Irresistible Philly Style Roast Beef Squares: The Ultimate Game Day Appetizer
Get ready to score big at your next gathering with these incredibly simple yet sensationally delicious Philly Style Roast Beef Squares! Perfectly timed for Super Bowl Sunday or any celebratory event, these savory bites are guaranteed to be the star of your snack spread. Imagine the classic, beloved flavors of a Philly cheesesteak, encapsulated in a convenient, flaky crescent roll package – that’s exactly what these squares deliver. They are designed for ease, allowing you to prepare them ahead of time and simply pop them into the oven just before serving. This means less stress in the kitchen and more time enjoying the game and your company. Be warned, though: they disappear quickly!
This recipe yields 20 delectable squares, each a manageable 5 points (for those tracking with Weight Watchers or similar programs), making them a guilt-free pleasure for everyone. The combination of tender roast beef, melty provolone, and sautéed vegetables all wrapped in a golden, buttery crust, complemented by a zesty garlic aioli, creates an unforgettable flavor experience that will have your guests asking for the recipe. Dive in and discover how easy it is to create these crowd-pleasing appetizers!
The Heart of the Recipe: Why These Squares Are a Must-Try
What makes these Philly style roast beef squares stand out as an ideal appetizer for any occasion, from casual family dinners to grand game day parties? It’s a combination of several factors that truly make them special. First, the flavor profile is a homage to the classic Philly cheesesteak, but presented in a miniature, easy-to-handle form. You get that rich, savory roast beef, the creamy, tangy provolone, and the sweet, aromatic notes of sautéed onions and peppers, all unified by a zesty garlic aioli. It’s a symphony of tastes that appeals to almost everyone.
Beyond taste, the convenience factor is unparalleled. Using pre-made crescent roll dough dramatically cuts down on preparation time, making this a recipe even novice cooks can master with confidence. The ability to assemble these squares a few hours in advance is a game-changer for hosts, allowing them to focus on other party preparations without feeling rushed. Plus, their bite-sized nature means they’re perfect for mingling – no plates or utensils needed! Just grab and enjoy. These squares aren’t just food; they’re a conversation starter, a comfort food, and a testament to how delicious simplicity can be.
Ingredients for Your Philly Style Roast Beef Squares
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful squares. Each component plays a vital role in building the signature “Philly style” flavor. We’ve streamlined the list to ensure maximum flavor with minimal effort.
- Pillsbury crescent rolls (preferably reduced-fat for a lighter option)
- Deli roast beef (thinly sliced)
- Provolone cheese slices (light version available)
- Red onion
- Green pepper
- Mayonnaise (light or regular)
- Garlic cloves
- Fresh lemon juice
- Salt & pepper
Expert Tips and Smart Suggestions for Perfect Philly Roast Beef Squares
Even though this recipe is straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate your Philly style roast beef squares from good to absolutely amazing. Pay attention to these suggestions to ensure perfect results every time and to explore delicious variations.
Choosing Your Crescent Rolls Wisely
The foundation of these squares is the crescent roll dough. While the recipe suggests reduced-fat crescent rolls for a lighter option and lower points, regular crescent rolls work just as well and will still deliver that irresistible flaky texture. If you opt for regular crescent rolls, just be aware that the nutritional points might be slightly higher. For the adventurous baker, you could even experiment with a two-ingredient dough recipe (often made with self-rising flour and Greek yogurt). However, I haven’t personally tried it with this specific recipe, so the end result regarding texture and taste might vary. If you do try it, make sure the dough is rolled thin enough to achieve a crisp crust and avoid a bready texture, which might not be ideal for this appetizer.
Mastering the Dough for Perfect Bites
Working with crescent roll dough is simple, but a couple of techniques will ensure your squares hold their shape and contain all that delicious filling. When you roll out the dough onto your cookie sheet, whether it’s one large rectangle or two smaller ones, it’s crucial to thoroughly pinch together any seams or perforations. These seams are weak points where the filling could leak out during baking, leading to a mess and drier squares. Spend a moment gently pressing them together with your fingers until they form a smooth, unified surface. This creates a sturdy base and top layer for your filling, helping to maintain their integrity and appealing square shape once out of the oven.
Customizing Your Veggies: Beyond Peppers and Onions
While red onion and green pepper are classic companions to roast beef, don’t hesitate to personalize your squares. The recipe writer notes not eating mushrooms, but suggests they would be a fantastic addition, and I wholeheartedly agree! Sautéing sliced mushrooms along with the peppers and onions adds an extra layer of earthy flavor and a pleasing texture. You could also consider adding other finely diced vegetables like yellow bell pepper for a pop of color, or even a handful of fresh spinach, wilted down before adding to the mix. Just remember to sauté any additional vegetables until they are tender and most of their moisture has evaporated to prevent a soggy filling.
The Cheese Factor: Elevating Flavor Profiles
Provolone cheese is a natural fit for these “Philly style” squares, offering a mild yet distinctly creamy and slightly tangy flavor that melts beautifully. However, the world of cheese is vast, and you’re encouraged to experiment! If you’re looking for a sharper flavor, a good quality sharp cheddar would be excellent. Mozzarella could provide a milder, stretchier cheese experience, while havarti would offer a wonderfully buttery and slightly nutty note, melting into a luscious layer. Feel free to mix and match or use your favorite meltable cheese to truly make this recipe your own.
Prep Ahead for Stress-Free Entertaining
One of the best features of this recipe is its make-ahead potential, which is a lifesaver when hosting. You can assemble these squares a few hours before you plan to bake them. Prepare the filling, layer everything onto the dough, and then cover the cookie sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This allows you to tackle other tasks or simply relax before your guests arrive. However, I would advise against prepping them the night before. The moisture from the filling can start to make the crescent dough soggy if left too long, compromising the desired crispy, flaky texture after baking. A few hours is generally the sweet spot for optimal freshness and texture.
