Italian Antipasto Squares - My Incredible Recipes (2024)

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These Antipasto Squares have all the right meats, cheeses, and flavors that you could possibly hope for in a single bite. Whether you’re having people over for dinner, hosting a special event, or simply trying to make an interesting meal for the family to enjoy for dinner, you need to give this Antipasto Squares recipe a try. These squares consist of a flaky crescent roll crust with a meaty filling consisting of deli cold cuts, provolone cheese, peppers, and more. Bet you can’t eat just one square! Easy and Delicious Antipasto Squares Recipe These Antipasto Squares are fun to prepare, require little to no effort, and will have you ready to eat something delicious in less than an hour. So, if you’re looking for an impressive meal to make that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters in your household, give this one a try. You can even let the kids lend a helping hand in putting these delicious squares together for dinner! Why You’ll Love the Antipasto Squares The Antipasto Squares are a meat lovers’ paradise. They consist of ham, salami, and pepperoni, all of which bring plenty of flavor to the dish. It won’t take much time or effort to assemble these squares. And, once you do, they’ll bake in the oven for a bit until they’re ready to serve and enjoy. You can serve these squares as an appetizer or the main course, whether you’re eating lunch or dinner! Do I have to use provolone cheese? The provolone cheese is good to use because of how great it tastes with the deli meats and how easily it melts with the rest of the ingredients in this recipe. However, if provolone cheese isn’t your favorite, feel free to swap it out with something else, such as mozzarella or American cheese, whichever you like better. Can I add or remove some meats from this dish? Yes. If you don’t like one of the different types of deli meats included in this recipe, you can exclude it. You can also add other deli meats that you do like to this recipe to give the squares a taste that you can enjoy. Recipe Notes & Tips Don’t be alarmed when you notice a bit of liquid seeping from the squares when you cut them because this is normal. While your dough may have a slightly soggy texture, it still holds everything together well enough. If you need to make a lower-sodium version of this recipe, be sure to grab low-sodium cold cuts from your grocery store. You can expect these squares to have a slightly salty taste, but that is normal when you’re using deli meat. If you don’t have the pesto topping available to use, you can cover the top of your Antipasto Squares with a bit of melted butter, olive oil, or some egg wash. You might even want to toss a few sesame seeds on top to add your own special twist to this recipe. Can I let these Antipasto Squares sit out for extended periods? If you decide to make these squares for a party, it’s fine to leave them out for a few hours. However, you shouldn’t let the squares with meat and cheese sit out overnight because they will go bad and it won’t be good to eat them anymore. Be sure to wrap them up and place them in the fridge, where they can stay fresh for up to three days. You can always eat them cold or reheat them to enjoy the squares warm again. How can I reheat these squares? You can reheat the Antipasto Squares in the oven. It’s best to place them in the oven to get warm again instead of microwaving them. If you put them in the microwave, the dough can get a bit soggy, which takes away from that special crunch. How to Freeze the Antipasto Squares Freeze your squares in freezer-safe foil and then place them in a freezer bag. Place the freezer bag in the freezer, where you can keep this food fresh for up to three months. You can thaw these squares in the fridge overnight before you enjoy them. Once you cut the squares, any liquid from the meats and veggies will seep out. There is no avoiding this and the bottom of the dough may become slightly soggy. But, they still hold together great. This is basically like a baked Italian sub. It is slightly salty, but that is to be expected with all the meats and cheeses used. For less sodium, use lower sodium options for the meat. This is an amazing lunch or dinner option but even more fun for a party! Use whatever Italian meats you prefer. If you don’t want or don’t have the ingredients for the pesto topping, just brush the top lightly with an egg wash or olive oil. You can even add a sprinkling of sesame seeds for a fun twist. Italian Antipasto Squares Ingredients Instructions FAQs

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Italian Antipasto Squares - My Incredible Recipes (1)

These Antipasto Squares have all the right meats, cheeses, and flavors that you could possibly hope for in a single bite.

Italian Antipasto Squares - My Incredible Recipes (2)

Whether you’re having people over for dinner, hosting a special event, or simply trying to make an interesting meal for the family to enjoy for dinner, you need to give this Antipasto Squares recipe a try. These squares consist of a flaky crescent roll crust with a meaty filling consisting of deli cold cuts, provolone cheese, peppers, and more. Bet you can’t eat just one square!

Italian Antipasto Squares - My Incredible Recipes (3)

Easy and Delicious Antipasto Squares Recipe

These Antipasto Squares are fun to prepare, require little to no effort, and will have you ready to eat something delicious in less than an hour. So, if you’re looking for an impressive meal to make that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters in your household, give this one a try. You can even let the kids lend a helping hand in putting these delicious squares together for dinner!

Italian Antipasto Squares - My Incredible Recipes (4)

Why You’ll Love the Antipasto Squares

  1. The Antipasto Squares are a meat lovers’ paradise. They consist of ham, salami, and pepperoni, all of which bring plenty of flavor to the dish.

