Name: Antipasto Crescent Bake 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

Nothing beats the savory, melty goodness of an easy-to-make crowd-pleaser like this Antipasto Crescent Bake Recipe. It’s packed with Italian flavors that come together in a buttery crescent crust – perfect for game days or casual get-togethers.

A square slice of lasagna sits on a white plate over a white marbled surface. The dish has three main visible layers: at the bottom, thin red slices of cooked meat and a bit of melted pale cheese; the middle layer is bright red tomato sauce mixed with melted white cheese; the top layer is a golden brown crunchy crust sprinkled with dried herbs and grated cheese. The edges show some melted cheese slightly oozing out. In the background, there is a striped cloth slightly out of focus. 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 Crescent Bake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Antipasto Crescent Bake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Antipasto Crescent Bake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made the Antipasto Crescent Bake Recipe countless times, and it never fails to impress. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is actually super simple, and guests always ask for seconds.

Incredible flavor: The mix of ham, salami, pepperoni, and cheeses creates a punch of Italian deli goodness in every bite.
Easy prep: You just layer, season, and bake – minimal hassle, maximum flavor.
Versatile serving: Great as a party appetizer, snack, or even a quick lunch option.
Always a hit: No matter the crowd, this bake disappears fast and gets rave reviews.

The image shows a white baking dish with nine rectangular pieces of a baked layered dish, with two pieces slightly pulled out from the bottom left corner, revealing some melted cheese and red sauce layers inside. The top layer is golden brown and slightly crispy with a sprinkle of herbs and breadcrumbs. The dish sits on a striped cloth on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a white plate with a large knife resting on it and salt and pepper shakers nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Antipasto Crescent Bake Recipe lies in combining rich, salty Italian meats and melty cheeses with sweet roasted peppers and a crisp, buttery crescent roll crust. Here are the key players and why they matter.

Flat lay of two pale golden crescent roll dough logs, several thin slices of pink deli ham, evenly arranged slices of deep red hard salami, bright orange-red pepperoni slices, pale yellow provolone cheese slices, white mozzarella cheese slices, thin strips of glossy roasted red bell peppers, a small white bowl filled with green pepperoncini peppers, a small white bowl with golden olive oil, a small white bowl holding finely grated pale yellow parmesan cheese, and a small white bowl with dried oregano flakes sprinkled inside, all symmetrically placed on simple white ceramic dishes, fresh and natural appearance, 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: The flaky, buttery base that bakes up golden and perfect for holding all the fillings.
Provolone cheese: Adds a sharp but smooth flavor that melts wonderfully.
Deli ham: Brings a gentle, smoky saltiness that balances well with the pepperoni and salami.
Hard salami: Offers little bursts of robust spice and texture.
Pepperoni: A classic punch of Italian spice essential for an antipasto vibe.
Mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella’s creamy meltability ties the layers together perfectly.
Roasted red bell peppers: Sweet, smoky strips that brighten the richness of the meats.
Pepperoncini peppers: A bit of tangy zip that wakes up the whole dish.
Olive oil: Used to brush the dough for crispiness and extra flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Gives a salty, nutty finishing touch on top.
Dried oregano: A sprinkle of classic Italian herbs that refresh the flavors.
Salt & black pepper: Essential seasoning to pull everything together.

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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

I love tweaking this Antipasto Crescent Bake Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or my mood. Feel free to swap in your favorite Italian meats or cheeses—that’s the great thing about this dish, it’s super forgiving!

Variation: I once made it with turkey pepperoni and added some fresh spinach for a lighter twist, and it was a hit at brunch.
Vegetarian option: Try roasted veggies and mozzarella instead of meats for a meat-free version that’s just as satisfying.
Spicy twist: Toss in some sliced jalapeños or spicy Italian sausage if you like a little heat.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free crescent dough to keep it safe for those with sensitivities without losing the flaky texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Antipasto Crescent Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish. I like to use a bit of olive oil to keep things flavorful and prevent sticking. Then unroll one tube of crescent roll dough and carefully press it into the bottom of the pan, pinching the seams together to close any gaps. This helps create one solid crust that bakes evenly. Brush it with a tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle half the dried oregano, some salt, and fresh black pepper. This seasoning layer makes the base sparkle with flavor!

Step 2: Layer the Delicious Fillings

Next, layer your meats and cheeses. I usually start with ham, followed by salami and pepperoni, then add slices of provolone and mozzarella. After that, scatter the roasted red peppers and pepperoncini to add that tangy-sweet pop. Don’t skimp on these layers—it's what makes every bite exciting and packed with that classic antipasto taste.

Step 3: Top It Off and Season

Unroll the second tube of crescent dough and carefully place it over the layered fillings. Just like before, pinch the seams tightly to seal everything inside. Brush the top with the remaining olive oil and sprinkle the rest of the oregano, salt, and pepper. Finish with a generous grating of parmesan cheese—it adds a salty crunch that’s irresistible once baked.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Aromatic

Pop the dish into your oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye on it after the 25-minute mark—when the crust turns golden brown and crispy, it’s done! If it looks like the edges are browning too fast, cover the pan loosely with foil to prevent burning. Let it cool for about 15 minutes before slicing to help the filling set and make serving easier.

Top Tip

From my experience, getting that perfect golden crust and flavorful layers really transforms this bake. Here are a few tips I swear by:

Pinch the seams well: This keeps all those delicious fillings from leaking out during baking.
Brush with olive oil: It helps the dough crisp up beautifully and adds a subtle richness.
Don’t skip resting: Let the bake cool before cutting to avoid a gooey mess.
Watch the oven temp: Ovens vary, so check early to prevent burning, especially the edges.

How to Serve Antipasto Crescent Bake Recipe

antipasto crescent bake - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often top the slices with a sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley—it adds a fresh, herbal note that brightens the rich meat and cheese. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze is another favorite that adds a slight tangy sweetness, making the flavors pop even more.

Side Dishes

This bake pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or a simple bowl of olives and marinated artichokes. If you want something heartier, roasted veggies or a light pasta salad make great companions without competing with the bold antipasto flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I like to cut the bake into small squares and serve on a wooden board with toothpicks, so guests can graze easily. For holiday brunches, arranging slices on a platter with colorful fresh herbs and clusters of grape tomatoes turns it into a showstopper centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers refrigerate really well. I store them in an airtight container and they stay delicious for up to 3 days. Just bring to room temperature or gently reheat for the best texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this bake both pre- and post-cooked. If freezing before baking, wrap tightly and thaw overnight before cooking. For frozen leftovers, reheat in the oven to keep the crust crisp rather than in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheating in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes works best to revive the crisp crust and melty cheese. If you’re in a rush, a quick microwave zap works, but you might lose some of that delightful crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent rolls?

Yes! Homemade pizza or puff pastry dough can work well, just make sure it’s rolled thin and sealed tightly to contain the fillings during baking.

How do I prevent the bake from getting soggy?

Brushing the dough with olive oil and pinching the seams together helps create a barrier that keeps moisture from seeping in. Also, letting the bake cool before cutting allows the filling to set up nicely.

Can I prepare the bake ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble it a day in advance, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate. Just add the parmesan cheese topping right before baking for the best texture.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to keep the crust crisp. Microwaving works but can make the crust a bit soft.

Final Thoughts

This Antipasto Crescent Bake Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s so effortlessly delicious and brings people together around the table. Give it a try yourself — I promise you’ll enjoy how easy and flavorful it is. Plus, it’s a fun way to tweak your classic antipasto components into a warm, crispy, cheesy delight that’s perfect for sharing!