Calzones are the ultimate comfort food, bursting with cheesy goodness and flavor that can make any day feel like a Friday night pizza party. Picture this: a golden, crispy crust hugging a warm filling of melted cheese, savory meats, and fresh veggies. savory pasta dish with sauce The aroma wafts through your kitchen like an Italian serenade, making it impossible not to drool in anticipation. For more inspiration, check out this Cheesy Beef Wraps Recipe recipe.
Now, let me take you back to a family gathering where my cousin accidentally created the world’s largest calzone. We all gathered around the table, eyes wide open, as she attempted to fold this doughy masterpiece. delicious panini sandwich It was both hilarious and delicious—the perfect blend of laughter and flavors that made that evening unforgettable. Calzones are not just food; they are memories wrapped in dough!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These calzones are incredibly easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings
- Each bite offers a delightful explosion of flavors and textures that everyone will love
- Plus, they look so good that they’ll steal the show on your dinner table
- You can customize them according to your taste or what’s left in your fridge!
I still remember my friends’ faces when I served my first batch of homemade calzones—it was pure joy and disbelief! They couldn’t believe something so delicious could come out of my kitchen.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience or make your own from scratch if you’re feeling adventurous. For more inspiration, check out this Pizza Pie Delight Recipe recipe.
- Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese adds richness; feel free to mix in some herbs for extra flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella is a must for that gooey texture; don’t skimp on this!
- Cooked Meat (e.g., pepperoni or sausage): Choose your favorite meat or go vegetarian with mushrooms or spinach. cheesy pepperoni rolls.
- Fresh Vegetables (e.g., bell peppers or onions): Diced veggies add color and crunch; sauté them slightly beforehand for better flavors.
For the Sauce:
- Marinara Sauce: Use store-bought marinara for convenience or whip up a homemade version for extra flair.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Dough: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). If using store-bought dough, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to make it easier to stretch. Dust your work surface with flour before rolling out the dough into circles about 6 inches wide.
Create the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and your choice of cooked meat and veggies. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs if desired. This filling should be creamy and flavorful—don’t hold back on taste!
Assemble Your Calzones: Take one dough circle and spoon about a generous amount of filling onto one half of the circle, leaving space around the edges for sealing. Fold the other half over and pinch the edges together firmly to prevent any cheesy escapes during baking.
Add Some Flair!: For an extra touch of charm—and let’s be honest, Instagram appeal—brush the tops of each calzone with olive oil and sprinkle some oregano on top. Not only does this enhance flavor, but it also gives them that golden-brown finish we all crave.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Place your calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pop them into your preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until they turn golden brown and puffed up—your kitchen will smell amazing!
Strongly recommend letting them cool slightly before serving because no one likes molten lava cheese burning their tongue!
Now you’re ready to dive into these delightful creations! Whether you’re sharing them at a party or enjoying a cozy night in with Netflix, these calzones will surely become a favorite in your home. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
You Must Know
- Calzones are the ultimate comfort food, combining the goodness of pizza with a portable twist
- Keep your fillings balanced; too much can lead to a calzone explosion!
- The aroma while baking is nothing short of heavenly
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to a scorching 475°F (245°C). Roll out your dough, fill it with your favorite ingredients, and fold. Bake until golden brown for about 15-20 minutes for that perfect crunch.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to get creative with your calzone fillings! Swap out traditional mozzarella for ricotta or even goat cheese. Add veggies like spinach or mushrooms, or spice it up with jalapeños for an exciting kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until they’re warm and crisp again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly sealed calzones, make sure you crimp the edges tightly; no one wants a filling leak!
- Experiment with different sauces on the side—pizza sauce, ranch, or even hot honey work wonders
Cooking calzones reminds me of the first batch I made for my friends’ game night—it was chaos in the kitchen, but their smiles were worth every flour-covered moment!
FAQ
What is the best dough recipe for calzones?
Homemade pizza dough works wonders for calzones. Use bread flour for a chewier texture or all-purpose flour for a softer bite. fresh homemade bread Let it rise well for maximum fluffiness while baking.
Can I freeze unbaked calzones?
Absolutely! Freeze them before baking for up to three months. Just wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn and bake directly from frozen when you’re ready.
How do I know when my calzone is done baking?
Look for a beautiful golden brown crust—this indicates it is cooked through. You can also use a thermometer; an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) ensures everything inside is hot and tasty!
Calzones
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 4 servings 1x
Description
Calzones are the ultimate comfort food, offering a delicious blend of cheesy goodness, savory meats, and fresh vegetables all wrapped in a golden crust. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, these delightful pockets of flavor are not just a meal; they’re an experience that brings friends and family together. With endless filling options and easy-to-follow steps, making homemade calzones will elevate any dining occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cooked meat (pepperoni or sausage)
- 1 cup fresh vegetables (bell peppers or onions)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Let store-bought dough sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Roll it out into six-inch circles on a floured surface.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, cooked meat, and veggies. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Spoon filling onto one half of each dough circle. Fold the other half over and pinch edges tightly to seal.
- Brush tops with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano.
- Bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 940mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
