What Are Calzones?
A calzone is a folded pizza with lots of toppings inside. It comes from Naples, Italy. Instead of being flat like pizza, the dough is tightly sealed, wich closes all of the filling inside. It is a pocket filled with cheese, sauce, and other delicious ingredients.
Classic calzones have mozzarella, ricotta, and Italian meats, but you can use almost anything for the filling! I love to add different kinds of cheeses, meats and vegetables! But be careful, when biting into them – they are usually extremely hot!
Why I Love This Recipe?
The first time I had a real traditional Italian calzone, it was fresh out of an oven. It was so delicious and hot! The crust was so delicious and smoky, the cheese was melted, so good and gooey, and the filling was made out of pepperoni and vegetables and it was perfectly seasoned. It is the perfect combination of flavors!
At home, I love making calzones because they’re very easy to make and they are customizable. Everyone in my family gets their own version, and it’s always a hit. We make some with just cheese, some with pepperoni and others stuffed with everything we found in the fridge! Plus, they’re great for meal prep. You can make them and freeze them, then bake whenever you need a quick dinner. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love an Italian pizza pocket?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions for Calzones
- Pizza Dough: Homemade is perfect, but store-bought works great too. For gluten-free calzones, use gluten-free flour. (Below you will find instructions on how to make your own homemade pizza dough, that works really good with calzones).
- Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but you can mix in ricotta, parmesan, or even feta for extra flavor. I love to use fresh mozzarella, but feel free to use any of your favorite kinds of cheeses!
- Meats: Pepperoni, sausage, or ham are traditional. Chicken or bacon are fun twists, that i have tried and loved – so did my family.
- Vegetables: Try sautéed spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or artichokes, for more flavor. For a spicy kick i like to add some chiles.
- Sauce: Marinara is standard, but a creamy white sauce or garlic butter are tasty options too.
- Egg Wash: This makes the crust shiny and golden.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough.
- Pizza Cutter or Knife: To portion the dough.
- Baking Sheet: Lined with parchment to prevent sticking.
- Pastry Brush: For the egg wash.
- Fork: To crimp the edges and seal the calzones.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Calzones
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Make the Dough: In a bowl, mix 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour, 1 packet (7g) yeast, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt. Add 1 ¼ cups (300ml) warm water and 2 tbsp olive oil. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- Let It Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Fillings
- Cook the Fillings: Sauté any veggies or cook meats like sausage. Let them cool a bit.
Step 3: Assemble the Calzones
- Roll Out Dough: Divide the dough into 8 portions. Roll each piece into an 8-inch circle.
- Add Fillings: Spread marinara sauce over half of each circle, leaving a border. Add mozzarella, ricotta, and your fillings of choice.
- Seal the Edges: Fold the dough over to make a half-moon shape. Use a fork to crimp the edges and seal tightly.
Step 4: Bake the Calzones
- Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops with a beaten egg. Cut small air vents on top to let steam escape.
- Bake: Place calzones on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Cool Slightly: Let them cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
Expert Tips for the Best Calzones
Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can make the dough break. A little goes a long way. Make sure to not put any filling on the edges, because the calzones can open when baking.
Hot Oven Is Key: A high temp ensures a crispy crust.
Freeze for Later: Assemble uncooked calzones, freeze on a baking sheet, and store in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen when needed!
Experiment with Fillings: Use your favorite cheeses, meats, or veggies to make them your own.
Serving Suggestions
Serve calzones warm with a side of marinara for dipping. Pair them with a green salad or garlic bread for a full Italian-style meal. For kids, ranch dressing or garlic butter make great dips—they’ll love it!
You can also fry them, and turn them into delicious crispy Italian Panzerotti!
Make-Ahead and Storage
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble the calzones a day in advance and bake when ready.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked calzones and bake directly from frozen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use pre-made pizza dough?
Yes! It’s a great time-saver. Make sure to use fresh pizza dough, for the best results.
Can I fry calzones instead?
Absolutely—fried calzones (panzerotti) are amazing!
How do I keep leftovers crispy?
Store them properly in an airtight container. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Traditional Italian Calzone Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 calzones 1x
Description
Golden, crispy Italian calzones stuffed with cheese, meats, and veggies. These Italian Pizza Pockets are perfect for dinner, lunch, or meal prep!
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups (440g) all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (7g) instant yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (250g) ricotta cheese
- 1 cup (240ml) marinara sauce
- Optional fillings: cooked sausage, spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, etc.
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare Dough: Mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm water and olive oil, mixing to form dough. Knead for 8-10 minutes. Let rise for 1 hour.
- Prepare Fillings: Cook meats or sauté veggies. Let cool slightly.
- Roll Dough: Divide into 8 pieces and roll each into an 8-inch circle.
- Add Fillings: Spread marinara on one side, add cheeses and fillings.
- Seal and Vent: Fold dough, crimp edges with a fork, and cut small vents on top.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Brush with egg wash and bake for 12-15 minutes.
Notes
Add fresh basil or oregano for extra flavor.
Make smaller calzones for appetizers.
Don’t forget the dipping sauce!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 578 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 66g
- Protein: 22g
Nutrition information
This website gives estimated nutritional information, which might change depending on the ingredients used.
