Calzone

Introduction

Calzone is a delicious Italian turnover filled with cheese, meats, and vegetables, offering a crispy, golden crust with a gooey, flavorful interior. Originating from Naples, this folded pizza is a versatile meal that can be customized with a variety of fillings.

I first made calzones when I wanted to try something different from the usual pizza, and they quickly became a favorite in our house. The dough bakes up perfectly crisp on the outside, while the melted cheese and savory ingredients on the inside create a mouthwatering bite. What’s great about calzones is how easy it is to personalize them to your taste—whether you prefer pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, or even spinach and ricotta, the possibilities are endless.

Whether baked or fried, calzones make for a satisfying lunch, dinner, or snack. They are perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or even a fun twist on traditional pizza night. With a side of marinara sauce for dipping, these calzones are a treat that’s sure to please everyone!

Perfect for:

• Quick and satisfying meals
• Family-friendly dinners
• Meal prepping
• Game nights and gatherings
• Pizza lovers looking for a twist

Why You’ll Love This Calzone

Here’s why calzones are a must-try:

• Crispy and Golden Crust: The dough bakes to a perfect golden brown, creating a crispy shell that holds in all the delicious fillings.
• Cheesy and Flavorful: Packed with gooey mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan, every bite is rich and satisfying.
• Customizable: You can fill your calzone with endless combinations of meats, vegetables, and cheeses.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, anyone can make calzones at home.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make extra and freeze them for a quick and delicious meal later.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 calzones
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 18g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make calzones:

For the Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• ¾ cup warm water (110°F)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Filling:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup cooked sausage or pepperoni (optional)
• ½ cup sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers (optional)

For Assembly:

• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
• ½ cup marinara sauce (for dipping)

Ingredient Highlights

• Pizza Dough: The base of any good calzone, homemade dough gives the best texture and flavor, but store-bought dough works too.
• Cheese Trio: A combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan provides a creamy, melty, and flavorful filling.
• Fillings: Traditional calzones include Italian meats like pepperoni or sausage, but vegetables like spinach and mushrooms add freshness.
• Egg Wash: Brushing with egg wash before baking gives the calzone a beautiful golden crust.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Let it Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling:

5. Mix the Cheeses: In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
6. Add Your Fillings: Mix in cooked sausage, pepperoni, or sautéed vegetables if using.

Shape and Fill the Calzones:

7. Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Divide and Roll: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle about ¼ inch thick.
9. Fill: Spoon the cheese mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a ½-inch border.
10. Fold and Seal: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly and crimp with a fork or twist to seal.

Bake the Calzones:

11. Brush with Egg Wash: Lightly brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
12. Bake: Place calzones on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
13. Cool and Serve: Let them cool slightly before serving with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

How to Serve Calzone

Calzones are delicious on their own or paired with sides for a complete meal:

• With Marinara Sauce: Serve warm with a side of marinara for dipping.
• With a Salad: A fresh green salad balances the richness of the calzone.
• As a Party Appetizer: Make mini calzones for an easy-to-share snack.
• With Soup: Pair with tomato soup for a comforting meal.
• With Garlic Butter: Brush with garlic butter before serving for extra flavor.

Additional Tips for Calzone

Here are some tips to ensure your calzones turn out perfectly:

• Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can cause the calzone to burst open while baking.
• Use a Fork to Seal: Pressing the edges with a fork helps prevent leaks.
• Let the Dough Rest: If the dough keeps shrinking while rolling, let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
• Try Different Cheeses: Experiment with provolone, cheddar, or feta for different flavors.
• Bake on a Pizza Stone: This helps achieve an extra crispy bottom.
• Freeze for Later: Make extra calzones and freeze them before baking. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Recipe Variations for Calzone

Try these different calzone variations:

• Meat Lover’s Calzone: Stuff with pepperoni, sausage, ham, and extra cheese.
• Vegetarian Calzone: Fill with spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives.
• Buffalo Chicken Calzone: Use shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and blue cheese.
• Breakfast Calzone: Fill with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheddar cheese.
• Hawaiian Calzone: Combine ham, pineapple, and mozzarella for a sweet-savory twist.
• BBQ Chicken Calzone: Use BBQ sauce, chicken, red onion, and smoked gouda.
• Margarita Calzone: Keep it simple with fresh basil, tomatoes, and mozzarella.
• Mushroom and Truffle Oil Calzone: Add sautéed mushrooms and a drizzle of truffle oil for a gourmet touch.
• Pesto Chicken Calzone: Use pesto, grilled chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes for an herby flavor.
• Cheeseburger Calzone: Fill with ground beef, cheddar cheese, pickles, and a bit of ketchup and mustard.

Freezing and Storage for Calzone

• Freezing: Assemble the calzones but don’t bake them. Freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen at 425°F, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.
• Storage: Store baked calzones in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.

Special Equipment for Calzone

Here are some tools that make preparing calzones easier:

• Pizza Stone – For evenly baking the dough and getting a crisp crust.
• Rolling Pin – To roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
• Pastry Brush – For brushing olive oil or egg wash on the calzone before baking.
• Pizza Cutter – To easily slice the calzone after it’s baked.
• Oven Mitts – To handle hot trays and pans safely.
• Parchment Paper – To prevent the calzone from sticking to the baking surface.
• Baking Sheet – A flat, sturdy surface for placing the calzone in the oven.
• Mixing Bowls – For mixing dough ingredients or preparing fillings.
• Dough Scraper – To divide and handle the dough with precision.
• Thermometer – To check the internal temperature of the calzone to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Frequently Asked Questions for Calzone

• Can I eat a calzone cold?
  • While calzones are best served hot, you can eat them cold if you prefer. However, reheating them in an oven or microwave can enhance the flavor and texture.

• Can a calzone be frozen?
  Yes, you can freeze uncooked or cooked calzones. To freeze uncooked, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To reheat, bake from frozen.
• What dipping sauces go well with a calzone?
  Popular dipping sauces for calzones include marinara, garlic butter, ranch, or a spicy arrabbiata sauce.
• How do I make a calzone crispy?
  To make your calzone crispy, bake it at a high temperature (around 400°F or 200°C) for 15-20 minutes, and consider brushing the dough with olive oil before baking
• Can a calzone be made vegetarian?
  Yes, you can make a vegetarian calzone by using a variety of vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, onions, peppers, and olives, along with cheese.

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Conclusion

Calzones are a fun, portable way to enjoy all your favorite pizza flavors in a convenient, handheld form. Whether you stick to classic fillings or get creative with new combinations, this recipe is easy to customize to suit your taste. Baked to golden perfection, they’re perfect for any occasion.

Serve them fresh out of the oven with a side of marinara sauce, and you’ve got a comforting, satisfying meal that everyone will love. The crispy, cheesy goodness makes every bite irresistible!

I’d love to see how your Calzones turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your mouthwatering creations. Enjoy your cooking!