Calzones are like little pockets of happiness, and when you bite into one, the melty cheese, savory meats, and aromatic herbs create a flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds. Imagine the golden crust giving way to a gooey interior filled with your favorite ingredients—it’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a game night or indulging in a cozy movie marathon, these calzones are the perfect addition to any occasion.
Every time I make a calzone, I’m reminded of that epic pizza night with friends where we decided to get creative. As we laughed and argued about toppings, the kitchen transformed into our culinary playground. The anticipation of biting into those warm, cheesy parcels keeps me coming back for more. Let’s dive into this calzone recipe that promises to bring joy to your table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This calzone recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- Bursting with flavors from gooey cheese to savory fillings, each bite is a taste sensation
- Visually appealing and golden brown, these calzones will impress anyone at your dinner table
- They are versatile too; fill them with whatever you have on hand or what you crave!
Every time I serve these calzones, the smiles on my family’s faces say it all—the ultimate crowd-pleaser!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Pizza Dough: You can buy pre-made dough or whip up your own for an authentic touch.
Ricotta Cheese: Choose creamy ricotta for a rich filling that adds moisture and flavor.
Shredded Mozzarella: Use whole-milk mozzarella for its meltability and gooey texture.
Your Favorite Fillings: Think pepperoni, veggies, or chicken—mix it up according to your taste buds!
Olive Oil: Brush the outside with olive oil for a beautifully golden crust.
Italian Seasoning: A sprinkle of this blend enhances the overall flavor profile beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare the Dough: Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). If using store-bought dough, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling out.
Create the Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and your choice of fillings. Add Italian seasoning and mix until well blended; this step brings all those delicious flavors together.
Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out dough into circles about 6 inches in diameter. Make sure not to roll too thin as you want them sturdy enough to hold all that goodness inside.
Add the Filling: Spoon the filling onto one half of each dough circle. Leave some space around the edges so you can fold them over without spilling.
Seal and Bake: Fold the dough over and crimp edges tightly with a fork or pinch them together. Brush each calzone with olive oil for that golden finish before placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Pop them in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy on top. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be enough to drive anyone wild!
Enjoy every cheesy bite of these delightful calzones—your taste buds will thank you!
You Must Know
- Mastering this calzone recipe means crafting the perfect balance of dough and filling
- Keep it fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside for a truly delightful bite
- Plus, don’t forget to seal those edges tightly—a calzone explosion is not what you want!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your dough, letting it rise while you mix your fillings. Roll out the dough evenly before adding the filling and folding it over to create that iconic half-moon shape. Bake until golden brown for best results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out traditional mozzarella for ricotta or even vegan cheese. Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano for an aromatic twist. Experimenting with fillings can lead to unique flavor combinations that suit your taste buds perfectly.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through for that freshly baked taste, ensuring a delightful crunch each time.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve a golden crust, brush your calzones with olive oil before baking; it’s a simple trick that adds flavor and color
- Always allow your dough to rest; this will make rolling easier and prevent shrinkage
- Experiment with different fillings—your creativity knows no bounds!
Cooking these calzones always takes me back to family gatherings where laughter filled the air as we enjoyed our creations together. The joy of sharing food is truly unmatched.
FAQ
What type of cheese works best for a calzone recipe?
Mozzarella is classic, but ricotta or provolone can add unique flavors too.
Can I freeze my calzones after baking?
Yes, freeze them individually to maintain freshness and reheat straight from frozen.
How do I prevent my calzone from leaking?
Seal edges tightly and avoid overstuffing to keep all that delicious filling inside.
Calzones
Calzones are delightful stuffed pockets that deliver a burst of flavor with every bite. With a golden, crispy crust and a gooey, savory filling of cheese and your favorite ingredients, they make an irresistible addition to any meal or gathering. Perfect for game nights or cozy evenings at home, this easy calzone recipe promises a satisfying experience for everyone at your table.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (2 calzones per serving) 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup assorted fillings (pepperoni, veggies, chicken)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Allow store-bought dough to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, mozzarella, assorted fillings, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface into circles about 6 inches in diameter.
- Spoon filling onto half of each circle, leaving space around the edges.
- Fold the dough over the filling and crimp edges tightly with a fork. Brush with olive oil.
- Place calzones on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
