If you have ever dreamed of enjoying a cozy Italian feast from the comfort of your kitchen, this Calzone Recipe is exactly what you need. It packs all the warm, gooey, cheesy goodness of your favorite pizza into a handheld pocket of bliss. With a crisp yet tender crust encasing luscious ricotta, mozzarella, and savory sauce, each bite feels like a little celebration. Trust me, once you make this calzone, it will quickly become a beloved staple for casual dinners, entertaining friends, or whenever the craving for Italian comfort hits.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Calzone Recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmony of its ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in delivering taste, texture, and that perfect golden appearance that makes every calzone irresistible.
- Prepared pizza dough: This forms the soft, chewy base that folds around the fillings, sealing in the flavors.
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded): Provides that melty, creamy stretch we all adore in Italian dishes.
- Ricotta cheese: Adds a fluffy, mildly tangy creaminess that balances the mozzarella beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate the cheese filling to perfection.
- Pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping): A tangy, rich tomato base that infuses a delicious savory note inside and complements the finished calzone when serving.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled both inside and on top to add a sharp, nutty flavor and a lovely golden crust.
- Olive oil: Brushed on the surface for a beautiful sheen and crispy, flavorful finish.
How to Make Calzone Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius). If you own a pizza stone, place it inside now—it helps create a beautifully crispy crust by distributing heat evenly, giving your calzones that authentic pizzeria touch.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Divide your prepared pizza dough into two equal portions. On a floured surface, roll each portion into a circle about 1/4-inch thick. This thickness ensures the dough will cook through perfectly without becoming too heavy.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over one half of each dough circle, making sure to leave about a 1/2-inch edge free. This keeps the sauce contained and prevents leakage while baking, giving your calzone a beautiful sealed pocket.
Step 4: Layer the Cheeses
Next, spread half of the ricotta cheese evenly over the sauce, followed by half of the shredded mozzarella. Sprinkle a generous amount of grated Parmesan on top, then season everything lightly with salt and pepper. This combination creates a rich, luscious filling that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Seal the Calzone
Fold the dough over the filling to form a semi-circle shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal the filling inside. For an extra secure seal, roll the edges up and crimp them with your fingers—this simple step prevents the calzone from opening during baking.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Brush the tops of each calzone with olive oil to encourage a golden, crispy exterior. Sprinkle some more grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and that gorgeous baked finish.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
If using a pizza stone, carefully transfer the calzones onto the preheated surface; if not, place them on a baking sheet. Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and is cooked through.
Step 8: Let Them Rest and Serve
Allow the calzones to cool for a few minutes after baking. This resting time lets the cheeses settle slightly, making them easier and more enjoyable to eat. Serve with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping and savor the comforting flavors of your homemade calzone.
How to Serve Calzone Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish of fresh basil leaves or a light drizzle of olive oil can add freshness and visual appeal to your calzone. For an extra kick, sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or dried oregano on top before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair your calzone with a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette to balance the richness inside. Roasted vegetables or a bowl of warm minestrone soup also make wonderful accompaniments, turning this into a full Italian-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the calzones into wedges for a party platter or serve mini calzones as delightful appetizers. You can even customize each with different fillings to delight guests with a variety of flavors and surprises.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They make a fantastic next-day lunch or snack that reheats beautifully.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked calzones by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to one month. When ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers at their best, reheat calzones in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-12 minutes. This keeps the crust crisp and the filling warmed through without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this Calzone Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works perfectly and is a great shortcut for when you’re short on time. Just make sure to roll it out evenly for the best results.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese (drained) or a blend of cream cheese and Parmesan can provide a similar creamy texture, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I add meat or veggies to the filling?
Yes! This Calzone Recipe is very versatile. Feel free to mix in cooked sausage, pepperoni, spinach, mushrooms, or any favorite toppings before sealing the dough.
How do I know when the calzones are fully cooked?
The calzones are done when the crust is golden brown and firm to the touch. The filling should be bubbling inside. Using a pizza stone helps achieve a well-cooked, crispy base.
Is it necessary to brush olive oil before baking?
Brushing olive oil on top enhances the crust’s golden color and adds a delicious richness, but you can skip it if you prefer. The calzone will still be tasty without it.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this wonderful Calzone Recipe! It’s a comforting, easy-to-make dish that instantly elevates any meal with its rich, cheesy filling and crispy crust. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this calzone will bring joy and satisfaction into every bite. Happy baking and buon appetito!
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Calzone Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 calzones
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This classic Calzone recipe features a golden, crispy crust filled with creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and tangy pizza sauce, making for a perfect Italian handheld meal. Easy to prepare with either homemade or store-bought dough, these calzones bake to a golden perfection and are served with extra pizza sauce for dipping, ideal for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Calzone Dough
- 1 prepared pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
Fillings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for filling and topping)
Finishing
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (232 degrees C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats to ensure even heat distribution for a crispy crust.
- Prepare Dough: Divide the prepared pizza dough into two equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a circle roughly 1/4-inch thick, which forms the base for your calzone.
- Apply Sauce: Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over one half of each dough circle, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edges to prevent leaking during baking.
- Add Cheeses & Seasoning: Evenly spread half of the ricotta cheese over the sauce, then layer with half of the shredded mozzarella. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top and season with salt and pepper to enhance flavors.
- Seal Calzone: Fold the plain half of the dough over the cheese-filled side to create a semi-circle. Press the edges firmly to seal, then roll and crimp the edges with your fingers for a secure closure.
- Brush & Top: Brush the tops of each calzone generously with olive oil to promote browning and brush on additional grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and crust crunchiness.
- Bake: Transfer the calzones either onto the preheated pizza stone or onto a baking sheet if a stone is unavailable. Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Allow the calzones to cool for a few minutes before slicing to avoid burning from hot fillings. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping and enjoy your freshly baked calzones.
Notes
- You can use homemade or store-bought pizza dough, whichever you prefer or have on hand.
- Ensure the edges are well sealed to prevent cheese and sauce from leaking during baking.
- Using a pizza stone is recommended for a better crust but a baking sheet works fine as well.
- Feel free to add additional fillings such as pepperoni, spinach, or mushrooms to customize your calzones.
- Letting the calzones cool slightly before cutting helps maintain the filling inside and prevents burns.
