Easy Calzone Recipe

Introduction

Easy Calzone is a delightful and satisfying Italian dish that combines all your favorite pizza flavors wrapped in a golden, crispy crust. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a fun meal to share with family and friends.

Ingredients

• 2 lb pizza dough
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup pepperoni
• 1/2 cup salami
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 475 °F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Step 3: On half of each dough circle, spread a layer of pizza sauce, then add the ricotta cheese, pepperoni, salami, and shredded mozzarella. Leave the edges of the dough clean for sealing.
4. Step 4: Fold the empty side of the dough over the filling and crimp the edges firmly to seal each calzone.
5. Step 5: Place the calzones on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart. Cut a small vent on the top of each to allow steam to escape.
6. Step 6: Brush the tops with oil and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the calzones are golden brown and cooked through.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian option, substitute pepperoni and salami with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or your favorite veggies.
• Use a mix of cheeses like provolone or gouda to add depth of flavor.
• For a crispier crust, brush the dough edges with an egg wash before baking.

Storage

Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350 °F for 8-10 minutes or until warmed through to keep the crust crispy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze calzones before baking?

Yes, you can freeze assembled calzones by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?

You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture, adjusting seasoning as needed.

Easy Calzone Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 117 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 calzones 1x

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Description

This Easy Calzone recipe offers a delicious and straightforward way to enjoy a classic Italian stuffed pizza pocket filled with savory meats and cheeses. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, these calzones are crispy on the outside with a melty, flavorful filling, making them an excellent meal for any pizza lover.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pizza Dough

• 2 lb pizza dough

Filling

• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup pepperoni, sliced
• 1/2 cup salami, sliced
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese

Topping

• 2 tbsp oil (for brushing)
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475 °F. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or spraying it lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Dough: Divide the pizza dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece out into a circle about 1/4 inch thick to form the base for each calzone.
3. Add Filling: Spoon the pizza sauce onto half of each dough circle. Layer with ricotta cheese, pepperoni, salami, and shredded mozzarella, leaving the edges clear to allow sealing.
4. Seal Calzones: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, then crimp the edges firmly to seal your calzone and prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
5. Prepare for Baking: Place the sealed calzones on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart. Cut a small vent on the top of each to allow steam to escape while baking. Brush the tops with oil and sprinkle generously with parmesan cheese.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and serve warm.

Notes

• You can substitute pepperoni and salami with other favorite fillings such as mushrooms, spinach, or cooked sausage to customize your calzone.
• Ensure the edges of the dough are sealed tightly to prevent sauce from leaking during baking.
• For a crispier crust, brush the outside with egg wash instead of oil before sprinkling parmesan cheese.
• Let the calzones cool slightly before eating to avoid burning your mouth with hot filling.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: calzone, pizza pocket, Italian recipe, stuffed pizza, easy calzone, homemade pizza dough, baked calzone