Antipasto Squares are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings together all the flavors of a classic antipasto platter in a warm, flaky crescent roll crust. This recipe is perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy family dinner. Layers of deli meats, cheeses, roasted red peppers, and pesto are sandwiched between crescent roll dough for a satisfying savory treat. Here’s how you can prepare these delicious squares!
Ingredients:
- 2 tubes of crescent roll dough
- ¼ pound salami, sliced thin
- ¼ pound pepperoni, sliced thin
- ¼ pound deli ham, sliced thin
- ¼ pound Provolone slices
- ¼ pound Swiss Cheese slices
- 3 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
- 1 tablespoon Basil flavored Pesto
- 3 eggs
- 12 ounces Roasted Red Peppers, drained and patted dry
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a light layer of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Roll Out Crescent Dough:
- Step 1: Open one tube of crescent roll dough and unroll it. Lay the dough flat on the bottom of the greased baking dish. Press the seams of the dough together to create a solid layer that covers the bottom of the pan.
3. Layer the Meats and Cheeses:
- Step 1: Begin layering your sliced deli meats, starting with the salami, followed by the pepperoni, and then the ham.
- Step 2: Add the cheese layers, starting with the Provolone slices and then the Swiss cheese slices.
- Step 3: Place the roasted red peppers evenly over the cheese, making sure they’re drained and patted dry to avoid making the dish soggy.
4. Add Parmesan and Pesto:
- Step 1: Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the layers.
- Step 2: Spread the basil-flavored pesto over the Parmesan layer to add a rich herby flavor.
5. Top with Crescent Dough:
- Step 1: Unroll the second tube of crescent roll dough and place it over the top of the layered filling. Again, press the seams together to form a solid layer. Tuck in any excess dough around the edges to seal in the ingredients.
6. Prepare the Egg Wash:
- Step 1: In a small bowl, beat the 3 eggs.
- Step 2: Brush the beaten eggs generously over the top crescent dough layer to give it a beautiful golden-brown finish when baked.
7. Bake the Antipasto Squares:
- Step 1: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
8. Cool and Slice:
- Step 1: Once baked, remove the antipasto squares from the oven and allow them to cool for about 10 minutesbefore slicing into squares. This will help the layers set and make slicing easier.
Tips for Perfect Antipasto Squares:
- Drain Roasted Peppers Well: Make sure to thoroughly drain and pat dry the roasted red peppers. Too much moisture can make the bottom layer soggy.
- Customizing the Ingredients: Feel free to switch up the deli meats and cheeses to suit your preferences. Turkey, roast beef, or different cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar can work beautifully in this recipe.
- Make Ahead: These antipasto squares are great for preparing ahead of time. You can assemble them, cover, and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
- Reheating: These squares reheat well in the oven or microwave. If reheating in the oven, cover the dish with foil to avoid drying out.
Antipasto Squares are a delicious, flavorful dish that brings the essence of a classic Italian antipasto platter into a fun and shareable bake. With layers of salami, pepperoni, ham, cheeses, and roasted red peppers, every bite is packed with savory goodness. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a simple dinner, these squares are sure to be a hit
