Name: Easy Calzone Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min

0 Shares

These homemade calzones are golden, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Using simple pizza dough and classic ingredients like pepperoni, mozzarella, and ricotta, they’re easy to assemble and perfect for lunch, dinner, or a fun party snack.

Ingredients

2 lbs pizza dough
1 cup pizza sauce
1 cup sliced pepperoni
½ cup sliced salami
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
Divide and Roll the Dough:
Cut the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each piece into a circle approximately ¼ inch thick on a lightly floured surface.
Add the Filling:
Spoon a bit of pizza sauce onto one half of each dough circle. Top with ricotta cheese, pepperoni, salami, and shredded mozzarella. Leave about ½ inch around the edges for sealing.
Fold and Seal:
Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together and crimp with a fork to seal tightly.
Prepare for Baking:
Arrange calzones on the baking sheet, leaving space between them. Cut a small slit or vent on the top of each calzone to let steam escape. Brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Bake:
Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp on the outside. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this a great weeknight recipe.
Customizable: Fillings can be changed to suit any taste.
Kid-Friendly: Fun to make and even more fun to eat—like pizza in a pocket!
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make ahead and reheat for a delicious meal anytime.

Tips

Seal Tightly: Press the edges firmly and crimp to prevent the filling from leaking.
Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can make it hard to seal and may cause tearing.
Use Parchment Paper: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Watch the Bake Time: Check at the 13-minute mark—ovens vary, and calzones brown quickly.

Variations and Substitutions

Meatless: Use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, olives, or bell peppers instead of meat.
Cheese Swap: Try provolone, fontina, or sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Dough Options: Use store-bought dough, homemade dough, or even whole wheat for a healthier version.
Sauce on the Side: Skip the sauce inside and serve it as a dip for extra crispiness.

FAQs

Can I freeze calzones?
Yes! Assemble, freeze before baking, then bake straight from frozen at 375°F for about 25–30 minutes.

Can I make them ahead of time?
Definitely. Store unbaked calzones in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready.

What’s the difference between a calzone and a stromboli?
Calzones are folded like a half-moon and sealed, typically served individually. Strombolis are rolled and sliced, like a pinwheel, often served in portions.

Serving

Serve these calzones hot with:

Warm marinara or garlic butter for dipping
A side salad or Caesar salad
Roasted vegetables or soup
Garlic knots or breadsticks

Suggestions

For a Crowd: Double the batch and serve buffet-style with dipping sauces.
Make It Fun: Let everyone customize their own calzone with a variety of toppings.
Lunchbox Idea: Bake small calzones and pack them in lunchboxes—they hold up well and taste great cold or warm.