  2. It won’t take much time or effort to assemble these squares. And, once you do, they’ll bake in the oven for a bit until they’re ready to serve and enjoy.

  3. You can serve these squares as an appetizer or the main course, whether you’re eating lunch or dinner!

Italian Antipasto Squares - My Incredible Recipes (5)

Do I have to use provolone cheese?

The provolone cheese is good to use because of how great it tastes with the deli meats and how easily it melts with the rest of the ingredients in this recipe. However, if provolone cheese isn’t your favorite, feel free to swap it out with something else, such as mozzarella or American cheese, whichever you like better.

Italian Antipasto Squares - My Incredible Recipes (6)

Can I add or remove some meats from this dish?

Yes. If you don’t like one of the different types of deli meats included in this recipe, you can exclude it. You can also add other deli meats that you do like to this recipe to give the squares a taste that you can enjoy.

Italian Antipasto Squares - My Incredible Recipes (7)

Recipe Notes & Tips

  1. Don’t be alarmed when you notice a bit of liquid seeping from the squares when you cut them because this is normal. While your dough may have a slightly soggy texture, it still holds everything together well enough.

  2. If you need to make a lower-sodium version of this recipe, be sure to grab low-sodium cold cuts from your grocery store. You can expect these squares to have a slightly salty taste, but that is normal when you’re using deli meat.

  3. If you don’t have the pesto topping available to use, you can cover the top of your Antipasto Squares with a bit of melted butter, olive oil, or some egg wash. You might even want to toss a few sesame seeds on top to add your own special twist to this recipe.

Italian Antipasto Squares - My Incredible Recipes (8)

Can I let these Antipasto Squares sit out for extended periods?

If you decide to make these squares for a party, it’s fine to leave them out for a few hours. However, you shouldn’t let the squares with meat and cheese sit out overnight because they will go bad and it won’t be good to eat them anymore. Be sure to wrap them up and place them in the fridge, where they can stay fresh for up to three days. You can always eat them cold or reheat them to enjoy the squares warm again.

Italian Antipasto Squares - My Incredible Recipes (9)

How can I reheat these squares?

You can reheat the Antipasto Squares in the oven. It’s best to place them in the oven to get warm again instead of microwaving them. If you put them in the microwave, the dough can get a bit soggy, which takes away from that special crunch.

Italian Antipasto Squares - My Incredible Recipes (10)

How to Freeze the Antipasto Squares

Freeze your squares in freezer-safe foil and then place them in a freezer bag. Place the freezer bag in the freezer, where you can keep this food fresh for up to three months. You can thaw these squares in the fridge overnight before you enjoy them.

Italian Antipasto Squares - My Incredible Recipes (11)

Once you cut the squares, any liquid from the meats and veggies will seep out. There is no avoiding this and the bottom of the dough may become slightly soggy. But, they still hold together great. This is basically like a baked Italian sub. It is slightly salty, but that is to be expected with all the meats and cheeses used. For less sodium, use lower sodium options for the meat.

Italian Antipasto Squares - My Incredible Recipes (12)

This is an amazing lunch or dinner option but even more fun for a party! Use whatever Italian meats you prefer. If you don’t want or don’t have the ingredients for the pesto topping, just brush the top lightly with an egg wash or olive oil. You can even add a sprinkling of sesame seeds for a fun twist.

Italian Antipasto Squares - My Incredible Recipes (13)

Italian Antipasto Squares - My Incredible Recipes (14)

Italian Antipasto Squares

Ingredients

15 servings

    Prep Time: 10 minutes

      Cook Time: 50 minutes

      • 2 cans crescent roll dough sheets
      • 8 ounces sliced provolone cheese
      • 1/4 pound sliced deli pepperoni
      • 1/4 pound sliced deli ham
      • 1/4 pound sliced del Genoa salami
      • 12 ounce can roasted red bell peppers drained, thinly sliced
      • 1/2 cup canned sliced pepperoncini drained
      • 1 large egg
      • 1 tablespoon prepared pesto
      • 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese

      Instructions

      • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray.

      • Unroll one of the rolls of the crescent dough and press it into the bottom of the baking dish, making sure the dough goes up the sides of the pan about 1 inch high.

      • Layer half of the cheese on the bottom. Top with the pepperoni, then ham, then salami.

      • Add the sliced red bell peppers and pepperoncini.

      • Finally, add the remaining provolone cheese on top.

      • Unroll the second crescent dough and place it on top, try the best you can to pinch all the edges of the dough together to make a sealed package.

      • In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, pesto, and parmesan cheese. Brush this mixture all over the top of the dough.

      • Cover with nonstick foil, or spray a piece of foil with cooking spray, and place it spray side down on top of the dish.

      • Bake for 30 minutes, uncover, and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until deep golden brown.

