Spinach, Prosciutto, and Roasted Pepper Calzone
West Roxbury, Massachusetts
If you’re looking for something that lands between comfort food and “that looks amazing,” look no further than this finalist recipe from the 40th Pillsbury Bake-Off® Contest. This Spinach, Prosciutto, and Roasted Pepper Calzone is like an upscale deli sandwich made with ingredients you can easily find in any grocery store—savory prosciutto, melty provolone, roasted peppers, and a swipe of pesto, wrapped in a golden Pillsbury™crescent crust that slices easily for sharing. This crowd-sized sandwich is perfect for game day spreads, casual dinners, or anytime you want a warm, savory centerpiece that disappears fast. Pair it with a green salad or a simple veggie side for a hearty dinner that feels special with almost no effort.
Recipe Ingredients
These easy homemade calzones are perfectly layered, just like your favorite sandwich. Here’s what you’ll need to make this deli-inspired recipe.
Pillsbury™ Original Crescent Rolls or Crescent Dough Sheets: These create a soft, structured crust that holds all the fillings and bakes to a golden finish.
Prosciutto: Commonly found in your grocer’s deli or cheese section, this thinly sliced meat adds salty, savory flavor and Italian-inspired vibes. If you have trouble finding it, any other thinly-sliced deli meat will do.
Provolone Cheese: We love this cheese because it melts smoothly, with a mild, family-friendly flavor. If you don’t have provolone, you can substitute another thinly-sliced cheese.
Other Ingredients You’ll Need: Thawed and drained frozen spinach and roasted red bell peppers add tender textures and bright flavors to balance the richness of the meat and cheese. Basil pesto delivers a burst of herby, garlicky yumminess. We used jarred pesto for ease, but you can use homemade pesto if you’d prefer. A final brush of egg yolk and water on the dough helps it bake up shiny and golden-brown for the perfect bite.
How to Make Spinach, Prosciutto, and Roasted Pepper Calzone
This recipe is all about layering! Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to do—keep scrolling for the full directions.
1. Prep the Dough
Grease a large baking sheet. Unroll 2 cans of dough, and place the dough rectangles together on the pan, long sides together, to form a larger rectangle. Press edges and perforations to seal, so your fillings don’t leak.
2. Add the Spinach
Make sure your frozen spinach is completely thawed and thoroughly drained (see tip); otherwise, it will make the dough soggy and the fillings watery. Arrange the spinach down the center of the dough, leaving about 1/2 inch at each end.
3. Layer the Fillings
Top spinach with provolone, then add roasted peppers and prosciutto. Spread pesto evenly over the prosciutto and finish with more cheese.
4. Fold, Seal, and Bake
Bring the long sides of the dough up and over the filling so they overlap by about 1 inch. Press the edges and ends firmly to seal. In a small bowl, beat egg yolk and water; brush over the dough. Bake 25 to 35 minutes in a 350°F oven or until deep golden brown. Let stand briefly for the fillings to set, then slice crosswise and serve.
How to Store (and Reheat) Spinach, Prosciutto, and Roasted Pepper Calzone
Save any extra calzone for an easy win later! It’s just as delicious for lunch or a no-fuss second dinner.
Refrigerator Storage
Keep any leftover calzone in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to store leftovers within 2 hours of finishing preparation.
Freezer Storage
We don’t recommend storing your calzone in the freezer as the crust may get dense and soggy.
Reheating
Microwave individual slices on high for about 1 minute, then 15-second intervals if needed, until fully heated through. If you’re reheating a large portion of the calzone, place it on baking sheet, cover it with foil so it doesn’t get too dark on top, then reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes.
Spinach, Prosciutto, and Roasted Pepper Calzone
- Prep Time 15 min
- Total 50 min
- Ingredients 8
- Servings 6
Ingredients
- 2 cans (8 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Original Crescent Rolls (8 Count) or 2 cans (8 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Original Crescent Dough Sheet
- 1 box (10 oz) frozen spinach, thawed, squeezed to drain
- 8 oz thinly sliced provolone cheese
- 2 large red bell peppers, roasted, quartered, or 1 jar (12 oz) roasted red bell peppers, drained, quartered
- 4 oz thinly sliced prosciutto
- 2 tablespoons refrigerated basil pesto
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
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Step1
Heat oven to 350°F. Grease large baking sheet.
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Step2
If using crescent rolls: Unroll both cans of dough into 2 long rectangles. Place dough rectangles with long sides together on baking sheet, forming 15x10-inch rectangle. Press edges and perforations to seal. If using dough sheets: Unroll both cans of dough. Place dough rectangles with long sides together on baking sheet, forming 15x10-inch rectangle. Press edges to seal.
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Step3
Place spinach lengthwise in 4-inch-wide strip down center of dough to within 1/2 inch of each end. Top with half of the cheese, the roasted peppers, and prosciutto. Spread pesto over prosciutto. Top with remaining cheese.
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Step4
Bring long sides of dough up over filling, overlapping 1 inch; press edges and ends to seal.
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Step5
In small bowl, beat egg yolk and water until well blended. Brush over top of dough.
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Step6
Bake 25 to 35 minutes or until golden brown. Cut into crosswise slices.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories
- 510
- Calories from Fat
- 280
- Total Fat
- 32g
- 49%
- Saturated Fat
- 13g
- 66%
- Trans Fat
- 4 1/2g
- Cholesterol
- 70mg
- 24%
- Sodium
- 1270mg
- 53%
- Potassium
- 340mg
- 10%
- Total Carbohydrate
- 35g
- 12%
- Dietary Fiber
- 2g
- 9%
- Sugars
- 9g
- Protein
- 22g
% Daily Value*:
- Vitamin A
- 110%
- 110%
- Vitamin C
- 60%
- 60%
- Calcium
- 35%
- 35%
- Iron
- 20%
- 20%
Exchanges:
1 1/2 Starch; 0 Fruit; 1/2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 1 Vegetable; 0 Very Lean Meat; 0 Lean Meat; 2 High-Fat Meat; 3 Fat;Carbohydrate Choice
2Recipe Tips
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