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Italian Beef Square Bites Recipe

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5 from 66 reviews

Savory Italian Beef Sub Squares are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack featuring layers of Italian deli meats, provolone cheese, roasted red peppers, and pepperoncini on a flaky crescent roll crust, brushed with a flavorful pesto and parmesan egg wash and baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Dough

  • 2 cans (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll dough sheets

Cheese

  • 8 ounces sliced provolone cheese
  • 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese

Meats

  • ¼ pound sliced deli beef pepperoni
  • ¼ pound sliced deli beef ham
  • ¼ pound sliced Genoa beef salami

Vegetables

  • 12 ounces roasted red bell peppers, drained and sliced
  • ½ cup canned sliced pepperoncini, drained

Egg Wash

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon prepared pesto

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough: Unroll both cans of crescent roll dough sheets onto a lightly floured surface. Press the seams together carefully to form one large rectangular sheet of dough.
  2. Add cheese and meats: Evenly distribute the sliced provolone cheese over the dough, leaving a ½ inch border around the edges. Then, layer the sliced beef pepperoni, beef ham, and Genoa beef salami evenly on top of the cheese.
  3. Add vegetables: Scatter the drained roasted red bell peppers and the sliced pepperoncini evenly over the layer of meats to add tangy flavor and texture.
  4. Prepare egg wash and brush: In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg, prepared pesto, and grated parmesan cheese until smooth. Brush this mixture evenly over the entire surface of the assembled dough and toppings to give a flavorful golden crust upon baking.
  5. Slice into squares: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the assembled dough into individual squares for easy serving. Arrange the squares onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
  6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the sub squares for 18 to 22 minutes or until they turn golden brown and the cheese has melted beautifully.
  7. Cool and serve: Let the baked squares cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly further. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Make sure the crescent roll dough seams are sealed well to prevent filling leakage during baking.
  • You can substitute the deli meats with turkey or chicken varieties if preferred.
  • For a spicier version, add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before baking.
  • These squares are best served warm but can be reheated in the oven to restore crispness.
  • Drain the roasted red peppers and pepperoncini thoroughly to prevent sogginess in the crust.