Name: Antipasto Squares with Crescents Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 8oz tubes crescent roll dough; 8 oz provolone cheese sliced; ¼ lb deli ham sliced; ¼ lb hard salami sliced; ¼ lb pepperoni sliced; ¼ lb mozzarella cheese sliced; 1 12oz can roasted red bell peppers sliced thin; ½ cup jarred pepperoncini peppers drained; 2 tbsp olive oil; ¼ cup parmesan cheese grated; 1 tbsp dried oregano; salt & black pepper to taste

There’s something incredibly satisfying about the perfect appetizer that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Antipasto Squares with Crescents Recipe—it’s simple, impressive, and packed with savory Italian favorites that everyone will devour.

A square piece of layered baked pasta sits on a white plate on a white marbled surface. The dish has about five visible layers: the bottom layer is a thin, browned pasta, followed by a layer of thinly sliced red cured meat. Above that is a thick red tomato sauce layer next to melted white cheese that looks soft and stringy, topped by a golden, crispy breadcrumb and herb crust that covers the whole top fully. The colors show a mix of red, white, and golden brown textures, with herbs sprinkled on top. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Antipasto Squares with Crescents Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Antipasto Squares with Crescents Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Antipasto Squares with Crescents Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Antipasto Squares with Crescents Recipe has quickly become a go-to for me whenever I’m hosting. It combines those bold Italian deli flavors with flaky, golden crescents, creating a deliciously layered bite that’s both fun and filling. Plus, it’s totally shareable and perfect for casual get-togethers.

Easy to assemble: The crescent roll dough keeps things simple, so you don’t have to fuss with homemade dough or complicated prep.
Flavor-packed layers: With ham, salami, pepperoni, and three kinds of cheese, every bite delivers a savory punch.
Versatile for any occasion: It’s perfect for game days, potlucks, or even as a satisfying snack when hunger strikes.
Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients to suit what you have on hand or dietary preferences.

A white rectangular baking dish holds a baked dish cut into nine square pieces, with two pieces slightly pulled out showing melted cheese and red tomato sauce layers beneath a golden, slightly crispy top crust sprinkled with herbs and breadcrumbs. The crust is light brown with some darker brown spots, and the edges look slightly raised and flaky. The dish sits on a striped cloth placed over a white marbled surface. Nearby are two small salt and pepper shakers with brown tops, and on the right side, there is a knife with crumbs on the blade resting on a white round plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Antipasto Squares with Crescents Recipe plays its part in creating those irresistible layers of flavor and texture. The blend of meats, cheeses, and roasted peppers pairs beautifully with the buttery crescent rolls, giving you that perfect balance of savory and flaky.

Flat lay of two unrolled crescent roll dough tubes with smooth pale golden dough, several thin slices of provolone cheese with off-white creamy texture, a few slices of pink deli ham with natural marbling, thin slices of deep red hard salami speckled with fat, bright red pepperoni slices with glossy sheen, slices of fresh white mozzarella cheese, a small white ceramic bowl filled with glossy roasted red bell pepper strips, another small white bowl containing shiny green pepperoncini peppers, a small white bowl with golden olive oil, a small white bowl with finely grated pale yellow parmesan cheese, dried oregano sprigs, whole uncracked brown eggs, coarse salt crystals, and black peppercorns all arranged symmetrically and balanced in a realistic proportion placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Crescent roll dough: This dough bakes up flaky and golden, providing the perfect base and top crust to hold all those fillings together.
Provolone cheese: Brings a mild, slightly tangy flavor that melts beautifully over the meats.
Deli ham: Adds a juicy, salty bite—make sure it’s good quality for best results.
Hard salami: Its robust, spiced flavor contrasts nicely with the creamy cheeses.
Pepperoni: For a little smoky heat and that classic Italian vibe.
Mozzarella cheese: Fresh and melty, this cheese rounds out the texture perfectly.
Roasted red bell peppers: Sweet, tender, and adding a lovely pop of color and flavor.
Pepperoncini peppers: These bring a tangy, mildly spicy kick that brightens the whole dish.
Olive oil: Used to brush the dough, it helps develop a golden crust and adds richness.
Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top, this adds a sharp, salty finish and a bit of crunch.
Dried oregano: Classic Italian seasoning that ties all these flavors together.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing every layer of the dish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I adore about the Antipasto Squares with Crescents Recipe is how flexible it is. Over time, I’ve played around with different fillings and textures to keep it fresh and suited to different occasions. Don’t hesitate to tweak it to match your tastes!

