Easy and Tasty Italian Squares

Featured in Snacks and bites for hungry moments.

An irresistible Italian-style finger food made with puff pastry, assorted meats, cheese, and roasted peppers—perfect for any occasion.
Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Sun, 09 Mar 2025 14:07:39 GMT
Crispy pastry squares stuffed with ham, cheese, and roasted peppers, sprinkled with herbs, displayed on a dish. Pin it
Crispy pastry squares stuffed with ham, cheese, and roasted peppers, sprinkled with herbs, displayed on a dish. | Tastyhush.com

These antipasto squares are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears quickly at every gathering. The layers of Italian meats, provolone, and Swiss cheese baked between flaky puff pastry create an irresistible savory bite. Perfect for casual get-togethers or elegant family meals, these squares never fail to impress guests.

The Perfect Party Appetizer

These antipasto squares combine the best of Italian flavors in an easy-to-serve format. The blend of cured meats, melted cheeses, and roasted peppers wrapped in buttery puff pastry creates an appetizer that's both sophisticated and satisfying. The recipe scales easily for any size gathering.

Essential Ingredients

  • Pastry: 2 sheets refrigerated puff pastry for base and top
  • Meats: 125g thinly sliced salami and 125g ham
  • Cheeses: 125g provolone and 125g Swiss cheese
  • Peppers: One jar roasted red peppers, drained
  • Eggs: 3 beaten eggs for binding
  • Seasonings: Black pepper, dried oregano, garlic powder
  • Topping: Grated Parmesan for the crust

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation
Preheat oven to 175°C and oil a 33x23cm baking dish.
Bottom Layer
Unroll first puff pastry sheet and press into dish, sealing edges.
Layering
Layer salami, ham, provolone, and Swiss cheese.
Pepper Layer
Distribute roasted peppers evenly.
Top Layer
Cover with second pastry sheet, seal edges completely.
Egg Wash
Mix eggs with seasonings, brush over top pastry.
Finishing
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Baking
Bake 25-30 minutes until golden brown, cool slightly before cutting.
Des rouleaux feuilletés garnis de jambon, de fromage et de poivrons rouges, assaisonnés d'herbes. Pin it
Des rouleaux feuilletés garnis de jambon, de fromage et de poivrons rouges, assaisonnés d'herbes. | Tastyhush.com

Tips and Variations

This versatile recipe welcomes substitutions based on preference and availability. Try different Italian meats and cheeses, add fresh spinach for color, or incorporate red pepper flakes for heat. The squares reheat beautifully, making them perfect for advance preparation. Leftover squares make an excellent quick meal when reheated.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can these be prepared in advance?
Sure! Make them a few hours before baking and keep them in the fridge. Once baked, they stay good for 2-3 days.
→ Can the fillings be customized?
Absolutely, swap the meats and cheeses to match your taste. Try adding olives, artichokes, or sun-dried tomatoes too.
→ What’s the best way to serve them?
Serve them warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect as party snacks or even for a picnic.
→ Are they freezer-friendly?
Yes, they freeze well after baking. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes to crisp them up again.
→ How do I get the crust perfectly golden?
Brush the top with beaten egg yolk before baking. It’ll give the crust a lovely golden hue.

Baked Italian Squares

Crispy squares packed with ham, salami, cheeses, and roasted peppers. An Italian-inspired appetizer your guests will love.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Appetizers

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 12 Servings (24 squares)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 Two packs of refrigerated crescent rolls (each 8 oz).
02 4 oz (1/4 lb) of sliced salami.
03 4 oz (1/4 lb) of ham.
04 4 oz (1/4 lb) of Swiss cheese.
05 4 oz (1/4 lb) of provolone cheese.
06 One 12 oz jar of roasted red peppers, drained and cut into strips.
07 Three large beaten eggs.
08 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano.
09 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
10 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
11 Grated Parmesan cheese for topping.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.

Step 02

Unroll one of the crescent roll dough packages and spread it flat across the bottom of the baking dish. Make sure to stretch it so it covers completely, pinching the seams to close them up.

Step 03

Lay down the slices of salami first, followed by the ham, and then layer the provolone and Swiss cheese slices evenly like you're creating a tasty puzzle.

Step 04

Place the strips of roasted red peppers right on top of the cheese layers.

Step 05

Take the second package of crescent roll dough and spread it out to cover the top, making sure to properly seal all the edges so nothing leaks out.

Step 06

In a small bowl, whisk the eggs together with the oregano, black pepper, and garlic powder. Once mixed, pour this over the top layer of dough.

Step 07

Sprinkle a generous amount of grated Parmesan over the egg wash.

Step 08

Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. It'll be ready when the top is beautifully golden.

Notes

  1. This dish works great as a party appetizer or for a buffet table.
  2. It can be served warm or even at room temperature.

Tools You'll Need

  • A 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy products.
  • Gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
  • Protein: 15 g