Of course! Antipasto Squares are a fantastic, packable, and crowd-pleasing appetizer. They’re essentially an Italian antipasto platter baked into a portable, easy-to-serve square or slice.
They are perfect for picnics, potlucks, game day, or make-ahead party food.
Antipasto Squares
This recipe layers all the classic flavors of an antipasto platter—salty meats, cheese, and marinated vegetables—between flaky crescent roll dough. It’s sliced into squares and served at room temperature, making it incredibly convenient.
Yields: One 9×13 pan (about 24 squares)
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients:
· 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll sheets (or regular crescent rolls, pressed together)
· ½ lb thinly sliced deli ham
· ½ lb thinly sliced salami (Genoa or Hard)
· ½ lb thinly sliced provolone cheese
· ½ lb thinly sliced mozzarella cheese
· 1 jar (12 oz) marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
· 1 jar (7 oz) roasted red peppers, drained and patted dry
· 1 can (6 oz) black olives, drained and sliced (or ½ cup sliced Kalamata olives)
· 1 package (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and very well squeezed to remove all liquid
· 4 large eggs
· Optional Add-ins: Sliced pepperoni, chopped pepperoncini, fresh basil leaves, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Pan: Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13-inch baking dish, pinching any seams together to form a solid crust.
- Create the Layers: This is where you build the “antipasto” flavor. Layer the ingredients in the following order:
· Layer 1: Half of the sliced ham.
· Layer 2: All of the sliced salami.
· Layer 3: All of the provolone cheese.
· Layer 4: The well-drained spinach.
· Layer 5: The chopped artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and olives.
· Layer 6: The remaining half of the ham.
· Layer 7: All of the sliced mozzarella cheese. - Add the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, beat the 4 eggs and pour them evenly over the entire layered structure. This acts as a binder, holding the squares together when sliced.
- Top it Off: Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and place it on top, stretching it gently to cover the entire filling. Press the edges together with the bottom crust to seal.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is a deep, golden brown.
- Cool Completely (This is Crucial!): Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. Then, transfer the entire pan to the refrigerator and chill for several hours or overnight. This step is essential for clean, neat slices.
- Slice and Serve: Once completely chilled, invert the entire square onto a cutting board. Cut it into small squares (about 1.5-2 inches). Serve cold or at room temperature.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Being “Packed”
· Sturdy and Portable: Once chilled and sliced, these squares are firm and hold their shape perfectly, making them ideal for lunchboxes, picnic baskets, or party platters.
· Make-Ahead Marvel: They taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. You can make them 1-2 days in advance.
· No Mess, No Fuss: Everything is self-contained. There are no drips or spills, unlike a traditional antipasto platter.
· A Complete Bite: Each square delivers a perfect taste of everything: savory meat, creamy cheese, and tangy vegetables in one neat package.
Chef’s Tips for Success
· SQUEEZE THE SPINACH DRY: This is the most important step to prevent a soggy bottom crust. Use your hands or a clean kitchen towel to wring out every last drop of water.
· Pat Vegetables Dry: Similarly, make sure the roasted peppers and artichokes are well-drained and patted with a paper towel.
· Seal the Edges: Pressing the top and bottom crusts together well prevents the egg from leaking out during baking.
· Customize It: This recipe is a template! Use your favorite Italian cold cuts and cheeses. Add pepperoni for spice or fresh basil for an herby note.
Enjoy your perfectly portable and delicious Antipasto Squares