Try This No-Fail Homemade Calzone Recipe Today

Pizza nights just got way more exciting with this incredible homemade calzone that promises pure deliciousness!

Crispy golden dough wraps around melted cheese and savory fillings in a way that makes everyone smile.

Forget boring takeout options and embrace a culinary adventure right in your kitchen.

Soft, pillowy edges seal in rich ingredients that burst with flavor in each bite.

Crafting these pockets feels like creating edible art that sparks joy and hunger simultaneously.

Stuffed with your favorite meats, veggies, or vegetarian delights, these calzones will become an instant crowd-pleaser.

You won’t believe how simple it is to make something so spectacular that everyone will be asking for seconds.

Homemade Calzone That Beats Delivery

• Quick Family Meal: Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious dinner that comes together fast and satisfies everyone's hunger.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily swap ingredients to match family preferences or use up leftover meats and cheeses, making this recipe super flexible and budget-friendly.
• Hands-On Cooking Fun: Great recipe for getting kids involved in the kitchen, allowing them to help roll dough, add fillings, and create their own personalized calzones.
• Crowd-Pleasing Portions: Makes 8 individual calzones, ideal for feeding a family or small gathering without complicated preparation or massive cleanup.

Fillings and Dough for Homemade Calzone

• Pizza Dough: Soft and stretchy base for calzone, store-bought or homemade works great.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps with rolling and preventing stickiness when preparing dough circles.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and rich base for the filling, provides smooth texture.
• Pepperoni, Salami: Classic Italian meat fillings that add savory flavor and protein.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts perfectly, creates delicious stringy texture inside calzone.

• Pizza Sauce: Tangy base that adds moisture and traditional pizza flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps brush calzone for golden, crispy exterior.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty finish and beautiful brown color when baked.
• Marinara Sauce: Classic dipping sauce that complements the calzone's flavors.

Homemade Calzone Baking Guide

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a scorching 475°F.

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Shape the Dough

Take your pizza dough and slice it into 8 even pieces.

Roll out each piece into a thin circle, aiming for about ¼-inch thickness.

Make sure your surface is lightly floured to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Layer Tasty Fillings

Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce on half of each dough circle, leaving a clean border around the edges.

• Ricotta cheese
• Pepperoni slices
• Salami pieces
• Mozzarella cheese

Step 4: Fold and Seal

Carefully fold the empty half of the dough over the filling.

Pinch and crimp the edges tightly to create a perfect seal.

Press with a fork for extra security.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Arrange the calzones on the prepared baking sheet, giving each one some breathing room.

Slice a small vent on top of each calzone to let steam escape.

Brush the tops with a light coating of oil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the hot oven and bake for 15 minutes.

Look for a beautiful golden-brown color that signals they’re ready.

Pull them out and let cool for a few minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your calzones with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Serve immediately while they’re hot and crispy.

Watch as friends and family dive into these delectable homemade treats!

Calzone Filling And Folding Tips

• Swap meats and cheeses to match your taste preferences or dietary needs, like using turkey pepperoni or plant-based alternatives.
• Press edges firmly with a fork to prevent filling from leaking during baking, ensuring a perfect pocket of deliciousness.
• Use cornmeal or semolina flour on the parchment paper to help calzones slide off easily and add a subtle crunch.
• Brush the dough with garlic-infused olive oil before baking to enhance the overall taste and create a golden, aromatic crust.
• Prepare calzones in advance and refrigerate, then bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time for perfect results.

Calzones That Heat Like They’re Freshly Baked

• Store leftover calzones in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap each calzone separately in aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out and maintain their texture.
• Warm calzones at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, ensuring they're heated through and crispy on the outside.
• Skip microwave reheating as it can make the dough soggy and compromise the crisp texture of the calzone.

Satisfying Picks For Calzone

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, meaty flavors of pepperoni and salami.
• Enhance with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light arugula and basil salad dressed with olive oil and lemon to cut through the calzone's heaviness and provide a crisp contrast.
• Match with Craft Beer Companion: Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale that stands up to the savory ingredients and provides a refreshing palate cleanse between bites.
• Add Zesty Marinara Dipping Sauce: Serve homemade marinara with fresh garlic, oregano, and a touch of red pepper flakes to elevate the calzone's flavor profile and add an extra layer of taste excitement.

Calzone Filling Combos

• Vegetarian Calzone: Replace pepperoni and salami with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach. Use plant-based ricotta or tofu for protein.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional pizza dough with gluten-free dough made from almond or rice flour. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use cauliflower pizza crust instead of regular dough. Fill with reduced-fat cheese and lean proteins like grilled chicken or turkey.
• Mediterranean Style: Substitute fillings with feta cheese, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs like oregano and basil for a Mediterranean-inspired calzone.

FAQs

• What ingredients can I substitute in the filling?

You can easily swap pepperoni with ham, sausage, or cooked chicken. Replace ricotta with cottage cheese, and use any melting cheese like provolone instead of mozzarella.

• How can I prevent my calzone from getting soggy?

Always pat wet ingredients like pepperoni dry before adding, and don’t overload the filling. Leave a small border around the edges to prevent leaking and ensure a crispy crust.

• Can I prepare calzones in advance?

Yes, you can assemble calzones ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Cover them with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. When ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before putting in the oven.

• Is it possible to make these calzones vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace meat with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. Add extra cheese or plant-based protein like tofu to make the filling more substantial.

Homemade Calzone Recipe

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4.5 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crafting a mouthwatering homemade calzone brings Italian comfort right to your kitchen table. Rich cheese, savory fillings, and golden-brown crust create a delightful meal that satisfies your deepest cravings and transports you to a cozy trattoria.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) pizza dough
• 2 cups (473 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (237 ml) pepperoni
• 1/2 cup (118 ml) salami

Cheese Ingredients:

• 1 cup (237 ml) ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup (118 ml) Parmesan cheese

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup (237 ml) pizza sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) oil

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a scorching 475°F and prepare a baking sheet with a light coating of oil or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Carefully slice the pizza dough into 8 uniform portions, then gently stretch and roll each piece into delicate circles approximately ¼-inch thick.
3. Lavish one half of each dough circle with a vibrant layer of pizza sauce, creating a flavorful foundation for the upcoming ensemble of ingredients.
4. Artfully distribute ricotta cheese across the sauced area, then strategically arrange pepperoni, salami, and mozzarella, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors while maintaining a pristine border for sealing.
5. Tenderly fold the bare half of the dough over the rich filling, pressing and crimping the edges with precision to create a secure pocket that locks in all the delectable ingredients.
6. Arrange the assembled calzones on the prepared baking sheet, allowing sufficient space between each pocket for even cooking.
7. Create a small vent on the top of each calzone to allow steam to escape, then delicately brush the surface with oil and sprinkle a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese.
8. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, watching for a golden-brown transformation that signals perfect doneness.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool briefly before serving alongside a vibrant marinara sauce for dipping, enhancing the overall culinary experience.

Notes

• Customize fillings by swapping meats with vegetarian alternatives like roasted vegetables or plant-based proteins for dietary flexibility.
• Create gluten-free versions using cauliflower or almond flour pizza dough to accommodate wheat-sensitive individuals.
• Prevent soggy bottoms by preheating a pizza stone or using a perforated baking sheet that allows better air circulation during cooking.
• Experiment with unique cheese combinations like goat cheese, blue cheese, or vegan cheese to elevate flavor profiles and surprise taste buds.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 1150 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg