Easy Homemade Calzone Recipe | The Epoch Times - Aman Shanti News

Calzone is pronounced “kal-ZOH-neh” in Italian—and this easy calzone recipe is a family favorite and always a crowd-pleaser! These savory Italian turnovers, or folded pizzas, are filled with a cheesy mixture and your favorite toppings, then wrapped in pizza dough and baked to crispy, golden perfection.

You can make calzones using your favorite homemade pizza dough or opt for store-bought to save time. Whichever you choose, calzones are quick and easy to make and can be customized to your liking; just about anything that goes on a pizza can go in a calzone! Just be careful not to overstuff them or the filling will ooze out during baking.

Be sure not to confuse this calzone recipe with stromboli, a similar Italian-American dish that is typically rolled or folded into a cylindrical or rectangular shape.

What You’ll Need To Make Calzones

Pizza dough: Forms the base of the calzone, providing a chewy, golden crust. If using store-bought, choose dough with simple, quality ingredients (I love Trader Joe’s pizza dough).
Olive oil: Used for greasing the pan to prevent sticking and to help achieve a golden, crispy crust.
Cheese (shredded mozzarella, ricotta, and Pecorino Romano/Parmigiano Reggiano): These cheeses create a creamy, melty filling—mozzarella adds gooeyness, ricotta provides creaminess, and Pecorino Romano/Parmesan adds flavor.
Dried oregano and Crushed red pepper flakes: Italian herbs and a bit of heat to the filling for extra flavor.
Pizza or marinara sauce: A light amount is used inside the calzones and the recipe is for dipping, adding a delicious tangy contrast to the cheesy filling.
Pepperoni: Adds a classic, savory flavor to the calzone. You can also swap for other meats or veggies if preferred.
Beaten egg: Brushed on the calzone before baking for a shiny, golden finish.

Calzone Filling Ideas

Don’t feel limited by the suggested fillings—get creative and try any combination that suits your taste! Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

Spinach and ricotta cheese
Sausage, peppers, and provolone
Mushroom, onion, and provolone
Ham, pineapple, and mozzarella
Chicken, pesto, and mozzarella

Step-by-Step Instructions

If the pizza dough is cold, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F and position the rack at the lowest level. Drizzle a rimmed baking sheet with olive oil. In a medium bowl, mix the mozzarella, ricotta, Pecorino Romano (or Parmesan), salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes.

Divide the pizza dough into two even balls. On a lightly floured work surface, roll each dough ball into a circle between 7 and 8 inches in diameter and 1/8 and 1/4-inch thick. Spread 1 tablespoon of sauce over one half of each dough round, leaving a 1-inch border. Then, layer with pepperoni slices and the cheese mixture.

Dab a bit of water around the edges with your finger to help seal the dough. Holding the filling in place with one hand, fold the empty half of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Use a fork to press the edges together and seal. Then roll the edge up to seal tightly again.

Transfer the calzones to the baking sheet. Brush with the egg wash and then prick each calzone with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. Bake for about 25 minutes, until puffed and golden brown, and serve with pizza sauce for dipping.

This easy calzone recipe is easy to make ahead. Simply assemble the calzones, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigera for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, freeze for longer storage. The baked calzones can also be frozen and reheated.

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