Description
Homemade Pizza Pockets, also known as calzones, offer a delicious and quick meal or snack option. This recipe features two variations: a classic pizza calzone filled with pepperoni, mozzarella, and black olives, and a broccoli & cheddar calzone with a savory blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and finely chopped broccoli. Baked to golden perfection with a crispy crust, these pizza pockets are easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For Classic Pizza Calzone
- 1 refrigerated classic pizza crust
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 oz pepperoni slices
- 4 oz can sliced black olives, drained
For Broccoli & Cheddar Calzone
- 1 refrigerated classic pizza crust
- 3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped broccoli (12 oz frozen bag, thawed)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the racks in the middle. Grease two baking trays or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.
- Prepare Dough: On a lightly floured surface, divide the pizza dough into two halves. Roll each half into a circle, about 6-8 inches in diameter. Transfer the dough circles to the prepared baking trays.
- Spread Sauce (Classic Calzone): Spread pizza sauce on one half of each dough circle to create the base for the toppings.
- Add Classic Filling: Top the sauce-covered half with shredded mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, and drained black olives evenly.
- Form Classic Calzone: Fold the dough over the filling to form a pocket, pressing the edges together firmly with your fingers or a fork to seal. Cut small slits in the top of the dough to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Brush and Season Classic: Brush the exterior dough with olive oil and sprinkle Italian seasoning on top for added flavor.
- Prepare Broccoli Mixture: In a bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli with shredded sharp cheddar cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese until well mixed.
- Assemble Broccoli & Cheddar Calzone: Spoon the broccoli and cheese mixture onto one half of the other dough circle. Fold over the dough and seal the edges securely, making slits in the top to vent steam.
- Bake: Bake both trays in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, swapping the trays halfway through to ensure even baking, until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Let the calzones cool slightly on a wire rack before serving to allow the filling to set and to avoid burns.
Notes
- Make sure to roll the dough evenly for uniform baking.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Vent slits are important to allow steam to escape and avoid soggy pockets.
- Swap the baking trays halfway during cooking for even heat distribution.
- Allow calzones to cool slightly before cutting to retain fillings.
- You can customize fillings with your favorite vegetables or meats.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian