The combination of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan creates a creamy, flavorful filling that pairs perfectly with savory smoked turkey. With just a few simple ingredients and less than 40 minutes from start to finish, these homemade calzones taste like they came straight from your favorite Italian bakery.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🦃 Filled with flavorful smoked turkey and melted cheese.
- 🧀 Crispy outside with a creamy, cheesy center.
- ⏱ Ready in just 35 minutes.
- 🥙 Perfect for lunch, dinner, meal prep, or snacks.
- 👨👩👧 Family-friendly and easy to customize.
Recipe Details
- Recipe: Easy Turkey and Cheese Calzones
- Servings: 4 calzones
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1 cup cooked smoked turkey, diced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Prepare the dough.
Lightly flour your work surface. Divide the pizza dough into four equal pieces and roll each one into an 8-inch circle. - Make the filling.
In a medium bowl, combine the diced smoked turkey, mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan cheese, oregano, and garlic powder until evenly mixed. - Fill the calzones.
Place one-quarter of the filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edge. - Seal the calzones.
Brush the edges with the beaten egg, fold the dough over the filling, and press firmly to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork. - Bake.
Transfer the calzones to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. - Cool slightly.
Allow the calzones to cool for about 5 minutes before serving so the filling can set.
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh green salad
- Garlic bread
- Steamed vegetables
- Warm marinara sauce for dipping
Helpful Tips
- Don’t overfill the calzones to prevent the filling from leaking.
- Seal the edges tightly using a fork.
- Cut a small slit in the top of each calzone to allow steam to escape.
- Brush the tops with egg wash instead of olive oil if you prefer an extra shiny golden crust.
Variations
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- Mix in provolone or cheddar cheese.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the crust before baking.
- Serve with pizza sauce or garlic butter for dipping.
Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer until hot and crispy.
- Freeze baked calzones for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts
Easy Turkey and Cheese Calzones are everything you want in a homemade comfort meal—crispy on the outside, loaded with melty cheese and savory smoked turkey on the inside, and incredibly simple to prepare. Whether you’re serving them for lunch, dinner, or a quick snack, they’re sure to become a family favorite.