Homemade Calzone Recipe

Introduction

Homemade calzones are a delicious and satisfying twist on traditional pizza. Stuffed with cheese, sauce, and your favorite fillings, they make a perfect meal for any occasion. This recipe is simple and customizable to suit your taste.

Ingredients

• 1 batch of pizza dough
• 1 cup shredded cheese (such as mozzarella or a blend)
• ½ cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
• Your choice of fillings (e.g., pepperoni, sautéed vegetables, cooked sausage)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Roll out the pizza dough into a circle about 10-12 inches in diameter on a lightly floured surface.
3. Step 3: Spread pizza sauce on one half of the dough, leaving a small border around the edge.
4. Step 4: Add cheese and your chosen fillings evenly over the sauce.
5. Step 5: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and pinch the edges together to seal tightly.
6. Step 6: Transfer the calzone to the prepared baking sheet and cut a small slit on top to allow steam to escape.
7. Step 7: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
8. Step 8: Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Brush the calzone crust with olive oil or an egg wash before baking for a golden, shiny finish.
• Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano inside for extra flavor.
• Try different cheeses such as ricotta or provolone for a creamy texture.
• Pre-cook any raw meats or vegetables to avoid excess moisture inside the calzone.

Storage

Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to keep the crust crisp. You can also freeze uncooked calzones for up to 1 month—bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough works perfectly and saves time. Just roll it out and fill as directed.

What fillings work best in a calzone?

Common fillings include pepperoni, mushrooms, spinach, cooked sausage, onions, and olives. Just make sure to avoid overly watery ingredients to keep the crust crisp.

Homemade Calzone Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 54 reviews

This Homemade Calzone recipe features a delicious Italian-style folded pizza stuffed with a savory blend of cheese, flavorful fillings, and tomato sauce. Perfectly golden and crispy on the outside with a warm, gooey inside, it’s an easy yet impressive dish to enjoy for lunch, dinner, or as a hearty snack.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings (1 calzone each) 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

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Pizza Dough

• 1 ball of pizza dough (about 12 oz)

Fillings

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or your preferred meat/vegetable fillings
• 1/2 cup sautéed mushrooms (optional)
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)

Sauce

• 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce

Additional

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to bake the calzone to perfection with a golden crust.
2. Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a circle about 10 to 12 inches in diameter.
3. Add Fillings: Spread the marinara sauce evenly on one half of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge. Layer the shredded mozzarella, ricotta cheese, and your chosen fillings such as pepperoni, mushrooms, and olives on top of the sauce.
4. Fold and Seal: Fold the other half of the dough over the fillings to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly, then crimp or pinch with a fork to seal completely and prevent leaks.
5. Egg Wash and Season: Brush the top of the calzone with the beaten egg for a shiny finish and sprinkle with dried Italian seasoning if using.
6. Bake: Place the calzone on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the calzone to cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving to let the cheese set slightly and avoid burns.

Notes

• You can customize the fillings with vegetables like spinach, bell peppers or cooked sausage to suit your taste.
• Be sure to seal the edges tightly to prevent the sauce or cheese from leaking during baking.
• To make ahead, prepare the calzones and freeze them before baking. Bake directly from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Use a pizza stone or baking steel if available for a crispier crust.

Keywords: calzone, homemade calzone, stuffed pizza, Italian recipes, easy calzone