๐ฅช Antipasto Squares
Serves 12–16 | Prep: 20 min | Chill: 3+ hrs | Total: ~4 hrs (mostly hands-off)
๐ Ingredients
For the Base:
1 sleeve (about 40) buttery round crackers (like Ritz or Club Crackers)
8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup (50g) shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
For the Layers:
½ lb (225g) sliced deli meat, chopped or torn
(salami, pepperoni, ham, capicola — mix & match!)
½ cup roasted red peppers, drained and sliced
½ cup marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
½ cup sliced black or green olives
¼ cup diced onion or banana pepper (optional for crunch)
½ cup marinara or pizza sauce, warmed slightly (or pesto for twist)
Fresh basil leaves (optional garnish)
๐ง Pro Tip: Reserve a few whole crackers and olives for top decoration!
๐ฉ๐ณ Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Pan
Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper (for easy lifting).
Arrange a single layer of crackers to cover the bottom.
2️⃣ Spread the Cream Cheese Layer
In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese and shredded provolone.
Spread evenly over the crackers.
3️⃣ Layer the Good Stuff
In order, layer:
Deli meats
Roasted red peppers
Artichoke hearts
Olives
Onion or peppers (if using)
๐ Tip: Distribute ingredients evenly so every square has flavor!
4️⃣ Add the Sauce
Gently spread warmed marinara sauce over the top layer.
Don’t press down — keep layers distinct.
5️⃣ Top It Off
Add a second layer of crackers on top.
Press down lightly to compact.
6️⃣ Chill Until Firm
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 3 hours (overnight is best).
This sets the layers and makes slicing clean.
7️⃣ Slice & Serve
Lift slab out using parchment.
Cut into 2x2-inch squares with a sharp knife.
Garnish with fresh basil or extra olives.
๐ฝ️ Serving Ideas:
As party finger food with toothpicks
Cut smaller for hors d'oeuvres
Serve with extra marinara for dipping
๐ Variations & Pro Hacks
๐ฑ Vegetarian? Skip the meat — load up on marinated veggies and add chickpeas
๐ฅ Meat Lover’s Dream: Add diced ham, prosciutto, or mortadella
๐ถ️ Spicy Kick: Use hot salami, pepperoncini, or drizzle with sriracha mayo
๐ฅฌ Low-Carb Option: Swap crackers for thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant (salt, drain, and bake first)
๐ง Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble 1–2 days ahead — flavor deepens over time
❄️ Freeze It? Not recommended — creamy layers don’t freeze well
๐ง Why This Works So Well
Crackers absorb moisture from sauce and cheese → soft, sandwich-like texture
Chilling binds layers → holds shape when sliced
Marinara on top → adds tang without making base soggy
Every bite is balanced — salty, creamy, acidic, crunchy
It’s like lasagna… but faster, cooler, and way more fun to eat.
❤️ Final Thought: Sometimes, the Best Parties Start with a Tray
You don’t need fancy canapรฉs or hours in the kitchen to impress.
Just good ingredients, smart layering, and a little chill time.
These Antipasto Squares prove that the simplest recipes often become the most beloved — vanishing fast from every table they grace.
So line that pan, layer with love, and let your fridge do the work.
Because great gatherings start with great food…
And this one?
It starts with a crunch. ๐