      • Let cool for 10 minutes, cut, and serve.

      • ENJOY!

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      Italian Antipasto Squares - My Incredible Recipes (2024)

      FAQs

      What can I do with a jar of antipasto? ›

      How to Serve. Serve on crackers, as a dip for nachos, as a pizza topping, in a sandwich, omelette filling, or Bruschetta style served on toasted French bread with melted mozzarella cheese.

      What does Italian antipasto consist of? ›

      In general, a traditional antipasti include cheese, cured meats, olives, marinated or pickled vegetables, and bread or crackers. Seafood is usually present if you are on the coast. Fresh vegetables and fruit are often featured too, and they vary according ti the season.

      What to serve with Italian antipasto? ›

      Grab your favorite soft, semi-hard, and hard cheese. I love funky gorgonzola, creamy fontina, and nutty Pecorino Romano. Bread or crackers: These are the supporting roles for your antipasto platter. I love griddled French bread, but you can also serve with crackers of your choice.

      What is the difference between antipasto and antipasti? ›

      Antipasto is the singular term (an antipasto), while antipasti refers to the collective or plural (a platter with different kinds of antipasti). If you're referring to a single appetizer, like a piece of cheese or bread, call it an antipasto.

      What cheeses are good in Italian antipasto? ›

      Choose one or two soft cheeses, such as pecorino or mozzarella, and aged cheeses, such as Parmigiano Reggiano DOP or provolone by Auricchio, planning again for 2 to 3 ounces per person. Set out the cheeses with knives, and cut a few pieces to give an indication of how to prepare them to your guests.

      What are the top 10 Italian appetizers? ›

      The 11 Best Italian Appetizers Ever
      • Carbonara Arancini. ...
      • Chopped Italian Salad. ...
      • Pan-fried Scamorza with Arugula Salad. ...
      • Bruschetta of Spring Vegetables. ...
      • Bruschetta with Pickled Okra. ...
      • White-bean and Prosciutto Bruschetta. ...
      • Ricotta and Roasted Tomato Bruschetta with Pancetta. ...
      • Autumn Fritto Misto.
      May 24, 2019

      How do you eat antipasto in Italy? ›

      They are called antipasti in Italian, where they can be served hot or cold, cooked or raw. Antipasti (plural form) can be served on individual plates, in bite-sized pieces on a plate that is passed around the table or presented as an elegant centerpiece for grazing.

      What is the difference between antipasto and charcuterie? ›

      Focus: Antipasto is a platter that contains a combination of cured meats, cheeses, vegetables, and other complementary items, whereas charcuterie is primarily focused on cured meats. Origin: Antipasto originated in Italy, while charcuterie is a French term.

      What to include in an antipasti platter? ›

      Our antipasto platter is an abundant spread of Italian cured meats, cheeses, marinated vegetables, nuts, fruits, and more. It's the ultimate way to start a meal—or a party. It's also easy on the cook because most of the ingredients are store bought and there's no cooking necessary.

      Do you eat antipasto with bread? ›

      Italians love bread and a crusty ciabatta or fresh baguette is the perfect antipasto accompaniment. You can smother it in cheese, drizzle it in olive oil or dip it in pesto to fill up the platter and make it more substantial.

      Do you eat antipasto with a fork? ›

      In most places, if you order and antipasto that you eat with a knife and fork people normally hang on to the knife and fork (although in posher places they will normally change them).

      How to decorate an antipasto platter? ›

      Fill a variety of smaller bowls with your pickled and marinated items and stagger them around the board. Place your cheeses. I cut about half of each block of hard cheese and placed them on opposite sides with their tips pointing toward the centerpiece. Roll and place the meat.

      What is an antipasto buffet? ›

      The term antipasto means "before the meal." In Italy, this table-served starter can be as simple as a bowl of olives, or it can take shape as a platter of assorted cured meats, cheeses, and vegetables served family-style.

      What is the most famous Italian appetizer? ›

      Perhaps the most popular Italian appetizer, antipasto is a dish made up of a variety of different Italian favorites. Even throughout different regions of Italy, an antipasto appetizer contains different kinds of meats, cheeses, and vegetables.

      What are the three types of antipasto? ›

      The Different Types and Purposes of an Antipasto
      • Antipasto.
      • Primo: pasta, rice, gnocchi, soups.
      • Secondo: meat, fish, vegetarian.
      • Contorno: side dish.
      • Dolce: pastry, dessert.

      What do Italian people eat after the antipasto? ›

      After antipasto, you might opt to have either only a primo or only a secondo instead of both. Often, one dish of pasta suffices at dinnertime. Or you might have a chicken cutlet or pork chop. A piece of swordfish or salmon are other common options.

      What is Italian for first appetizer? ›

      Antipasto. This traditional Italian meal starts with something to nibble on before the main courses commence. These appetizers can include cold and hot dishes like cheese, soppressata, and bread.

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