Italian Sub Squares
Italian Sub Squares: A Cheesy, Meaty, and Irresistible Baked Delight
If you love classic Italian subs, but want something hot, melty, and perfect for sharing, these Italian Sub Squares are about to become your new favorite recipe! Imagine layers of crispy, buttery bread, melted cheese, and savory Italian meats, all baked to perfection with a golden, bubbly top.
These oven-baked sub squares are perfect for parties, game days, quick dinners, or make-ahead lunches. They’re loaded with flavor, easy to make, and guaranteed to disappear fast!
Let’s dive into why these sub squares are a must-try, how to make them step by step, and some pro tips for the ultimate crispy, cheesy sandwich bake!
Why Everyone Loves Italian Sub Squares
These deliciously layered sandwiches are packed with bold Italian flavors and an irresistible texture.
✅ Melty, Cheesy, and Crispy – A crunchy golden crust, gooey melted cheese, and layers of flavorful meats make every bite perfect.
✅ Great for Sharing – Cut into squares for an easy-to-serve meal or party appetizer.
✅ Packed with Italian Flavors – Layers of pepperoni, ham, salami, and mozzarella give this dish an authentic Italian sub taste.
✅ Quick & Easy to Make – No complicated steps—just layer, bake, and enjoy!
✅ Customizable – Add roasted peppers, banana peppers, or a drizzle of Italian dressing for a fun twist!
With these amazing qualities, it’s no wonder that Italian Sub Squares are a crowd-pleaser!
How to Make Italian Sub Squares
This simple recipe is perfect for busy nights, entertaining guests, or prepping ahead.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the sub squares:
- 1 loaf French bread (or Italian bread, sliced in half lengthwise)
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ pound deli ham, sliced
- ½ pound salami, sliced
- ½ pound pepperoni
- 8 slices provolone cheese (or mozzarella)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
For garnish (optional):
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Crushed red pepper flakes, for heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Bread Base
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the French bread in half lengthwise and place both halves on a baking sheet.
- Brush each half with melted butter, and sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
2. Layer the Meats & Cheese
- Start by layering sliced provolone cheese on the bottom half.
- Add ham, salami, and pepperoni, spreading them evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top.
3. Add the Final Layer & Bake
- Place the top half of the bread back on, pressing down lightly.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is golden brown.
4. Slice & Serve
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- Slice into squares or strips, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve hot!
Pro Tips for the Best Italian Sub Squares
🔥 Use high-quality meats – The flavor is richer and more authentic with deli-fresh Italian meats.
🧄 Toast the bread first for extra crispiness – Lightly toasting the bread before assembling helps it hold up better against the melted cheese.
🛑 Don’t overstuff the sandwich – Too much filling can make it hard to slice and eat.
🌶 Add some spice – Drizzle with hot honey or sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
🧀 Mix up the cheeses – Try smoked provolone, gouda, or a blend of mozzarella and fontina for a unique flavor twist.
With these simple tricks, your Italian Sub Squares will turn out perfect every time!
Why These Sub Squares Are Perfect for Any Occasion
Italian Sub Squares are versatile, delicious, and always a hit—making them great for so many occasions:
- Game Day Snacks – The perfect cheesy, meaty finger food.
- Easy Family Dinners – A quick, filling meal that everyone will love.
- Meal Prep – Make ahead and reheat for a delicious grab-and-go lunch.
- Holiday & Party Appetizers – A unique, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to serve.
No matter when you serve them, these crispy, cheesy, and loaded sub squares will always be a hit!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a simple, cheesy, and ultra-satisfying meal, these Italian Sub Squares are the perfect choice.
With layers of Italian meats, melty cheese, and crispy garlic-seasoned bread, they deliver big flavors with minimal effort.
The best part? They’re easy to make and totally customizable—so you can enjoy them your way.
So grab your ingredients, bake up a batch, and enjoy every cheesy, meaty, and delicious bite!
Happy cooking! 🍕✨
PrintItalian Sub Squares
This simple recipe is perfect for busy nights, entertaining guests, or prepping ahead.
Ingredients
For the sub squares:
- 1 loaf French bread (or Italian bread, sliced in half lengthwise)
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ pound deli ham, sliced
- ½ pound salami, sliced
- ½ pound pepperoni
- 8 slices provolone cheese (or mozzarella)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
For garnish (optional):
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Crushed red pepper flakes, for heat
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Bread Base
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the French bread in half lengthwise and place both halves on a baking sheet.
- Brush each half with melted butter, and sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
2. Layer the Meats & Cheese
- Start by layering sliced provolone cheese on the bottom half.
- Add ham, salami, and pepperoni, spreading them evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top.
3. Add the Final Layer & Bake
- Place the top half of the bread back on, pressing down lightly.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is golden brown.
4. Slice & Serve
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- Slice into squares or strips, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve hot!
Notes
Pro Tips for the Best Italian Sub Squares
🔥 Use high-quality meats – The flavor is richer and more authentic with deli-fresh Italian meats.
🧄 Toast the bread first for extra crispiness – Lightly toasting the bread before assembling helps it hold up better against the melted cheese.
🛑 Don’t overstuff the sandwich – Too much filling can make it hard to slice and eat.