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
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.
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.
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 :
1 . Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
2 . 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.
3 . Layer half of the cheese on the bottom. Top with the pepperoni, then ham, then salami.
4 . Add the sliced red bell peppers and pepperoncini.
5 . Finally, add the remaining provolone cheese on top.
6 . 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.
7 . In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, pesto, and parmesan cheese. Brush this mixture all over the top of the dough.
8 . Cover with nonstick foil, or spray a piece of foil with cooking spray, and place it spray side down on top of the dish.
9 . Bake for 30 minutes, uncover, and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until deep golden brown.
10 . Let cool for 10 minutes, cut, and serve.
ADVERTISEMENT
