Skip the delivery and impress your family with these irresistible homemade spicy calzones that are bursting with flavor. Each bite is packed with savory sausage, gooey melted cheese, zesty pepperoni, and a touch of heat from smoked sausage—all wrapped up in golden-baked pizza dough. These cheesy logs are perfect for sharing, and even better for devouring. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or game day treat, this recipe makes two hearty calzones that are sure to disappear fast!
Ingredients for Spicy Sausage and Pepperoni Calzones
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1 lb ground beef or sausage (450 g)
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24 slices mozzarella cheese
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12 slices pepperoni
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1/2 lb spicy smoked sausage (such as Conecuh), sliced (225 g)
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1 jar spaghetti sauce (16-24 oz) [470–710 ml] – Paul Newman’s Garlic & Herb recommended
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2 cans Pillsbury pizza dough
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3/4 tablespoon butter, melted (11 g)
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1 small onion, chopped
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1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper (2.5 g each)
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2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (16 g)
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (2 g)
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1 medium bell pepper, chopped
How to Make Spicy Sausage and Pepperoni Calzones
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In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage together with the chopped onion and bell pepper. Add the sliced smoked sausage. (Feel free to substitute or add other meats like Italian sausage.) Drain excess fat.
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Pour in about 3/4 of the jar of spaghetti sauce (approximately 12–18 oz or 350–530 ml), reserving the rest for dipping later.
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Season the meat mixture with salt, pepper, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine.
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Lightly grease a jelly roll pan (approximately 10×15 inches or 25×38 centimeters) with cooking spray. Roll out the pizza dough into your preferred shape—square or round.
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Layer half of the mozzarella slices across each piece of dough, followed by the pepperoni slices.
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Spoon the meat and sauce mixture down the center of the dough over the cheese and pepperoni layer.
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If using square dough, fold one long side over the filling, then the other, overlapping slightly. Tuck in the ends and flip the calzone seam-side down. For round dough, fold it over the filling like a crescent and pinch the edges to seal.
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Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
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Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
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While the calzones are baking, warm the remaining spaghetti sauce in a small saucepan over medium-low heat for dipping or drizzling.
Finishing Touches for a Flavor-Packed Meal
These calzones are the perfect balance of spicy, cheesy, and savory—all encased in golden, fluffy dough. Serve them hot from the oven with warm marinara on the side for dipping, and you’ve got a meal everyone will rave about. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or freezing one for later, this is a recipe that’ll earn a permanent place in your dinner rotation. Forget takeout—homemade calzones are where it’s at!
