Calzone is a delicious and savory Italian dish that has become a favorite around the world. This folded pizza is made with pizza dough that is stuffed with a variety of tasty ingredients such as cheese, cured meats, vegetables, and herbs, and then baked until golden and crispy. The origins of calzone can be traced back to Naples, Italy, and it has since become a popular snack or meal in many other countries. Calzone is known for its rich and satisfying flavors, making it a perfect choice for a quick lunch or a tasty dinner. In this article, we'll provide you with some tips and information to help you make the best calzone possible, so read on to learn more!

A close-up of the inside of a Calzone cut in half with melted cheese, pepperoni, olives, and sausage.

PREP TIME: 20 MINUTES
COOK TIME: 14 MINUTES
TOTAL TIME: 34 MINUTES
SERVINGS: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 recipe pizza dough or store bought
  • 8 ounces sweet Italian Sausage casings removed
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 1/2 red onion diced
  • 24 slices pepperoni
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 3/4 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup sliced olives
  • 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
  • Italian Seasoning
  • salt & pepper

Instructions 

  • Place a pizza stone (if don't have one you'll use a pan later on) in the bottom third of the oven and preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
  • In a medium skillet, cook the sausage over medium-high heat until brown, using a wooden spoon to break it into crumbles. Add the peppers and onions and continue to cook until tender. Season with salt and pepper and then remove from pan and onto a paper towel lined plate to drain.
  • Section off ¼ of the pizza dough. Flour work surface and roll it out into a 8-9 inch circle. Place on a piece of parchment paper. Spread about 3 tablespoons ricotta cheese onto half of the circle, leaving a 1 inch border.
  • Spoon on ¼ of the sausage filling over the ricotta, sprinkle with a little cheese, layer on the pepperoni, more cheese, and some sliced olives.
  • Fold over the pizza dough so the curved edges line up and make a semicircle. Pinch the edges together to seal. Repeat with remaining dough.
  • Cut 3 slits into the top of each calzone to allow steam to escape.
  • Brush the egg wash all over the dough. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
  • With the parchment paper underneath, transfer each Calzone to the stone in the oven (I like to use a pizza peel or plate) OR place on a large baking sheet, cut off any parchment that hangs over and then into the oven.
  • Bake for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown. Rest 10 minutes. Cut in half and serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

Nutrition

Serves: 4

Calories719kcal (36%)Carbohydrates52g (17%)Protein32g (64%)Fat42g (65%)Saturated Fat17g (85%)Cholesterol144mg (48%)Sodium1857mg (77%)Potassium334mg (10%)Fiber3g (12%)Sugar8g (9%)Vitamin A645IU (13%)Vitamin C26mg (32%)Calcium293mg (29%)Iron4mg (22%)

Tips:

  • Use the right dough: Calzone dough should be stretchy and easy to work with. You can make your own dough or use pre-made pizza dough.
  • Roll out the dough evenly: Roll out the dough into a circle or rectangle shape, making sure it's evenly thin throughout.
  • Don't overstuff: Overstuffing your calzone can make it difficult to fold and seal, and can cause it to burst during baking. Use a moderate amount of filling.
  • Use a filling that's not too wet: A filling that's too wet can cause the calzone to become soggy. Avoid using ingredients with a high moisture content, like fresh tomatoes or mushrooms.
  • Seal the edges well: Use a fork or your fingers to press and seal the edges of the calzone well, to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.

FAQs:

Can I make calzone ahead of time? 
Yes, you can make calzone ahead of time and reheat them later. Store the cooked calzone in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Can I use different fillings? 
Yes, you can customize the filling to your liking. Try using different combinations of meats, cheeses, and vegetables.

Can I make calzone without cheese?
Yes, you can make calzone without cheese if you prefer. You can add more vegetables or meats to the filling to make up for the lack of cheese.

Can I make calzone without meat? 
Yes, you can make calzone without meat. Use a combination of vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and peppers for a vegetarian version.

Can I cook calzone on a grill? 
Yes, you can cook calzone on a grill. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook the calzone for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.

Storage:

Refrigerator: Store leftover calzone in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer: You can freeze calzone for up to 3 months. Cool the calzone completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the oven or microwave.

Reheating: Reheat the calzone in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, until heated through.