Name: Italian Sub Squares
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 squares
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 sheet of puff pastry; 1/4 pound thinly sliced salami; 1/4 pound thinly sliced ham; 1/4 pound thinly sliced pepperoni; 1/4 pound thinly sliced provolone cheese; 1/2 cup sliced black olives; 1/2 cup sliced banana peppers; 1/4 cup diced red onion; 1/4 cup diced tomatoes; 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil; 1/4 cup olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

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Italian Sub Squares: A Delicious Twist on a Classic

Italian sub squares are a mouthwatering treat that combines all the flavors of a classic Italian sub in a convenient, bite-sized form. These delectable squares are perfect for parties, potlucks, or even a quick and easy dinner. Whether you’re a fan of Italian cuisine or simply looking for a new recipe to try, these sub squares are sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to love these Italian sub squares. Firstly, they are incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious appetizer or meal on the table in no time. Secondly, they are incredibly versatile. You can customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. Whether you prefer a vegetarian version or want to spice things up with some added heat, the choice is yours. Lastly, these sub squares are incredibly flavorful. Each bite is packed with the delicious combination of Italian meats, cheeses, and veggies, all wrapped up in a flaky, golden crust.

Ingredients

To make these mouthwatering Italian sub squares, you will need the following ingredients:

– 1 sheet of puff pastry

– 1/4 pound of thinly sliced salami

– 1/4 pound of thinly sliced ham

– 1/4 pound of thinly sliced pepperoni

– 1/4 pound of thinly sliced provolone cheese

– 1/2 cup of sliced black olives

– 1/2 cup of sliced banana peppers

– 1/4 cup of diced red onion

– 1/4 cup of diced tomatoes

– 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil

– 1/4 cup of olive oil

– Salt and pepper to taste

Optional ingredient substitutions:

– Feel free to substitute any of the meats or cheeses with your favorites. Turkey, roast beef, or mortadella can be great alternatives to the traditional salami and ham. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Swiss.

– If you’re not a fan of olives or banana peppers, you can omit them or replace them with other toppings like roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the puff pastry onto the prepared baking sheet.
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, diced tomatoes, diced red onion, and chopped fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Spread the olive oil mixture evenly over the puff pastry.
Layer the salami, ham, pepperoni, provolone cheese, black olives, and banana peppers on top of the olive oil mixture.
Starting from one end, tightly roll up the puff pastry, making sure to seal the edges.
Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled pastry into 1-inch thick squares.
Arrange the squares on the baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Expert Tips for Success:

– Make sure to thaw the puff pastry according to the package instructions before using it.

– For extra flavor, brush the top of the puff pastry squares with beaten egg before baking.

– Feel free to get creative with the toppings. Add your favorite Italian herbs, like oregano or rosemary, for an extra burst of flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

While the traditional Italian sub squares are already delicious on their own, there are endless possibilities for customization. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

– Vegetarian version: Skip the meats and load up the squares with your favorite veggies, like sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.

– Spicy twist: If you like some heat, add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle some hot sauce over the filling before rolling up the pastry.

– Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free puff pastry or swap it out for gluten-free pizza dough for a tasty alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Italian sub squares are delicious on their own, but you can take them to the next level by serving them with some tasty accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions:

– Marinara sauce: Warm up some marinara sauce for dipping. The combination of the crispy pastry and the tangy sauce is simply irresistible.

– Salad: Serve the sub squares alongside a fresh green salad for a complete and balanced meal.

– Italian soda: Pair these squares with a refreshing Italian soda for a true Italian experience.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can prepare the sub squares ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Simply slice the rolled pastry into squares, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop them in the oven and follow the baking instructions.

Q: Can I freeze the sub squares?

A: Yes, you can freeze the baked sub squares for up to 3 months. Once they are baked and cooled, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Q: Can I use store-bought Italian dressing instead of making my own olive oil mixture?

A: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought Italian dressing instead. Simply drizzle it over the puff pastry before adding the toppings.

Final Thoughts

Italian sub squares are a delicious and versatile recipe that is sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a quick and easy dinner option, these squares are the perfect choice. With their flaky pastry, savory fillings, and endless customization options, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. So give this recipe a try and let your taste buds take a trip to Italy!