Antipasto Squares

Antipasto squares are an antipasto tray baked between flaky crescent dough—perfect for game day, a main dish, or a party starter. Serve it up and watch it disappear.

Antipasto Squares – A Party Starter or Main Dish

Making these antipasto squares is a simple way to bring together the flavors of a classic antipasto tray in a more hands-on, warm, and filling form. Layering deli ham, Genoa salami, provolone, Swiss, and pepperoni between crescent dough creates a delicious, easy-to-serve dish. The fresh-grated Parmesan cheese and eggs bring it all together, making sure it stays rich and satisfying.

These squares are perfect for game day, serving as an appetizer that’ll please everyone , or even as a main dish. The combination of savory meats and melted cheeses makes each bite satisfying, and the flaky crescent dough is the perfect base for it all.

Whether you’re serving them as a snack, an appetizer, or a hearty meal, these antipasto squares always disappear fast. If you’re hosting a group, I’d recommend doubling the recipe—you’ll want plenty to go around.

Why I Love This Recipe

• Quick and simple to make.
• Versatile – easy to switch up the ingredients depending on what you have and like.
• A crowd-pleaser every time.

Ingredients

Purchase cold cuts from the deli rather than pre-sliced packages. They’ll be higher quality, and you can choose the thickness of the slices.

• Refrigerated Pillsbury Original Crescent Rolls or Pillsbury Original Crescent Dough Sheet – These are the perfect size for the recipe; using anything else might leave you with too much dough.
• Baked deli ham – Baked ham is better than cooked ham since it’s less watery. If you only have cooked ham, microwave it on paper towels to remove some of the excess moisture.
• Provolone cheese – A mild Italian cheese made from cow’s milk that adds a nice, creamy melt.
• Genoa salami – This salami is less dry than hard salami and works really well in this dish, giving it a smooth texture.
• Swiss cheese – A slightly nutty cheese that melts beautifully and adds a mild flavor.
• Pepperoni – Ask the deli to slice it thick; larger slices make for a better bite and richer flavor.
• Eggs (large) – A key binding ingredient to hold everything together and add richness.
• Parmesan Cheese – Grate it fresh from a block to avoid preservatives and get a creamier, more flavorful cheese that melts better.
• Black pepper (finely ground) – Provides a smooth, even flavor without the sharpness of coarser ground pepper.

How to Make Antipasto Squares

Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Step One (Prepare the Dough)
  Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray. You can also use a baking sheet or any rectangular baking dish you have on hand. Open one package of crescent rolls, unroll it in one piece, and press it into the bottom of the pan. Make sure to press the perforations together so it’s all sealed up.
• Step Two (Layer the Meat and Cheese)
  Now, layer the meat and cheese in the order listed above. The 1/4 pound measurement is just an estimate—just keep layering until it covers the pan. Be sure not to overlap the pieces.
• Step Three (Egg Mixture)
  In a medium bowl, crack the eggs, add the Parmesan cheese, and sprinkle in the pepper. Pour most of the egg mixture over the meat and cheese, but save a little for later.
• Step Four (Top It Off and Bake)
  Take the second package of crescent rolls, unroll it, and layer it on top of everything. Brush the remaining egg mixture over the top. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and looking crispy.
• Step Five (Cool and Slice)
  Let it cool for about 15 minutes before cutting it into 6 rows by 4 rows. This helps the cheese set so it doesn’t ooze out when you slice it.
• Step Six (Serve)
  Serve warm or at room temperature.

Recipe Tips

Here are a few recipe tips for your antipasto squares:

• If you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought deli meat combo, but fresh deli cuts will really elevate the flavor and texture.
• Feel free to customize the meats and cheeses based on what you have on hand or what your guests prefer—mozzarella, pepper jack, or salami can work well too.
• To get a crispier top, brush the crescent rolls with a little melted butter before baking.

Storage and Freezing Tips for Antipasto Squares

Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to storing and freezing your antipasto squares if you have leftovers.

• Refrigeration: After baking and allowing the squares to cool completely, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap the cooled squares tightly in freezer-safe foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat the squares in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through. This method helps maintain the crispiness of the dough. Alternatively, you can microwave individual squares on high for 30-45 seconds, but be aware that the dough may become slightly less crisp.

While freezing is an option, it’s important to note that the texture of the dough may change slightly upon reheating. If you prefer the freshest taste and texture, storing them in the refrigerator and reheating as needed is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I prepare antipasto squares ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the squares up to the point of baking, cover them, and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. When ready to bake, allow them to come to room temperature before placing them in the oven. This method can be convenient for entertaining.
• Can I add vegetables to the filling? Yes, adding vegetables like sliced olives, banana peppers, pepperoncini, roasted red bell peppers or sautéed mushrooms can enhance the flavor and texture of the squares. Make sure any added vegetables are well-drained to prevent excess moisture. Patting them dry is important.
• Can I use a different type of dough? While crescent roll dough is commonly used for its flakiness, you can substitute it with puff pastry or pizza dough. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the type of dough used.
• How do I prevent the cheese from oozing out after baking? Allow the assembled squares to cool for about 15 minutes after baking before cutting into them. This helps the cheese set, reducing the likelihood of it oozing out when sliced.

