Homemade Calzone Recipe

Introduction

Homemade calzones are a delicious and satisfying twist on traditional pizza, offering a handheld meal filled with your favorite ingredients. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a weekend treat.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough (enough for one large calzone)
• Cheese (such as mozzarella, 1 to 1½ cups shredded)
• Pizza sauce (about ½ cup)
• Fillings of your choice (e.g., pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, cooked sausage)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a roughly 12-inch circle.
2. Step 2: Spoon pizza sauce over half of the dough, leaving a border around the edge. Add cheese and your chosen fillings evenly on top of the sauce.
3. Step 3: Fold the dough over the fillings to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly and crimp to seal.
4. Step 4: Transfer the calzone to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Optionally, brush the top with olive oil for a golden crust.
5. Step 5: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the calzone is golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
6. Step 6: Let the calzone cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and ricotta for extra richness.
• Swap pizza sauce with pesto or white garlic sauce for a different flavor.
• Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano inside for more aroma and taste.
• To prevent sogginess, avoid overly watery vegetables or cook them before adding.

Storage

Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to retain crispness, or microwave for a quicker but softer result.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze homemade calzones?

Yes, calzones freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.

What dough works best for calzones?

A traditional pizza dough made with flour, yeast, water, salt, and olive oil works best. Store-bought pizza dough or even bread dough can also be used effectively.

Homemade Calzone Recipe

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4.7 from 81 reviews

This homemade calzone recipe features a delicious and customizable Italian stuffed bread filled with melty cheese, savory sauce, and your favorite fillings. Perfectly baked until golden brown, this hearty calzone makes for a satisfying meal that is easy to prepare and sure to impress.

• Author: Ria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 large calzones (serves 2–3 people) 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Calzone Dough

• 1 lb pizza dough

Filling

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup marinara pizza sauce
• Your choice of fillings (sliced pepperoni, cooked sausage, sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, etc.) – about 1 cup total
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the dough: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter to form the calzone base.
2. Add the filling: Spread half the marinara sauce over one half of the dough, leaving a small border around the edge. Layer the cheeses evenly over the sauce, then add your desired fillings on top.
3. Seal the calzone: Fold the empty half of the dough over the filling to form a semicircle. Press the edges firmly to seal, and crimp with a fork to ensure no filling leaks during baking.
4. Prepare for baking: Transfer the calzone onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the top lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with dried Italian herbs for extra flavor if desired.
5. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the calzone is golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
6. Serve: Let the calzone cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

• You can customize the fillings based on your dietary preferences, including substituting cheeses or using vegetarian options.
• Make sure to seal the edges well to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking.
• Use a pizza stone if available to get a crispier crust.
• Leftover calzones can be reheated in the oven for best texture retention.

Keywords: homemade calzone, Italian stuffed bread, baked calzone, pizza dough recipe, calzone filling