Homemade Calzones

The aroma of freshly baked calzones, oozing with gooey mozzarella and savory ricotta, is enough to bring the whole family to the kitchen. These golden delights are a must-try for anyone who loves Italian food but wants something a little different from traditional pizza.

The dough is soft yet perfectly crisped on the outside, hugging a flavorful filling of cheese, sautéed vegetables, and herbs. Paired with warm marinara sauce for dipping, each bite is rich, comforting, and satisfying. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or serving them at a casual gathering, these calzones are a surefire hit that combines ease with indulgence.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
1 ¼ cups warm water

For the Filling:

1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 ½ cups marinara sauce (plus more for dipping)
½ cup sliced mushrooms
½ cup chopped spinach
½ cup diced bell pepper

For Assembly:

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Extra flour for dusting

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Add olive oil, salt, and flour. Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 7-10 minutes until smooth.
Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Punch down the dough and divide into 4 equal portions. Roll each into a circle about ¼-inch thick.
In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, mushrooms, spinach, and bell pepper.
Spoon filling on one half of each dough circle, leaving a border. Add a spoonful of marinara sauce.
Fold dough over to enclose filling and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
Transfer to the baking sheet and brush tops with beaten egg.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
Let cool slightly before serving with extra marinara sauce.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 18 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 38 minutes (includes rising time)
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Homemade Calzones: The Ultimate Guide to Stuffed Italian Comfort Food

Italian cuisine is renowned for its comforting, hearty dishes that bring people together around the dinner table. Among the most beloved yet underrated of these meals is the calzone, a folded pizza pocket filled with warm, melty cheese, vegetables, and savory sauce. While many associate pizza with fast food or takeout, homemade calzones offer the same bold flavors with an added layer of satisfaction: you crafted it from scratch.

A calzone, originating from Naples, Italy, is essentially a pizza folded in half and sealed before baking. It allows the fillings to steam inside, locking in flavor and moisture. The result? A golden, crisp crust encasing soft, gooey cheese and savory fillings. Unlike traditional pizza, calzones are self-contained and portable, making them ideal for packed lunches, picnics, or meal prep.

The Charm of Homemade Dough

One of the defining features of a great calzone is its dough. While store-bought pizza dough is an option, making it at home offers superior texture, flavor, and control. A good calzone dough should be soft enough to stretch but sturdy enough to hold generous fillings without tearing.

The basic dough in this recipe consists of all-purpose flour, yeast, olive oil, water, and a touch of sugar and salt. Letting the dough rise properly (about an hour) is key to developing the gluten and achieving that airy yet chewy bite we all crave. You’ll notice that this dough is quite similar to standard pizza dough, but it’s slightly more elastic, which helps when sealing the calzones tightly.

If you’re pressed for time, the dough can be made a day ahead and refrigerated after the first rise. Just bring it back to room temperature before shaping and stuffing. This flexibility is another reason calzones are a great go-to for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Crafting the Perfect Filling

The filling is where creativity truly shines. While this recipe uses a classic trio of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses combined with spinach, bell peppers, and mushrooms, calzones are endlessly customizable.

Here are a few variation ideas:

Meat Lovers’ Calzone: Add cooked Italian sausage, pepperoni, or shredded rotisserie chicken.
Veggie Supreme: Load up with zucchini, olives, red onions, and arugula.
Spicy Kick: Toss in jalapeños or a dash of chili flakes.
Cheese-Forward: Experiment with goat cheese, provolone, or gorgonzola for an extra punch.

What truly elevates the flavor profile is seasoning. Garlic powder crushed red pepper, Italian herbs, these small additions make a big difference. The inclusion of marinara sauce inside the calzone adds moisture and zesty tomato richness, but you can also serve it on the side for dipping, ensuring the crust stays crisp.

Baking to Perfection

Calzones should be baked in a hot oven, around 475°F (245°C). This high heat ensures the dough crisps up quickly while the inside stays soft and steamy. Before baking, brush the tops with an egg wash for that classic golden sheen. You can also sprinkle the tops with a little extra Parmesan or dried oregano for visual appeal and added flavor.

Place the calzones on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking. If you like a softer bottom, you can bake them directly on the sheet. For a crispier result, use a preheated pizza stone.

Baking time is typically between 15-18 minutes, depending on your oven and the size of the calzones. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re puffed, deeply golden, and the aroma becomes irresistible.

Serving Suggestions

Calzones are a complete meal in themselves, but a few simple sides can round out the dining experience beautifully. Here are a few serving ideas:

Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp, green salad balances the richness of the calzone.
Garlic Breadsticks: Perfect for dipping in extra marinara sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Add a touch of smoky depth to the plate.
Sparkling Water or Italian Soda: A bubbly drink can lighten up the richness of the dish.

Don’t forget a generous bowl of marinara or arrabbiata sauce on the side for dipping. The contrast of the crunchy exterior and saucy dip is part of the charm.

Why Calzones Are Great for Meal Prep

Calzones hold up exceptionally well in the fridge and freezer, making them a great meal prep option. Once baked, let them cool completely, then wrap individually in foil or place in airtight containers.

Refrigerator: Store for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes.

You can even prepare unbaked calzones and freeze them. When ready to eat, bake from frozen with an extra 10-15 minutes added to the cooking time.

Tips for Success

Don’t overfill: Too much filling can cause the dough to tear or leak during baking.
Seal tightly: Crimp the edges with a fork and pinch to ensure nothing escapes.
Score the tops: Make a tiny slit or poke with a fork to let steam escape and prevent sogginess.
Use parchment: It helps avoid sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
Let them rest: After baking, let the calzones sit for a few minutes so the filling sets and doesn’t burn your mouth.

Make It a Family Affair

One of the best things about calzones is how fun and interactive they are. This is a great recipe to make with kids or as a group activity. Set up a calzone bar with various toppings and cheeses and let everyone assemble their own. It’s a delightful way to encourage creativity in the kitchen and ensures everyone gets exactly what they like.

If you’re hosting a dinner party or a casual get-together, calzones also make excellent hand-held appetizers or buffet items. Just make them smaller in size, mini calzones and serve them with dipping sauces. Guests will love the novelty and flavor packed into each bite-sized parcel.

Conclusion

Homemade calzones are a delicious, versatile, and satisfying meal that marries the best aspects of pizza and stuffed pastries. Whether you follow the classic filling combination or explore new ones, the results are always comforting and crowd-pleasing.

Baking calzones from scratch is not just about creating food; it’s about creating an experience. From kneading the dough to watching them turn golden in the oven, every step is a chance to connect with your ingredients and your loved ones.

Once you’ve tried this calzone recipe, you may never go back to store-bought pizza or frozen snacks again. It’s a perfect meal for family dinners, make-ahead lunches, or simply treating yourself to something warm and cheesy.

So, preheat that oven, roll out your dough, and get stuffing, because homemade calzones are about to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.

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