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
Scale
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
