Italian Sub Squares

Have you ever craved the bold flavors of an Italian sub but wanted a more shareable and easy-to-eat option? Enter Italian Sub Squares—a delightful dish that transforms your favorite sandwich into a savory, baked treat. These squares capture the essence of traditional Italian subs with layers of meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables, all baked to perfection. In this post, we’ll dive deep into how to create these delicious squares, perfect for gatherings or a quick family meal.

Ingredients List

To make your Italian Sub Squares, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 package of refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade dough)
• 8 ounces of sliced salami
• 8 ounces of sliced ham
• 8 ounces of sliced pepperoni
• 8 ounces of provolone cheese, sliced
• 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup of sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers (red and green for color)
• 1/2 cup of sliced red onions
• 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh basil leaves for garnish

Substitution Suggestions

• Meats: Feel free to swap in turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Cheese: Use any cheese you prefer, such as cheddar or Swiss.
• Vegetables: Customize with your favorite veggies like spinach or tomatoes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your Italian Sub Squares bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough onto a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, pressing it into the corners and up the sides to form a crust. This will hold all the delicious fillings.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Begin layering your ingredients: start with a layer of salami, followed by ham, then pepperoni. Next, add slices of provolone cheese and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top. Add the black olives, diced bell peppers, and red onions evenly across the surface.

Step 4: Season and Cover

Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the top. Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching to seal. This helps keep the fillings inside while baking.

Step 5: Bake

Drizzle olive oil over the top for a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This allows the cheese to set slightly. Cut into squares and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the nutritional breakdown for one serving of Italian Sub Squares (based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	320
Protein	15g
Carbohydrates	28g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Total Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	7g
Sodium	800mg

These values can vary based on specific ingredient choices and portion sizes.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

To make your Italian Sub Squares healthier, consider these modifications:

• Use whole wheat pizza dough for added fiber.
• Add more vegetables: Increase the amount of bell peppers, or include spinach and zucchini for extra nutrients.
• Lean meats: Opt for turkey or chicken deli meats to reduce fat content.

Serving Suggestions

Enhance your Italian Sub Squares experience with these serving ideas:

• Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, adding a classic Italian touch.
• Pair with a fresh garden salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as garlic aioli or pesto, to elevate the flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overstuffing the squares: While it’s tempting to add a lot of filling, too much can cause the squares to burst while baking.
2. Not sealing the edges properly: Ensure the dough is well-sealed to prevent leaks during baking.
3. Skipping the cooling time: Allowing the squares to cool before slicing helps maintain their shape and prevents the filling from spilling out.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To store leftovers or prep ingredients ahead of time, follow these tips:

• Storing Leftovers: Place any leftover squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze cooked squares for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Prepping Ingredients: Chop vegetables and layer meats in advance, storing them in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble.

Conclusion

In summary, Italian Sub Squares offer a fun and delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of an Italian sub in a baked format. With layers of savory meats, gooey cheeses, and fresh vegetables, they’re perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today and share your feedback in the comments section. Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes and updates!

FAQs

Can I make these squares ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the squares and refrigerate them before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are cold.

What if I don’t have pizza dough?

You can use puff pastry or even crescent roll dough as an alternative for a different texture.

How can I make these vegetarian?

Simply omit the meats and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, artichokes, or roasted red peppers.

Italian sub Squares

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Print

Ingredients

• 1 package of refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade dough)
• 8 ounces of sliced salami
• 8 ounces of sliced ham
• 8 ounces of sliced pepperoni
• 8 ounces of provolone cheese, sliced
• 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup of sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers (red and green for color)
• 1/2 cup of sliced red onions
• 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your Italian Sub Squares bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough onto a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, pressing it into the corners and up the sides to form a crust. This will hold all the delicious fillings.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Begin layering your ingredients: start with a layer of salami, followed by ham, then pepperoni. Next, add slices of provolone cheese and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top. Add the black olives, diced bell peppers, and red onions evenly across the surface.
Step 4: Season and Cover
Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the top. Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching to seal. This helps keep the fillings inside while baking.
Step 5: Bake
Drizzle olive oil over the top for a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This allows the cheese to set slightly. Cut into squares and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.