Calzone Recipe with Pizza Dough: Your Ticket to Italian Comfort Food!

Craving something warm, cheesy, and utterly satisfying? Look no further than a homemade calzone! This recipe takes the familiar comfort of pizza and transforms it into a delightful pocket of deliciousness. Imagine biting into a golden-brown crust, revealing a steaming interior filled with melted cheese, savory meats, and flavorful vegetables. It’s portable, customizable, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe uses readily available pizza dough, making it a surprisingly easy and quick meal to prepare, even on a busy weeknight. Get ready to ditch the delivery menu and embrace the joy of homemade calzones!

Why This Recipe Works

This calzone recipe is designed for success, even for beginner bakers. Here’s why it’s a winner:

• Pizza Dough Simplicity: Using pre-made or store-bought pizza dough cuts down on preparation time significantly. You can, of course, use your favorite homemade pizza dough recipe if you prefer!
• Customizable Filling: The filling ingredients are completely adaptable to your preferences. We provide a classic combination, but feel free to swap in your favorite pizza toppings.
• Easy Shaping: The folding and sealing technique is straightforward, ensuring a well-sealed calzone that won’t burst open during baking.
• High-Heat Baking: Baking at a high temperature creates a crispy, golden-brown crust and ensures the filling is heated through quickly.
• Egg Wash Finish: A simple egg wash adds a beautiful sheen and promotes even browning.

Ingredients

• 1 pound pizza dough: Store-bought or homemade, brought to room temperature.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese: Whole milk or part-skim, drained if necessary.
• 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese: Freshly grated is best for flavor and melting.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor.
• 1/4 cup pepperoni: Sliced or diced.
• 1/4 cup cooked Italian sausage: Crumbled.
• 1/4 cup sauteed mushrooms: Optional, but adds great flavor.
• 1/4 cup pizza sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade.
• 1 large egg: Beaten, for egg wash.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For brushing the baking sheet.
• Optional toppings: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes for sprinkling on top.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet with olive oil. On a lightly floured surface, divide the pizza dough in half.
2. Shape the Calzones: Roll each piece of dough into a 10-inch circle. The dough should be thin, but not so thin that it tears easily.
3. Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
4. Assemble the Calzones: Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1-inch border.
5. Add the Toppings: Spoon half of the cheese mixture over the pizza sauce on each dough circle. Top with half of the pepperoni, sausage, and mushrooms (if using).
6. Fold and Seal: Carefully fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges firmly to seal, crimping with a fork for extra security. This is crucial to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
7. Egg Wash: Brush the top of each calzone with the beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color.
8. Optional Toppings (Again!): Sprinkle the tops of the calzones with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and/or red pepper flakes, if desired.
9. Bake: Carefully transfer the calzones to the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
10. Cool and Serve: Let the calzones cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy with extra pizza sauce for dipping!

Tips for Success

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your calzones turn out perfectly:

• Don’t Overfill: Overfilling the calzones is a common mistake that can lead to bursting. Be generous with the filling, but don’t go overboard.
• Seal Tightly: A properly sealed calzone is essential to prevent leaks. Pinch the edges firmly and crimp with a fork for the best results.
• Preheat the Oven: A hot oven is crucial for a crispy crust. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking.
• Use Room Temperature Dough: Room temperature dough is easier to work with and will rise more evenly.
• Drain Excess Moisture: If your ricotta cheese is particularly watery, drain it through a cheesecloth or paper towel before using. This will prevent the calzones from becoming soggy.
• Experiment with Fillings: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your fillings! Try different combinations of cheeses, meats, and vegetables. Some other great options include spinach, olives, bell peppers, and ham.
• Dock the Dough: Before baking, you can use a fork to poke a few small holes (docking) in the top of the calzone. This helps prevent steam from building up inside and causing the crust to burst.

Storage Instructions

To Store: Leftover calzones can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To Reheat: Reheat calzones in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a microwave, but the crust will not be as crispy.

To Freeze: Calzones can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. To reheat from frozen, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed above.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute other cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even a blend of Italian cheeses.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Of course! Simply omit the meat and add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, peppers, and onions.

My dough is too sticky, what should I do?

Add a little more flour to your work surface and your hands. Be careful not to add too much, as this can make the dough tough.

Can I make mini calzones?

Yes! Divide the dough into smaller portions and adjust the baking time accordingly. Mini calzones are perfect for appetizers or parties.

The filling leaked out during baking, what did I do wrong?

Make sure you’re sealing the edges of the calzone tightly. Crimp with a fork for extra security. Also, avoid overfilling the calzone.

Conclusion

This calzone recipe using pizza dough is a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal effort. The customizable filling options make it a versatile dish that can be tailored to your family’s preferences. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the joy of homemade calzones. Enjoy!