Antipasto Squares Recipe – Easy Italian Appetizer Packed with Meat, Cheese, and Flavor
Antipasto Squares are a bold, savory, and crowd-pleasing dish inspired by the classic Italian antipasto platter. This baked recipe layers cured meats, melted cheeses, roasted red peppers, and flaky crescent roll dough into easy-to-serve squares that are perfect for parties, potlucks, brunch, game day, and family gatherings.
Designed to rank for high-volume searches like antipasto squares recipe, Italian antipasto appetizer, crescent roll antipasto bake, and easy party appetizers, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
What Are Antipasto Squares?
Antipasto Squares are a baked Italian-American appetizer that transforms traditional antipasto ingredients—such as salami, pepperoni, ham, provolone, mozzarella, and roasted vegetables—into a layered casserole-style dish. Once baked and sliced, they become portable, shareable squares that capture all the flavors of antipasto in every bite.
Why Antipasto Squares Are So Popular
- Easy make-ahead appetizer
- Ideal for feeding a crowd
- Uses store-bought crescent roll dough
- Loaded with Italian meats and cheeses
- Can be served warm or at room temperature
- Highly customizable
This recipe is a staple for anyone looking for a no-fail Italian appetizer.
Ingredients for Antipasto Squares
Main Ingredients
- 2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- ¼ lb sliced deli ham
- ¼ lb sliced hard salami
- ¼ lb sliced pepperoni
- ¼ lb sliced provolone cheese
- ¼ lb sliced mozzarella cheese
- 1 (12-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained and sliced
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Cooking spray or butter, for greasing
Optional Add-Ins (Highly Searched Variations)
- Sliced black or green olives
- Marinated artichoke hearts
- Banana peppers or pepperoncini
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Red pepper flakes
- Pesto or light tomato sauce
How to Make Antipasto Squares – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Bottom Crust
Unroll one can of crescent dough and press it into the bottom of the pan. Pinch seams together to form a solid crust.
Step 3: Layer the Antipasto Filling
Layer evenly:
- Ham
- Salami
- Pepperoni
- Provolone cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Roasted red peppers
Balanced layering ensures even flavor in every square.
Step 4: Add the Egg Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Pour evenly over the layered filling.
Step 5: Top with Crescent Dough
Unroll the second can of dough and place it on top. Seal seams and tuck edges down the sides.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and fully cooked.
Step 7: Rest and Slice
Let rest for 10–15 minutes before cutting into squares. This helps the layers set cleanly.
Tips for Perfect Antipasto Squares
- Seal crescent dough seams tightly
- Pat roasted peppers dry to prevent sogginess
- Let rest before slicing for clean squares
- Use parchment paper for easy removal
- Don’t overload with wet ingredients
Flavor Variations for Maximum Keywords
Vegetarian Antipasto Squares
Skip meats and load up with grilled zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, and olives.
Spicy Antipasto Squares
Add hot capicola, crushed red pepper, and pepper jack cheese.
Low-Carb Antipasto Bake
Skip dough and bake filling in a greased dish with egg and cheese.
Mediterranean Antipasto Squares
Add feta cheese, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 295
- Protein: 13g
- Fat: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Sodium: 720mg
Values vary based on ingredients and portion size.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Antipasto Squares:
- As a party appetizer
- On a brunch table
- With a fresh green salad
- Alongside soup or pasta
- In lunchboxes or picnic spreads
They taste great warm or room temperature, making them ideal for entertaining.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days
- Reheat in oven at 325°F (165°C)
- Can be assembled ahead and baked later
- Not recommended for freezing due to dough texture
Why This Antipasto Squares Recipe Works
This recipe delivers:
- Classic Italian antipasto flavors
- Easy preparation with store-bought dough
- Perfect balance of meat, cheese, and herbs
- Crowd-friendly presentation
It’s everything people love about antipasto—baked into one irresistible dish.
Final Thoughts
This Antipasto Squares recipe is a guaranteed hit for anyone who loves Italian food, easy appetizers, and bold flavors. With flaky crescent dough, savory meats, melty cheeses, and endless customization options, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Simple to make. Easy to serve. Impossible to resist. 🇮🇹🧀🥓