Roasted Turkey Calzones: A Savory Encore for Your Leftovers

There’s a certain magic that happens in my kitchen after a big holiday feast. The air, still thick with the comforting aroma of roasted goodness, often begs for a second act. For years, my family’s post-Thanksgiving tradition involved a slightly chaotic but utterly delightful scramble to reimagine the mountain of leftover turkey. One year, inspired by the humble pizza, I decided to enclose those precious turkey morsels in a golden, cheesy embrace. The result? Roasted Turkey Calzones. It was an instant hit, transforming a familiar flavor into a comforting, handheld delight that felt both nostalgic and brand new. These calzones are more than just a recipe; they’re a delicious testament to the art of making the most of every bit of flavor.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 48 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 8 calzones
• Dietary Type: Contains Dairy, Contains Wheat

Ingredients

This recipe celebrates the delicious opportunity to give your leftover roasted turkey a new lease on life.

For the Calzone Filling:

• 12 ounces oven-roasted turkey breast, finely chopped (leftover cooked turkey is perfect here)
• 2 cups chopped fresh spinach
• 1 1/2 cups of shredded 4-cheese pizza cheese (or 1 1/2 cups of your favorite kind of cheese blend)
• 1 (8-ounce) can pizza sauce

For the Calzone Dough & Assembly:

• 1 package pizza dough (or use 2 packages of store-bought dough if your package is smaller)
• 1/8 cup milk
• 4 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional) or 4 teaspoons grated Romano cheese (optional)

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Lightly floured surface for dough
• Rolling pin (optional, depending on dough thickness)
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter
• Baking sheet
• Pastry brush
• Fork

Instructions

Transforming those beloved turkey leftovers into these delightful calzones is a straightforward and rewarding process. We’ll start by creating the savory filling, then move on to shaping and baking these golden parcels of deliciousness.

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped turkey, chopped fresh spinach, shredded 4-cheese pizza cheese, and 1/2 cup of the pizza sauce. Gently stir everything together until it’s well incorporated. This mixture forms the heart of our calzones, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one package of pizza dough. Aim for a 12×12-inch square. If you’re using two smaller packages of store-bought dough, you’ll repeat this step for the second package. Once you have your square, cut it into four equal 6×6-inch squares. These will be the wrappers for our delicious filling.

3. For each dough square, place about 1/2 cup of the turkey mixture onto one half of the square. Be sure to leave about 1 inch of space around the edges of the dough. This border will be crucial for sealing the calzones and preventing any of that delicious filling from escaping during baking.

4. Now, to seal the deal: moisten the edges of the dough with a little water. This acts as a natural adhesive. Fold the dough over the filling. You can form either a rectangle or a triangle, depending on your preference. Whichever shape you choose, pinch or press with a fork firmly along the edges to seal them completely. This step is vital to keep your calzones intact.

5. Before they hit the oven, prick the tops of the assembled calzones with a fork. This allows steam to escape during baking, preventing them from puffing up too much and potentially bursting. Next, brush the tops of the calzones with milk. This will give them a beautiful, golden-brown sheen as they bake.

6. Carefully place the prepared calzones onto a greased baking sheet. Make sure they have a little space between them so they bake evenly.

7. Repeat steps 2 through 6 with the remaining dough and turkey mixture. You’ll end up with a batch of perfectly formed calzones ready for their transformation in the oven.

8. If you desire an extra layer of cheesy flavor, sprinkle the top of each calzone with about 1/2 teaspoon of grated Parmesan or Romano cheese. This is an optional step, but highly recommended for an added savory punch.

9. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Once preheated, bake the calzones for about 18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point will be absolutely divine!

10. Once baked to perfection, serve the Roasted Turkey Calzones warm. Offer the remaining pizza sauce on the side for dipping. It’s the perfect accompaniment to these hearty, flavorful pockets.

Expert Tips & Tricks

When it comes to making these calzones shine, a few pro tips can elevate your creation. Firstly, ensure your turkey is finely chopped; this helps distribute it evenly within the calzone and makes for easier eating. If your spinach is a bit wet after chopping, give it a gentle squeeze to remove excess moisture before adding it to the filling, which prevents a soggy bottom. For an extra crispy crust, consider baking on a preheated pizza stone if you have one. When it comes to the pizza sauce, don’t be shy! Using it as a dip is essential, but you can also stir a tablespoon or two directly into the turkey mixture for an even more integrated flavor profile.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Roasted Turkey Calzones are best served piping hot, straight from the oven, with the extra pizza sauce for dipping. They make a fantastic casual lunch, a satisfying weeknight dinner, or even a fun appetizer if made smaller.

For storage, once the calzones have cooled completely, you can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.

If you’re looking to get ahead, these calzones are wonderfully freezer-friendly. Prepare and bake them as directed. Once cooled, wrap them individually and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month.

To reheat, thaw frozen calzones overnight in the refrigerator. Unwrap them and place them on a baking sheet. Bake, uncovered, in a 350°F oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is re-crisped. For refrigerated leftovers, you can simply reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for these flavorful calzones. Please note that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	153.8 kcal
Calories from Fat		14 g
Total Fat		9 %
Saturated Fat	1.6 g	2 %
Cholesterol	0.7 g	3 %
Sodium	73.4 mg	24 %
Total Carbohydrate	164.7 mg	6 %
Dietary Fiber	5.8 g	1 %
Sugars	1.5 g	5 %
Protein	1.1 g	4 %

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Variations & Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. While the classic roasted turkey is divine, don’t hesitate to explore other possibilities. Shredded rotisserie chicken is an excellent substitute if turkey isn’t readily available. For a vegetarian twist, consider using cubed, firm tofu that has been pressed and seasoned, or a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and onions. If you’re looking to lighten things up, try using part-skim mozzarella and reduced-sodium pizza sauce. For a spicier kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the filling or a dash of hot sauce can be delightful. You could also experiment with different cheese blends, perhaps adding some provolone or sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the filling for these calzones ahead of time?
A: Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the turkey and spinach mixture and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before assembling and baking the calzones.

Q: What if I don’t have pizza sauce? Can I use something else?
A: While pizza sauce provides that classic flavor, you could use a marinara sauce or even a simple tomato paste mixed with a little water and Italian herbs as a substitute.

Q: My calzones sometimes leak. How can I prevent this?
A: Ensure you’re leaving a sufficient border of dough and that you’re sealing the edges very firmly. Pricking the tops also helps release steam, which can cause leakage if trapped.

Q: Can I use homemade pizza dough for this recipe?
A: Of course! Homemade pizza dough works wonderfully. Just ensure it’s at the right consistency to be rolled out into the desired square shape.

Q: How do I get a really golden-brown crust?
A: The milk wash is key! For an even richer color, you can add a tiny pinch of turmeric to the milk.

Final Thoughts

These Roasted Turkey Calzones are a celebration of comfort food and culinary resourcefulness. They’re proof that even the most humble leftovers can be transformed into something extraordinary. The combination of savory turkey, tender spinach, and gooey cheese, all encased in a perfectly baked crust, is simply irresistible. I encourage you to try this recipe, especially after your next holiday meal, and discover the joy of giving your turkey a delicious encore. Serve them with a crisp green salad or a bowl of your favorite soup for a complete and satisfying meal. Happy cooking, and happy eating!