If you are craving a sandwich that delivers all the vibrant flavors of an Italian deli in a fun, shareable form, then you have got to try this Italian Sub Squares Recipe. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying way to enjoy the classic combination of savory meats, melty cheese, and fresh veggies layered on hearty Italian bread. Baking it all together melts the cheese just enough and ties the flavors with that irresistible tang from the Italian dressing. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want something easy and delicious, this Italian Sub Squares Recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Italian Sub Squares Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each item plays an essential role in building the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color that makes this dish shine.
- Italian bread: Use a sturdy loaf to hold all the fillings without getting soggy, adding a wonderful crusty texture when baked.
- Salami, sliced: Brings a rich, spiced flavor that contrasts beautifully with milder fillings.
- Ham, sliced: Adds a tender, slightly sweet note to complement the salami’s boldness.
- Provolone cheese, sliced: Melts perfectly and adds a creamy, slightly tangy layer.
- Lettuce, shredded: Introduces a crisp, fresh crunch that brightens every bite.
- Tomato, sliced: Provides juicy sweetness and vibrant color for freshness.
- Red onion, thinly sliced: Delivers a sharp, zesty punch that cuts through the richness.
- Italian dressing: Acts as a zesty finishing touch that ties all the flavors together.
How to Make Italian Sub Squares Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, carefully slice the Italian bread loaf in half lengthwise to create the classic sandwich base and lid. Having a clean cut here sets the stage for easy layering and even baking.
Step 2: Layer the Meats and Cheese
On the bottom half of your bread, arrange the sliced salami and ham in an overlapping pattern so each bite delivers a good mix of those savory flavors. Follow by laying down the provolone cheese slices evenly over the meats. This layering helps the cheese melt into the meat, creating that luscious melt that is signature to the Italian Sub Squares Recipe.
Step 3: Add Fresh Vegetables
Next up, scatter shredded lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and thin rings of red onion on top of the cheese. These fresh ingredients add a refreshing crunch and slight acidity that balance the saltiness of the meats perfectly.
Step 4: Drizzle the Italian Dressing
Pour about a quarter cup of Italian dressing over the piled vegetables. This step is like drizzling magic onto your layers – it infuses the sandwich with herbs, tang, and a touch of sweetness, pulling all the flavors together for that authentic sub taste.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Carefully place the top half of the bread onto the sandwich and wrap the entire loaf tightly in aluminum foil. Baking it at 350°F for 15 minutes allows the cheese to melt just right and the bread to warm through without getting too crusty. The result is a warm, gooey, and flavor-packed Italian Sub Squares Recipe that everyone will love.
Step 6: Slice into Squares and Serve
Once out of the oven, unwrap the sandwich and use a sharp knife to cut the sub into bite-sized squares. These are perfect for parties, picnics, or a casual family meal where everyone can grab their own little delicious portion.
How to Serve Italian Sub Squares Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Italian Sub Squares Recipe even more, consider sprinkling some freshly chopped parsley or oregano on top. A few slices of pepperoncini or a dollop of extra Italian dressing on the side add exciting bursts of zest and heat, making each bite even more memorable.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with light and complementary sides. Think a crisp green salad, tangy pickles, or even a bowl of homemade minestrone soup for a cozy meal. The fresh sides balance the richness of the sub squares beautifully and round out your dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests or just mix things up? Arrange the Italian Sub Squares Recipe on a large wooden board with colorful bowls of dipping oils or balsamic glaze. You can even add some marinated olives and artichokes around for a rustic Italian-inspired spread that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, wrap the Italian Sub Squares tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 2 days and make for a fantastic grab-and-go lunch option with all the delicious flavors intact.
Freezing
While freezing is not ideal for the fresh vegetables, you can freeze the fully baked and assembled sandwich without the raw veggies for up to a month. Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the sandwich and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain that fresh-baked warmth and melty cheese goodness. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread from getting too soggy.
FAQs
Can I substitute the salami and ham with other meats?
Absolutely! While the classic combo is part of the charm, you can swap in turkey, roast beef, or even pepperoni depending on what you have on hand or prefer. Just keep in mind that changing the meats will alter the balance of flavors slightly.
What type of Italian dressing works best?
A zesty and herb-forward Italian dressing works best, especially one with a good blend of garlic, oregano, and vinegar. You can use store-bought or homemade — just avoid overly sweet varieties to maintain a balanced flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the meats and load up on extra cheese, fresh veggies, and consider adding marinated artichokes or roasted red peppers for depth. Using a flavorful Italian dressing is key to keeping your vegetarian Italian Sub Squares exciting.
Is it okay to prepare the sandwich ahead of time before baking?
Definitely. You can assemble the sub squares a few hours ahead and refrigerate them wrapped in foil. Just bake them right before serving to ensure the cheese melts beautifully and the bread gets its perfect warmth.
What is the best bread to use for this recipe?
A sturdy Italian or French bread loaf works best to hold all the layers without becoming soggy or falling apart. Look for a loaf with a crunchy crust and soft interior to provide the ideal texture for Italian Sub Squares Recipe.
Final Thoughts
I can’t encourage you enough to give this Italian Sub Squares Recipe a try because it brings that timeless deli flavor into an easy-to-share, crowd-pleasing form. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply want a satisfying, flavorful meal, these sub squares deliver every time. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Italian Sub Squares Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Italian Sub Squares are a delicious, easy-to-make sandwich perfect for parties or gatherings. Loaded with layers of salami, ham, provolone cheese, fresh vegetables, and drizzled with tangy Italian dressing, then baked until warm and melty, these squares combine savory flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 loaf Italian bread
Meats and Cheese
- 8 oz salami, sliced
- 8 oz ham, sliced
- 8 oz provolone cheese, sliced
Vegetables
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Condiments
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sandwich.
- Slice Bread: Carefully slice the Italian bread loaf in half lengthwise to create a top and bottom half.
- Layer Meats and Cheese: On the bottom half of the bread, evenly layer the sliced salami, ham, and provolone cheese to build the savory base.
- Add Vegetables: Arrange the shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, and thinly sliced red onion over the cheese layer for fresh crunch and flavor.
- Dress the Toppings: Drizzle 1/4 cup of Italian dressing evenly over the layered vegetables to add a tangy zest.
- Assemble Sandwich: Place the top half of the Italian bread back over the layered ingredients, completing the sandwich.
- Wrap and Bake: Wrap the entire sandwich securely in aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and cheese to slightly melt.
- Serve: Remove the sandwich from the oven, unwrap the foil carefully, and cut into squares for easy serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add sliced pepperoncini or banana peppers before baking.
- If you prefer a crispier bottom, place the foil-wrapped sandwich on a baking sheet.
- Use a sharp serrated knife for clean, even cuts.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated wrapped in foil to preserve moisture.