Freezing and Reheating: Enjoying Leftovers Later
If by some miracle you have any leftovers (which is unlikely once your guests get a taste!), these Philly style roast beef squares freeze remarkably well. To freeze, allow the baked squares to cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. To reheat, simply place the frozen squares on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven (around 350°F or 175°C) until heated through and crisp, typically 10-15 minutes. This makes them perfect for a quick snack or a last-minute lunch!
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Delicious Roast Beef Squares
Now that you’re armed with all the tips and tricks, let’s walk through the detailed instructions to create these fantastic Philly style roast beef squares. Each step is designed to be simple and easy to follow, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.
Philly style roast beef squares
Ingredients
- 2 packages pillsbury reduced fat crescent rolls
- 250g deli-sliced roast beef
- 8 slices light provolone cheese
- 1 cup diced red onion
- 1 cup diced green pepper
Aioli sauce
- 1/2 cup light mayonnaise
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- Dash of salt & pepper
Instructions
-
Begin by preparing your vegetables. Cook the diced onions and green peppers in a frying pan. Use a little cooking spray or a teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and become fragrant. You want them tender-crisp, not mushy. Remove from heat and set aside.
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, lightly spray a large cookie sheet or baking pan with a non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the crescent roll dough from sticking and ensure easy removal of your baked squares.
-
Carefully unroll one of the crescent dough packages onto the prepared cookie sheet. Gently press the dough out into a rectangle. It’s important to firmly pinch together any open seams or perforations in the dough to create a solid, sealed base. This prevents your delicious filling from leaking out during baking.
-
In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the aioli sauce: light mayonnaise, minced garlic cloves, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and a dash of salt and pepper. Mix well until everything is thoroughly incorporated and the sauce is smooth. Spread half of this flavorful aioli sauce evenly over the rolled-out crescent dough base.
-
Now it’s time to layer the fillings! First, evenly spread the sautéed peppers and onions over the aioli-covered dough. Next, arrange the deli-sliced roast beef over the vegetables. Finally, top with the slices of provolone cheese, ensuring they cover the roast beef layer as much as possible for maximum meltiness.
-
Take the remaining half of your garlic aioli sauce and spread it lightly and evenly over the provolone cheese slices. This adds another layer of flavor and moisture to the top of your filling.
-
Unroll the second package of crescent dough and carefully lay it on top of the cheese layer, covering all the filling. Once again, pinch all the seams together firmly, and then pinch all the outer edges of both dough layers closed, sealing the filling completely inside. This creates a neat, contained “sandwich” of deliciousness.
-
For a beautiful golden-brown finish, lightly brush the top crescent dough layer with a little egg wash (one egg whisked with a tablespoon of water). This will give your squares a lovely sheen and help them brown evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-28 minutes, or until the top crust is beautifully golden brown and puffed up.
-
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set and makes cutting much easier. Carefully cut the large rectangle into 20 even squares (typically 4 cuts down and 5 cuts across). Serve warm and watch them disappear! *Pro tip: You can make extra aioli sauce to serve alongside the squares for dipping – it’s always a hit!
Notes
Personal Points- 5 using WW recipe builder
Smart Points- blue/green/purple- 5
Points plus- 5
Nutritional info per serving.. Calories 135… Fat 6.5g…Sat fat 2.3g…Carbs 12g…Fiber 0.3g…Sugar 2.8g…Protein 7.3g using My Fitness Pal *Includes all ingredients
Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations
These Philly Style Roast Beef Squares are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various settings. Beyond a simple game day snack, they make a fantastic appetizer for any party, a hearty addition to a potluck, or even a fun and easy weeknight dinner when served with a fresh salad. Their portability also makes them excellent for lunchboxes or picnics.
Perfect Pairings and Dipping Delights
While delicious on their own, serving these squares with additional dipping sauces can elevate the experience. The extra garlic aioli, as suggested, is a perfect match. You could also offer a tangy whole-grain mustard, a spicy sriracha mayo for a kick, or even a classic ketchup for those who prefer it. For a complete meal, pair them with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, or a cup of warm tomato soup for a cozy twist.
Creative Customization Ideas
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your sautéed vegetables for a little heat.
- Different Meats: While roast beef is classic, consider using thinly sliced cooked chicken or turkey for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat entirely and load up on sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach for a delicious vegetarian square.
- Herb Infusion: Mix some fresh chopped parsley or chives into your aioli for an herbaceous note.
- Onion Rings: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, top with crispy fried onions (either homemade or from a can) before the top crescent layer, or sprinkle them on top after baking.
Nutritional Insights and Weight Watchers Points
For those mindful of their dietary intake, these Philly Style Roast Beef Squares offer a delicious option that aligns with various eating plans. Each square is carefully calculated at 5 points, providing a satisfying treat without derailing your health goals. This includes 5 Personal Points using the Weight Watchers recipe builder, and 5 Smart Points across blue, green, and purple plans. Furthermore, for those counting, each serving provides approximately 135 calories, 6.5g fat (including 2.3g saturated fat), 12g carbohydrates (with 0.3g fiber and 2.8g sugar), and 7.3g protein. This nutritional breakdown, calculated using tools like My Fitness Pal and including all specified ingredients, underscores that these squares can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
Whether you’re hosting a grand event or simply looking for an easy and delicious appetizer, these Philly Style Roast Beef Squares are a fantastic choice. Their crowd-pleasing flavors, straightforward preparation, and adaptability make them a reliable recipe that you’ll turn to again and again. Don’t wait for a special occasion; whip up a batch today and enjoy the taste of a classic favorite in a whole new, convenient form!