If you love the irresistible combination of gooey cheese, savory meats, and golden, pillowy dough, then Calzones are about to steal your heart. Picture this: melty mozzarella and creamy ricotta, tucked inside a crispy, oven-baked pocket, with a side of tangy marinara for dipping. Calzones are the perfect answer to pizza night cravings, offering you a satisfyingly stuffed alternative that’s easy to customize and fun to make. Whether you’re prepping a family dinner or just craving something cheesy and comforting, this classic Italian-American favorite promises big flavors in a hand-held package!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Calzones is in their simplicity—the magic happens when these humble ingredients come together. Each component plays a vital role, making every bite cheesy, hearty, and full of irresistible flavor.
- Pizza dough (1 pound): This is your canvas! Opt for homemade for extra flavor, or grab store-bought for convenience—the result will be delicious either way.
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Provides a creamy, luscious base for the filling, giving your Calzones their signature texture.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts into gooey perfection, ensuring every bite is extra cheesy and satisfying.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Offers a sharp, nutty kick that adds depth and richness to the filling.
- Sliced pepperoni or cooked crumbled Italian sausage (1/2 cup): Brings savory, meaty flavor and makes these Calzones totally irresistible.
- Sautéed spinach (1/2 cup, optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness—feel free to sneak in those greens!
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Delivers that classic Italian herb aroma and flavor you know and love.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Pumps up the savory notes, making the filling downright crave-worthy.
- Egg, beaten (for egg wash): Brushing this on gives your Calzones a beautifully shiny, golden finish.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Keeps things from sticking and encourages a crisp, bakery-style crust.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: A quick sprinkle brings all the flavors together—don’t skip these!
- Marinara sauce, for dipping: The ultimate pairing, perfect for dunking every cheesy, delicious bite.
How to Make Calzones
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C)—this high heat helps achieve that golden exterior. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly brush it with olive oil, so your Calzones won’t stick and will turn out crisp underneath.
Step 2: Divide and Roll the Dough
On a well-floured surface, divide your pizza dough into four equal portions. Roll each into an 8-inch circle, aiming for consistent thickness so they bake evenly. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly round—rustic Calzones are all part of the charm!
Step 3: Make the Cheese Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until it’s a creamy, herby, and cheesy blend—this is the heart of every great Calzone!
Step 4: Fill the Calzones
Spoon a generous heap of the cheese mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edge. Top with slices of pepperoni or spoonfuls of cooked sausage, and scatter the sautéed spinach if you’re using it. The filling options are endless, so make them your own!
Step 5: Fold and Seal
Carefully fold the empty half of the dough over the filling, forming a classic half-moon shape. Pinch and crimp the edges tightly—use your fingers or a fork—to make sure none of that gooey filling escapes during baking.
Step 6: Prep for Baking
Place your filled Calzones onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a gorgeous golden finish, and don’t forget to cut a few small slits in the tops to allow steam to vent while they bake.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the Calzones are deeply golden, crisp outside, and the cheese is bubbly inside. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving—then dig in with plenty of warm marinara for dipping!
How to Serve Calzones
Garnishes
Give your Calzones a finishing flourish! Sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan or chopped fresh basil over the top while they’re still warm. A drizzle of good olive oil or a scattering of crushed red pepper adds even more flavor and color.
Side Dishes
Pair your piping-hot Calzones with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or serve some roasted veggies alongside for a well-rounded meal. Garlic knots or a bowl of minestrone also make excellent companions for a cozy Italian-inspired spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Calzones into a party centerpiece by setting out a platter with a variety of dipping sauces like pesto, spicy arrabbiata, and classic marinara. Slice them in halves or quarters for shareable, hand-held bites—perfect for game day, parties, or a fun family dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Calzones (lucky you!), let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making for easy grab-and-go lunches or snacks.
Freezing
Calzones freeze remarkably well. Wrap each cooled Calzone tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, ready to bake straight from the freezer whenever pizza cravings strike.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat Calzones in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through and crisp outside—about 15 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, but you might trade some crispiness for speed.
FAQs
Can I prepare Calzones ahead of time and bake them later?
Absolutely! Assemble the Calzones, cover them, and refrigerate for up to 6 hours before baking. Pop them straight into a preheated oven when you’re ready—they may need an extra minute or two to bake through.
What are the best fillings for Calzones?
While classic Calzones feature ricotta, mozzarella, and meats like pepperoni or sausage, you can experiment with cooked vegetables, different cheeses, or even leftover roasted chicken—just keep the filling on the drier side to prevent sogginess.
How do I prevent the Calzones from leaking?
Make sure to leave a clear border around the filling and seal the edges very well—pinch, twist, or crimp with a fork. Venting the tops with a few small slits also helps steam escape, resulting in perfectly sealed Calzones.
Can I make Calzones vegetarian?
Absolutely, just skip the meat and pack your filling with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. Add sun-dried tomatoes or olives for an extra flavor boost.
Is it better to serve Calzones hot or cold?
Calzones are at their very best served hot, right from the oven, when the cheese is perfectly melty. That said, they’re also pretty tasty at room temperature, making them great for picnics and lunchboxes.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the magic of homemade Calzones—there’s pure joy in every cheesy, golden, flavor-packed bite. Whether you stick with the classics or fill them with your own creations, I hope your oven is heating up and your appetite is ready. Give this recipe a try and bring a taste of Italy right to your table!
Print
Calzones Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 calzones 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These homemade calzones are a delicious twist on traditional pizza, stuffed with a savory mixture of cheeses, meats, and spices. Perfect for a cozy Italian-American meal at home.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
Filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or cooked crumbled Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup sautéed spinach (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Assembly and Baking:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly brush with olive oil.
- Prepare Dough: Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal portions on a floured surface. Roll each portion into an 8-inch circle.
- Make Filling: In a medium bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spoon the cheese mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1-inch border. Top with pepperoni or sausage and sautéed spinach if using.
- Assemble Calzones: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Pinch and crimp the edges tightly to seal. Place calzones on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish. Cut slits in the top of each calzone to vent steam. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Let cool slightly and serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Customize the filling with your favorite veggies, meats, or cheeses.
- Sprinkle the tops with grated Parmesan before baking for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
