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Italian Sub Squares

Italian Sub Squares
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Italian Sub Squares are an easy-to-make, flavorful dish that transforms all the classic ingredients of an Italian sub sandwich into convenient, sliceable squares perfect for parties, quick lunches, or snacks. Featuring layers of Italian cold cuts, provolone cheese, fresh vegetables, and tangy Italian dressing, these squares deliver a bold and satisfying taste that’s customizable and ideal for meal prep.

Ingredients

Bread Base

  • Italian bread or hoagie rolls (enough for a sheet pan-sized base or multiple rolls sliced lengthwise)

Meats

  • Italian cold cuts such as salami, pepperoni, and ham (amount depends on bread size, enough to cover the base evenly)

Cheese

  • Provolone cheese slices (enough to cover the meat layer)

Fresh Vegetables

  • Lettuce (fresh, crisp)
  • Tomatoes (sliced)
  • Red onions (thinly sliced)
  • Banana peppers (sliced)

Dressing & Seasonings

  • Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs)
  • Olive oil (for dressing or drizzling)
  • Vinegar (red wine or white, for dressing)
  • Dry Italian seasoning (sprinkled to taste)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bread Base: Slice your Italian bread or hoagie rolls lengthwise to create flat layers or use a large rectangular piece of bread on a sheet pan to cut into squares later. Lightly toast the bread to add firmness and prevent sogginess from the dressing.
  2. Layer the Italian Meats: Evenly distribute Italian cold cuts such as salami, pepperoni, and ham across the bread base, overlapping slices to cover the entire surface and ensure every bite has savory Italian flavor.
  3. Add the Provolone Cheese: Place slices of provolone cheese smoothly over the meat layer to add creamy richness that balances the saltiness of the meats.
  4. Add Fresh Vegetables: Scatter crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, thinly sliced red onions, and banana peppers evenly on top of the cheese, adding freshness, crunch, and vibrant color.
  5. Drizzle Italian Dressing: Generously drizzle your favorite Italian dressing or a homemade blend of olive oil, vinegar, and herbs over the veggies to infuse the dish with signature tangy zest.
  6. Sprinkle Seasonings and Chill: Sprinkle dry Italian seasoning along with salt and black pepper to taste. Then refrigerate the assembled layers for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and to allow the bread to soak just enough dressing without becoming soggy.
  7. Cut Into Squares and Serve: Using a sharp knife (serrated preferred), slice the assembled sandwich layers into neat squares or rectangles. Serve immediately or keep chilled until ready to enjoy.

Notes

  • Use day-old bread to better hold up against the dressing and prevent sogginess.
  • Layer ingredients thoughtfully: meats first, then cheese, finishing with fresh vegetables to maintain texture balance.
  • Chill before cutting to help flavors blend and keep the squares intact while slicing.
  • Customize dressings by trying different Italian vinaigrettes for unique flavor variations.
  • Use a serrated or very sharp knife for clean cuts without crushing the layers.
  • Variations include vegetarian (substitute meats with grilled vegetables or tofu), spicy (add jalapeños or pepperoncini), gluten-free (use gluten-free bread), cheese swaps (mozzarella, cheddar, feta), and low-carb (use lettuce leaves or low-carb wraps instead of bread).

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian sub, appetizer, party food, easy recipe, sandwich squares, Italian dressing, provolone cheese, cold cuts, meal prep

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/italian-sub-squares/