Calzone Recipe | Easy Homemade Calzone

If you're a fan of the savory combination of melted cheese, rich tomato sauce, and a variety of tasty fillings all encased in a crispy, golden crust, you're in for a treat! Learn how to make the easiest Calzone at home. You'll achieve that perfect balance between a crispy exterior and flavorful interior while indulging in a delightful Italian classic.

Why You'll Love This Hearty Recipe

• Fast. Ready in under 45 minutes with simple ingredients.
• Easy. Prepare the dough, add your favorite fillings, and bake until golden brown.
• Customizable. Fill with your favorite ingredients for a personalized touch.
• Delicious. Packed with flavors that are absolutely irresistible.

With this easy recipe, you've achieved a restaurant-quality dish that will leave your friends and family craving more. Whether you're hosting a casual dinner or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal, these calzones are guaranteed to be a hit.

Is Calzone Dough Different Than Pizza Dough?

While the dough for calzones and pizza is fundamentally the same, the differences lie in the preparation, thickness, and baking process. Now that you know, you can enjoy making both with confidence!

How Do You Fold Dough Into A Calzone?

Gently lift the empty half of the dough and fold it over the filled side, aligning the edges. The dough should now resemble a half-moon shape.

Press the edges together to seal. To ensure a tight seal and prevent the calzone from opening during baking, crimp the edges with a fork or twist and fold the edges over each other (similar to crimping a pie crust).

Using a knife or dough cutter, make a couple of small slits on the top of the calzone. This allows steam to escape and prevents the calzone from becoming soggy.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Pizza Dough You can use store-bought or homemade pizza dough for the calzone crust.
• Tomato Sauce- Use your favorite marinara or pizza sauce for the base.
• Mozzarella Cheese- Melts perfectly to give that classic cheesy goodness.
• Ricotta Cheese- Adds creaminess and richness to the filling.
• Pepperoni- For a traditional flavor, but you can use any meat or keep it vegetarian.
• Vegetables- Bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms add color and flavor.
• Olive Oil- To brush on top for a golden, crispy crust.
• Italian Seasoning- Adds a burst of flavor to the calzone.

How To Make This Calzone Recipe

1. Preheat the Oven. Preheat your oven to 450°F.
2. Prepare the Dough. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a large circle.
3. Prepare the Filling. In a bowl, mix mozzarella, ricotta, pepperoni, and vegetables. Add a spoonful of tomato sauce and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
4. Add the Filling. Place the filling mixture on one half of the dough circle, leaving a border around the edge.
5. Fold and Seal. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges to seal, and use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
6. Brush with Olive Oil. Brush the top of each calzone with olive oil for a golden finish.
7. Bake. Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

Tips And Tricks

Making homemade calzones is a fun and delicious endeavor, and a few tips and tricks can help you achieve the best possible results. Here are some pointers to ensure your calzones turn out crispy, flavorful, and utterly irresistible:

• Use Chilled Dough. Cold dough is easier to handle and roll out.
• Don't Overfill. Less is more when it comes to filling your calzones to avoid leaks.
• Vent the Calzones. Make small slits on top to allow steam to escape, preventing soggy dough.
• Experiment with Fillings. Try different cheeses, meats, and vegetables to create your perfect calzone.

Variations

If you're a fan of calzones and want to try some creative variations, here are a few delicious ideas to explore:

• Spicy Sausage- Spicy Italian sausage, jalapeños, and pepper jack cheese. Follow the same steps, substituting the filling ingredients.
• Veggie Lovers- Spinach, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese. Follow the same steps, substituting the filling ingredients.
• BBQ Chicken- Shredded BBQ chicken, red onions, and cheddar cheese. Follow the same steps, substituting the filling ingredients.

What To Eat With This Calzone Recipe

Calzones are a hearty and savory dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are some delicious options to consider serving alongside them:

• Salad- A fresh green salad or Caesar salad complements the richness of the calzone.
• Garlic Bread- Perfect for dipping into extra tomato sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables- A healthy and flavorful side dish.

How Long Does It Last?

Cooked calzones can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors may intensify over time, so for the best bite, they are best enjoyed as soon as possible.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes, you can freeze calzones to extend their shelf life and enjoy them at a later time. Freezing is a great way to preserve the flavors and texture.

• Cool Completely. Let the calzones cool completely.
• Wrap Individually. Wrap each calzone in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze. Place the wrapped calzones in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 to 3 months.

To reheat, bake the frozen calzones at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through.

More Italian-Inspired Recipes

• Cajun Chicken Alfredo
• Keto Pizza Casserole
• Italian Stuffed Steak Rolls
• Texas Toast Garlic Bread
• Antipasto Salad

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