Variation: I once swapped the pepperoni for thinly sliced roasted turkey breast to make it a little lighter, and it was surprisingly delicious!
Vegetarian option: Replace the meats with marinated artichokes, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and plenty of cheese for a plant-friendly twist.
Spice it up: Add some crushed red pepper flakes in the layers for an extra kick.
Cheese swap: Sharp cheddar or fontina are great alternatives if you want a different cheesy profile.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Antipasto Squares with Crescents Recipe

Step 1: Prep your baking dish and dough

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F, and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish. This prevents sticking and helps with easy cleanup. Unroll one tube of crescent roll dough and carefully press it into the dish, pinching seams so the dough acts like a solid crust. Don’t rush this part—pinching the seams well keeps those delicious filling juices inside.

Step 2: Layer your antipasto ingredients

Brush the dough with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then season lightly with salt, pepper, and half the dried oregano. Now comes the fun part: layering the ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone, mozzarella, roasted red peppers, and pepperoncini. Each layer adds its own burst of flavor, so try to distribute everything evenly.

Step 3: Top it off and season again

Roll out the second crescent dough tube and place it gently over the layers, pinching seams to enclose the filling completely. Give the top a brush with the remaining olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, oregano, and a generous dusting of grated parmesan cheese. This topping is what gives you that irresistible golden, cheesy crust.

Step 4: Bake to golden perfection

Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The key indicator is a golden brown, crispy crust. If you notice it darkening faster than expected, tent a piece of foil over the top to prevent burning while the inside finishes cooking. Once done, let it cool for about 15 minutes. This resting time helps everything set so you can slice beautiful squares without the filling spilling out.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Antipasto Squares with Crescents Recipe multiple times, a few little tricks have made all the difference to get that perfectly balanced, tasty finish every time.

Seam sealing: Be patient when pinching dough seams together—it stops cheese from oozing out and keeps the square intact when baking.
Rest before serving: I always let the dish cool for at least 15 minutes; it makes slicing easier and keeps the layers neat.
Even layering: Try to spread ingredients evenly so every square gets a taste of each element—no one wants a bite without pepperoni, right?
Watch the crust: Use foil to cover the top if it’s browning too quickly before the inside is cooked through.

How to Serve Antipasto Squares with Crescents Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping the squares with a little sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley—it brightens the flavors beautifully. Sometimes I offer a small bowl of marinara sauce or a tangy balsamic glaze on the side for dipping to add an extra layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair these antipasto squares with a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a simple Caesar salad for a full-on Italian-inspired spread. They also go great alongside olives, pickles, or even a refreshing Italian soda if you want to keep things casual.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged these squares on a wooden charcuterie board, adding clusters of grapes, cherry tomatoes, and nuts around for a colorful, inviting appetizer platter. They also look fantastic when cut into bite-sized pieces and served on cocktail picks for easy snacking on the go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your feast, wrap any leftover squares tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the flavors actually deepen a little after resting overnight!

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked dish wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge then bake as directed. It’s a total game-changer for busy days.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the squares in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes to regain that crispy crust. Microwaving tends to make the crust soggy, so I try to avoid that unless I’m in a real hurry.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use refrigerated pizza dough instead of crescent rolls?

Absolutely! Refrigerated pizza dough works well as a substitute. Just make sure to roll it out thinly and pinch the seams tightly to keep everything enclosed while baking. Expect a chewier texture compared to crescent rolls.

Can I make these squares gluten-free?

Yes! You can use gluten-free crescent roll dough or a gluten-free pie crust if you prefer. Just be mindful that gluten-free doughs can behave differently when baking, so keep an eye on the crust color and texture.

What if I don’t like spicy peppers?

No worries! You can simply omit the pepperoncini peppers or swap them for milder roasted bell peppers. The layers will still be delicious without the hint of spice.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the entire Antipasto Squares with Crescents Recipe, then refrigerate it uncovered for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled before going into the oven.

Final Thoughts

I always feel a little extra proud serving this Antipasto Squares with Crescents Recipe because it’s such a crowd-pleaser that comes together without fuss. It’s one of those recipes that helps you look like a kitchen hero but doesn’t take half your day. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this as much as I do—it’s a great excuse to gather friends, grab a plate, and savor every savory, cheesy bite.