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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Carefully slice the pizza dough into 8 uniform portions, then gently stretch and roll each piece into delicate circles approximately ¼-inch thick.
- Lavish one half of each dough circle with a vibrant layer of pizza sauce, creating a flavorful foundation for the upcoming ensemble of ingredients.
- 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.
- 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.
- Arrange the assembled calzones on the prepared baking sheet, allowing sufficient space between each pocket for even cooking.
- 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.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, watching for a golden-brown transformation that signals perfect doneness.
- 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