Antipasto has always been the pre-party to the main course, and there are so many creative ways to enjoy it. Make sure to give my antipasto pasta salad, my antipasto cheddar-pickle skewers and if it’s holiday time, this Christmas antipasto wreath is the perfect appetizer.

More Party Starter Recipes

These yummy party starters are the perfect appetizer for any type of gathering — and the perfect excuse to throw one.

• Jalapeño Popper Dip
• Hot Corn Dip
• Dill Pickle Dip
• Buffalo Chicken Dip
• Blue Cheese Dip with Caramelized Onions
• Reuben Dip
• Bacon Dip
• Hot Italian Dip
• Ground Turkey Stuffed Jalapeños

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Print Recipe

5 from 11 votes

Antipasto Squares

Antipasto Squares are a delicious, savory dish with layers of meat, cheese, and a rich egg mixture, all baked between flaky crescent dough. Perfect for game day, as a main dish, or a party starter, this easy recipe is ready in about 45 minutes.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Total Time45 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American, Italian

Keyword: Antipasto Squares

Servings: 12 squares

Calories: 195kcal

Author: Cathy Pollak

Equipment

• measuring cups and spoons For accurate measurements.
• mixing bowls For mixing the egg mixture.
• pastry brush For brushing the egg mixture on top of the crescent rolls.
• baking pan 9x13 or baking sheet. To bake the dish in a size that holds all the layers comfortably.

Ingredients

• cooking spray
• 2 cans (8 oz. each) refrigerated Pillsbury Original Crescent Rolls (8 count) or 2 cans (8 oz. each) refrigerated Original Crescent Dough Sheet
• 1/4 lb deli baked ham, thinly sliced*
• 1/4 lb Provolone cheese, thinly sliced
• 1/4 lb Genoa salami, thinly sliced
• 1/4 lb Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
• 1/4 lb pepperoni, thinly sliced
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 3 tbsps grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese
• 1/4 tsp finely ground black pepper

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9x13-inch pan with cooking spray. A baking sheet or rectangular baking dish will also work.
  cooking spray
• Open one package of crescent rolls and unroll it in one piece, pressing it into the bottom of the pan. Be sure to press together all the perforations.
  2 cans (8 oz. each) refrigerated Pillsbury Original Crescent Rolls (8 count)
• Layer the meat and cheese in the order listed above. The 1/4 pound is an estimate—just keep layering until it covers the pan. Avoid overlapping the pieces.
  1/4 lb deli baked ham, thinly sliced*, 1/4 lb Provolone cheese, thinly sliced, 1/4 lb Genoa salami, thinly sliced, 1/4 lb Swiss cheese, thinly sliced, 1/4 lb pepperoni, thinly sliced
• In a medium bowl, add eggs, Parmesan cheese, and pepper. Pour most of the egg mixture over the meat and cheese, reserving a small amount. Top with the second package of crescent rolls and brush with the remaining egg mixture. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Let cool for 15 minutes (before cutting into 6 rows by 4 rows) to prevent the cheese from oozing out the sides.
  3 large eggs, lightly beaten, 3 tbsps grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese, 1/4 tsp finely ground black pepper
• Serve warm or at room temperature.

Video

Notes

*Ham: Try using baked ham instead of cooked ham, as cooked ham can sometimes be too watery. If you do use cooked ham, microwave it on a paper towel for a few seconds to remove some of the excess moisture.

For optimal outcomes when making these antipasto squares, I recommend referring to the recipe details within the post. The recipe post commonly includes valuable notes, expert tips and frequently asked questions, that are not presented in the recipe card, often including how to make this recipe dairy-free, gluten free or vegan and ideas for healthy ingredient substitutions or variations.

The provided nutrition information is merely an approximation, as variations can arise depending on the specific ingredients/brands you select.

© noblepig.com. All content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing this recipe is encouraged and appreciated, but copying and/or pasting the full recipe to social media or other platforms is strictly prohibited.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Antipasto Squares

Amount Per Serving (201 g)

Calories 195 Calories from Fat 99

% Daily Value*

Fat 11g17%

Saturated Fat 5g31%

Polyunsaturated Fat 2.3g

Monounsaturated Fat 1.2g

Cholesterol 45mg15%

Sodium 547mg24%

Potassium 78mg2%

Carbohydrates 8g3%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 4g4%

Protein 9g18%

Vitamin A 17IU0%

Vitamin C 16mg19%

Calcium 9mg1%

Iron 7mg39%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Have you tried this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below and let me know how it turned out.

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.