If you like pepperoni pizza, cheese, and biscuits, then you’ll love my simple Calzone Pinwheels. Calzone Pinwheels are biscuits packed with cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, bell pepper, onion, and seasonings, and are popular among kids and adults! Done in less than a half hour, these are surely going to be the newest addition to your weekly dinner rotation. You will not be able to eat just two of these insanely addicting Calzone Pinwheels!
They even contain diced bell pepper and onion, perfect for the pickiest eaters who won’t even notice that they’re in the pinwheels. This is a fun family friendly finger food dinner as well as a wonderful game day or party appetizer. It also makes one popular Christmas party appetizer! Serve your delicious Calzone Pinwheels with warm marinara for the best flavor combinations. These modified pizza roll pinwheels never last long in my house! If you like these, then you’ll love my Cheesy Pizza Taco Sticks and Pizza Monkey Bread recipes!
What is a Calzone?
According to Food Network’s article, calzones are a variation of a pizza and is made with pizza dough and stuffed with cheese. Calzones can be customized with any ingredient you wish, but normally contain typical pizza toppings such as pepperoni, sausage, cheese, and diced vegetables such as bell pepper and onion.
Further, Food Network’s article states a calzone is an Italian dish that features a circular piece of bread dough that is normally folded in half over a filling that includes cheeses, cured meat, chopped veggies, and pizza marinara as a dipping sauce.
Ingredients in Calzone Pinwheels
Cream cheese. Make sure you soften the cream cheese to room temperature. Alternatively, heat cold cream cheese in a microwave-safe container for 30 seconds to soften it.
Mozzarella. Mozzarella tastes best when it’s freshly grated or shredded.
Parmesan cheese. Freshly grate Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
Pepperoni. Dice pepperoni and mix it in with the cheeses and seasonings.
Green bell pepper. Dice a small to medium sized green bell pepper or about ¼ cup.
Onion. Dice 3 tablespoons of a white or yellow onion.
Italian seasoning. Italian seasoning is used in the cheese mixture and is sprinkled on top of the rolls before baking.
Salt. Salt helps season the Calzone Pinwheels.
Black pepper. Although black pepper can be used, this recipe tastes best with freshly cracked black pepper.
Garlic powder. Just a smidge provides lots of flavor.
Crescent rolls. Buy refrigerated Crescent Rolls which are also made by Pillsbury.
Parsley. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a refreshing taste.
Marinara. Serve with a side of warm pizza marinara sauce.
How to make the best Calzone Pinwheels
STEP 1: Preheat your oven. Stir the cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, pepperoni, bell pepper, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl until well combined.
STEP 2: Spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Unroll the dough onto the baking sheet. Pinch the seams of two pieces to form a rectangle, forming four rectangles. Place them evenly spaced apart on the baking sheet.
STEP 3: Spoon the cheese mixture evenly onto the four rectangles.
STEP 4: Roll them up, jelly roll style, starting with the short side. Use a serrated knife to cut each roll into 4 pieces each, for a total of 16 pieces.
STEP 5: Evenly space the rolls apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 13-17 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Garnish with parsley. Serve with warm marinara as a dip.
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Vegetarian Lasagna with Kale and Carrots
Final Thoughts
Finally, if you make these Calzone Pinwheels, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this recipe and always try my best to respond to all comments.
If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your recipe photos!
Calzone Pinwheels
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 oz. cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1/2 c mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/2 c Parmesan cheese shredded
- 1/2 c pepperoni diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced and seeded
- 3 tbsp onion diced
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper freshly cracked
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 8 oz. Crescent Rolls
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
- Stir the cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, pepperoni, bell pepper, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a medium bowl.
- Spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Unroll the dough onto the baking sheet. Pinch the seams of 2 pieces to form a rectangle, forming 4 rectangles. Evenly space them apart on the baking sheet. Use a rubber spatula or spoon to spoon the cheese mixture evenly onto the 4 rectangles. Roll them up, jelly roll style, starting with the short side. Use a serrated knife to cut each roll into 4 pieces each, for a total of 16 pieces.
- Evenly space the rolls apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 13-17 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Garnish with parsley. Serve with warm marinara as a dip.
- If you make this, don't forget to leave a rating and comment!
Notes
Nutrition (per serving)
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