Antipasto Squares
Elevate your appetizer game with these irresistible Antipasto Squares, a delightful fusion of flavors that bring the essence of Italian antipasto to your table. Layered with savory meats, rich cheeses, and vibrant roasted red peppers, this dish promises a burst of taste in every bite.
Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, these squares are both simple to prepare and visually appealing. The golden, flaky crescent roll crust provides an ideal base, ensuring each square is a perfect balance of texture and flavor, making them an instant crowd-pleaser.
Serve them warm or at room temperature, and watch as they disappear from the platter. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening, Antipasto Squares are a delicious way to satisfy cravings and impress your guests.
Antipasto Squares Ingredients
Crescent roll dough forms the flaky, golden crust that cradles all the delicious layers within, providing a delightful contrast in texture.
Savory deli meats, including ham, salami, and pepperoni, add depth and richness, infusing each bite with classic Italian flavors.
A medley of provolone and Swiss cheeses creates a creamy, melted embrace, binding the ingredients together in perfect harmony.
Roasted red peppers introduce a vibrant sweetness and a hint of smokiness, enhancing the overall flavor profile with their juicy tenderness.
A blend of eggs and Parmesan cheese contributes a savory richness, ensuring a satisfying bite and a beautiful, golden finish.
Antipasto Squares: Recipe Tips, Serving Suggestions, and FAQ
Antipasto Squares are a delightful twist on classic Italian antipasto, offering a flavorful medley of meats, cheeses, and roasted red peppers encased in flaky crescent dough. To elevate your cooking experience, here are some handy tips, ideal serving suggestions, and answers to common questions.
Recipe Tips
- Chill the Dough: For easier handling, keep your crescent roll dough chilled until you’re ready to use it. Cold dough is less sticky and will be easier to shape in your baking dish. You can even pop it in the fridge for a few minutes before unrolling to maintain its form.
- Layer with Balance: When layering the ingredients, aim for an even distribution of meats, cheeses, and peppers to ensure each square has a balanced flavor profile. You can customize the layers based on your personal preferences—adding more of your favorite ingredients or trying different cheeses can create a unique twist.
- Keep an Eye on Baking: Oven temperatures can vary, so it’s essential to monitor the baking process closely, especially in the final 10-20 minutes. Look for the dough to turn a golden brown color and become fluffy. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it with foil to prevent burning while the inside finishes baking.
What to Serve with Antipasto Squares
- Fresh Salad: A simple arugula or mixed green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with Antipasto Squares. The crisp, refreshing greens provide a lovely contrast to the richness of the squares, balancing the meal perfectly.
- Olive Tapenade: Consider serving a side of olive tapenade. This savory spread made from olives, capers, and olive oil adds a burst of flavor that complements the antipasto theme. Spread it on slices of toasted baguette for an added crunch.
- Wine Pairing: A chilled glass of white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, enhances the flavors of the dish beautifully. The acidity in the wine cuts through the richness of the meats and cheeses, making for a delightful dining experience.
FAQ
- Can I use different meats or cheeses?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences. Other deli meats like turkey or chicken and cheeses like mozzarella or feta can work wonderfully as alternatives. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Antipasto Squares a few hours in advance. Assemble them, cover with foil, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they go into the oven cold. - How should I store leftovers?
Leftover Antipasto Squares can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness. - Can I freeze Antipasto Squares?
Yes, you can freeze baked Antipasto Squares. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in the oven until heated through.
Antipasto Squares
Ingredients
- 2 10-ounce cans refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
- 1 12-ounce jar roasted red peppers, drained and sliced into thin strips
- ¼ pound thinly sliced boiled ham
- ¼ pound thinly sliced Genoa salami
- ¼ pound thinly sliced pepperoni sausage
- ¼ pound thinly sliced provolone cheese
- ¼ pound thinly sliced Swiss cheese
- 3 eggs
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Unroll one package of the crescent roll dough and evenly distribute it across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan. On top of this dough layer, arrange the ham, provolone cheese, Swiss cheese, salami, pepperoni, and roasted red peppers.
- In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs, then combine them with the grated Parmesan cheese and ground black pepper. Pour three-quarters of this egg mixture over the layered peppers. Unroll the second package of dough and place it atop the peppers, brushing it with the remaining egg mixture. Cover the pan with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and continue baking until the dough is fluffy and turns a golden brown color, which should take an additional 10 to 20 minutes. Once baked, cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
