom crust soggy?
Too much moisture from vegetables is usually the cause.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, bake in two pans rather than one thicker layer.
Nutrition
(Approximate per square)
Calories: 320
Protein: 14g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 680mg
Conclusion
Antipasto Squares are everything you want in a shareable dish. They’re rich, savory, flexible, and easy to prepare with simple ingredients. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, party snack, or casual dinner alongside a salad, they always disappear fast. Once you try them, this recipe is bound to become a go-to favorite for gatherings and busy days alike.