Antipasto Squares

These Italian Antipasto Squares are sure to become your go-to for everything from laid-back family snacks and casual dinners, to game day parties and tailgating. No fussy pastry crust is needed, thanks to the easy crust using crescent rolls!

Easy Antipasto Squares Recipe

Crescent rolls are one of those magical convenience items that can totally save the day. In these Italian Antipasto Squares, they do just that, forming a golden, flaky crust that’s both foolproof and delicious. No rolling pins or pastry skills required, making this crowd-pleasing recipe a win for cooks of all skill levels.

Key ingredients you’ll need to make Antipasto Squares with crescent dough: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Crust – Two tubes of crescent roll dough forms the base of the crust. One for the top, one for the bottom.
• Deli Meats – Smoked ham, salami and sandwich pepperoni forms the meat layer.
• Cheese – This recipe uses two flavors of cheese mozzarella and provolone cheese. One forms the top layer and one the bottom layer but you could choose to use one or the other for both layers.
• Parmesan Cheese – Finely grated Parmesan cheese forms a golden crust on top of the antipasto squares.
• Seasonings – Dry oregano or dry Italian seasoning.
• Pesto – Basil pesto adds loads of flavor. Use your favorite brand of prepared basil pesto from a jar.
• thinly sliced deli ham, hard salami and sandwich pepperoni.
• Add On – You’ll need sliced black olives and pepperoncini rings or chopped banana peppers.
• Oil – Olive oil to brush the top. You could also use melted butter.

How to Make the BEST Antipasto Squares

• Heat Oven and Prepare the Pan – Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a non stick 13×9-inch pan with cooking spray.
• Prep the Bottom Crust – Unroll one can of crescent rolls. Press together perforations. Press evenly on bottom and 1/2 inch up side of pan. Brush with basil pesto.
• Assemble – Layer cheese slices, ham, pepperoni, salami, pepperoncini and olives. Arrange Mozzarella cheese slices on top.
• Top Crust – Spread remaining crescent rolls into a rectangle. Lay on top, then pinch edges with bottom crust together. Brush top with olive oil, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and oregano.
• Oven – Bake in preheated oven per the cooking time in the recipe until golden brown.
• Serve – Use a sharp knife to slice into squares and enjoy.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Easy Antipasto Squares with Crescent Rolls

• One 13×9-inch metal cake pan or baking pan.
• Silicone baking mat or parchment paper to roll the crescent dough. this makes it easier to move to the pan.
• Cheese grater for the Parmesan cheese.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Pastry brush for brushing the top with oil.
• Sharp knife for cutting the antipasto apart.
• Offset spatula is helpful for spreading the pesto.

When to Serve Antipasto Squares

These small bites are delicious served as an appetizer or small plate option. Whether it’s game day, family movie night or casual gatherings where snacks are in order. If you’d like to turn these into a meal:

• Add a side of Italian vegetables like Giardiniera.
• Italian Spaghetti Salad or a Wedge Salad.
• Hearty Parmesan Rosemary Potato Salad.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Drain the Pepperoncini Well – When preparing the ingredients, it’s important to remove as much liquid as possible from the pepperoncini. Drain them then gently press using paper towels to dry. You could also use Calabrian chiles or chopped banana peppers.
• Pesto – I used a prepared brand of basil pesto for this recipe. If there’s a brand that you already enjoy, go for it. Both Classico and Bertolli have great pestos that are typically easy to find.
• Cheese – It’s perfectly fine to use only mozzarella or only provolone cheese in place of the combination of the two used for these antipasto squares. We enjoy the combination of flavor, but it’s fine to adapt using gruyere, American cheese, swiss cheese, or cheddar cheese.
• Alternate Pan – I bake these in a 13×9-inch metal cake pan for the crispiness it gives to the crust. If you don’t have one, you can also bake this in any baking dish, if that’s what you have available.
• Pepperoni – I recommend sandwich size pepperoni for these rolls. You could adapt using classic pizza-style pepperoni, but you’ll need more than called for in the recipe to cover the surface of the filling.
• Ham – You could use Italian ham in place of smoked ham.
• Salami – You could use Genoa salami, if that’s your preference.
• Peppers – You can use roasted red peppers, add a layer of red bell pepper or green bell peppers for crunch.
• Olives – If you don’t care for black olives, you could substitute using green pimento stuffed olives or olive salad or omit them altogether.
• Olive Tapenade – You could also use an olive spread or tapenade in place of sliced black olives.
• Egg Wash – You can brush the top of the crescent rolls with a beaten egg mixture in place of olive oil.

Storage and Leftovers

• Make-Ahead Tip – You can fully assemble these antipasto squares one day in advance and pop them into the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap.
• Leftovers – Store baked Antipasto Squares tightly wrapped in foil or transfer to an airtight container, chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Enjoy cold or gently reheated in the microwave in single servings. You could also reheat in a preheated 350°F oven with a piece of aluminum foil on top just until heated through.
• Freezer – You can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

More Italian Inspired Recipes to Make

• Family style Italian Sausage Stromboli.
• Baked Mostaccioli is a family favorite!
• Layered Italian Cannellini Bean Dip is perfect for snacking.
• Italian Sausage Asiago Bubble Bread is delicious dipped in warm marinara sauce or pizza sauce.
• Italian Spinach and Artichoke Dip is a classic dip that everyone loves.
• Family pleasing Meatball Subs.
• Better than copycat Pasta e Fagioli.
• Italian Sausage Bread is made with homemade dough peppered with Italian sausage. Delish!
• See how to make an Antipasto Platter from Taste of Home.

 

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• 13×9-inch Pan
• Chopping Boards
• Mixing Bowls
• Pastry Brushes