If you’re craving the cheesy, saucy goodness of pizza but want something a little more portable, let me introduce you to the calzone. Imagine all your favorite pizza toppings folded into a soft, golden crust, creating a pocket of deliciousness that’s perfect for dipping or eating on the go. Whether you’re looking for a fun family meal or something to impress at your next dinner party, these calzones are sure to become a new favorite. Trust me once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked.

Why You’ll Love Calzone

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Customize your calzone with any fillings you love meat, veggies, cheese, or even a sweet version with Nutella.

Budget-Friendly: Made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. No need to splurge on fancy ingredients.

Quick and Easy: Whip these up in under an hour and have dinner ready in no time.

Customizable: Add your favorite fillings, adjust the cheese-to-sauce ratio, or even make a vegetarian version.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. This handheld pizza pocket is a fun, interactive way to enjoy all the flavors you love. Plus, it’s perfect for dipping in marinara sauce or ranch dressing.

Ingredients

Ingredients in Calzone

Here’s what makes this calzone come together simple yet flavorful ingredients:

Pizza Dough: The soft, pillowy base of the calzone. You can use store-bought dough for ease or make your own if you’re feeling ambitious.

Mozzarella Cheese: The classic melty cheese that creates that irresistible stretch.

Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess and a rich texture to balance out the mozzarella.

Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of sharpness that takes the flavor up a notch.

Pepperoni or Sausage (Optional): A little extra protein for a heartier calzone.

Mushrooms, Bell Peppers, or Onions (Optional): Add veggies for a more well-rounded filling.

Marinara Sauce: For dipping, because no calzone is complete without it!

Olive Oil and Garlic: Brush the calzone with garlic-infused olive oil for a golden, fragrant finish.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Preheat Your Equipment

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the calzone from sticking.

Prepare the Dough

Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. If using store-bought dough, you may need to roll it out a bit more, depending on the size of your calzone.

Assemble the Calzone

On one half of the dough, layer the mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, and any fillings you’re using (pepperoni, veggies, etc.). Be sure to leave about an inch of space around the edges for sealing.

Fold and Seal

Fold the dough over the fillings to form a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges together firmly to seal, and then crimp the edges with a fork to ensure nothing leaks out while baking.

Brush and Bake

In a small bowl, mix olive oil and minced garlic. Brush the olive oil mixture over the top of the calzone for a shiny, golden crust. Place the calzone on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Finishing Touches

Remove the calzone from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This gives the cheese a chance to firm up a bit and prevents you from burning your mouth!

Serve and Enjoy

Slice and serve your calzone with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. It’s the perfect handheld dinner or snack.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
(Note: These values are approximate.)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Calzone

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• Serve with a crisp green salad for a light, refreshing side.
• Pair with extra marinara sauce for dipping—because why not?
• Serve with roasted vegetables or garlic bread for a hearty meal.
• Enjoy with a glass of red wine or sparkling water to balance out the richness.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• If you like extra crispy crust, brush the bottom of the calzone with a little olive oil before baking.
• Don’t overstuff the calzone! Leave some space at the edges for easier sealing.
• Make mini calzones for a fun appetizer or party snack bake them for about 12-15 minutes.
• If you’re short on time, use pre-made marinara sauce or pesto for a quick dip.
• You can freeze uncooked calzones for up to a month just bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

FAQs

1 Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes! Store-bought dough works perfectly if you’re short on time.

2 What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
You can substitute with cream cheese, mascarpone, or even a little bit of sour cream for a similar creamy texture.

3 Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the meats and add more veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or olives.

4 How do I keep the calzone from getting soggy?
Be sure to drain any vegetables (like mushrooms or spinach) well before adding them to the filling to prevent excess moisture.

5 Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the calzones ahead of time, refrigerate them, and then bake when ready to serve.

6 How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the crust crispy.

7 Can I freeze calzones?
Yes! Freeze uncooked calzones on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen.

8 Can I add a sauce inside the calzone?
Yes, you can add a little marinara sauce inside, but be careful not to overfill. It may make sealing the dough harder.

9 How do I make the crust extra crispy?
For a crispier crust, bake the calzone on a pizza stone or preheated baking sheet.

10 What other fillings can I use?
The sky’s the limit! Try adding grilled chicken, olives, spinach, or even a blend of cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella.

Conclusion

Calzones are the perfect meal for pizza lovers who want something a little more exciting, portable, and oh-so-satisfying. With a crisp golden crust and a gooey, cheesy filling, they’re the ideal comfort food. Customize with your favorite fillings, dip in some marinara sauce, and enjoy every bite. Whether you’re serving them for dinner or at your next get-together, these calzones will definitely be a hit. Get baking and enjoy!

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