Best Calzone Recipe

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Best Calzone Recipe

Bring the taste of Italy to your table with the Best Calzone Recipe! This golden, crispy pocket is stuffed with gooey cheese, flavorful fillings, and a rich marinara sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a fun meal to share with family and friends, this homemade calzone is both easy to make and irresistibly delicious.

A perfectly baked crust that’s crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, filled with melted mozzarella, tangy marinara, and your choice of savory meats and veggies. It’s the ultimate comfort food!

This recipe combines fresh ingredients, customizable fillings, and simple techniques for a mouthwatering dish. Plus, it’s versatile—perfect for personalizing to suit your cravings.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Rolling pin
  • Baking sheet
  • Pastry brush
  • Mixing bowls
  • Pizza cutter or knife
  • Parchment paper

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Filling:

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (optional)
  • 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce
  • 1/2 cup pepperoni, cooked sausage, or diced ham
  • 1/2 cup sautéed veggies (e.g., bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For Topping:

  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
  • Pinch of Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Make the Dough:

  1. In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until bubbly.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
  3. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.

2. Prepare the Fillings:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, combine mozzarella, ricotta (if using), and seasonings. Prepare your choice of meats and veggies.

3. Assemble the Calzones:

  1. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each into a circle about 8 inches in diameter.
  2. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on one half of the circle, leaving a 1-inch border. Add cheese, meats, and veggies.
  3. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon. Pinch the edges to seal and crimp with a fork.

4. Bake the Calzones:

  1. Place the calzones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with Parmesan and Italian seasoning.
  2. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.

5. Serve:

Let cool for a few minutes before serving with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Latest Recipes

Best Calzone Recipe

Bring the taste of Italy to your table with the Best Calzone Recipe! This golden, crispy pocket is stuffed with gooey cheese, flavorful fillings, and a rich marinara sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a fun meal to share with family and friends, this homemade calzone is both easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

  • Rolling Pin
  • Baking sheet
  • Pastry brush
  • Mixing bowls
  • Pizza cutter or knife
  • Parchment paper

Ingredients
  

  • For the Dough:
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • For the Filling:
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese optional
  • 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce
  • 1/2 cup pepperoni cooked sausage, or diced ham
  • 1/2 cup sautéed veggies e.g., bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • For Topping:
  • 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
  • Pinch of Italian seasoning

Instructions
 

  • Make the Dough:
  • In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until bubbly.
  • In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
  • Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
  • Prepare the Fillings:
  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a bowl, combine mozzarella, ricotta (if using), and seasonings. Prepare your choice of meats and veggies.
  • Assemble the Calzones:
  • Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each into a circle about 8 inches in diameter.
  • Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on one half of the circle, leaving a 1-inch border. Add cheese, meats, and veggies.
  • Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon. Pinch the edges to seal and crimp with a fork.
  • Bake the Calzones:
  • Place the calzones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with Parmesan and Italian seasoning.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
  • Serve:
  • Let cool for a few minutes before serving with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips for Cooking

  • Ensure the dough is rolled evenly for even cooking.
  • Avoid overfilling the calzone to prevent it from bursting during baking.
  • For a crispier crust, place a small bowl of water in the oven while baking to create steam.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

The Best Calzone Recipe offers restaurant-quality flavor right at home. It’s versatile, fun to make, and delivers a satisfying bite every time. Perfect for gatherings or when you want a delicious alternative to pizza!

This Best Calzone Recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. With its customizable fillings and perfectly baked crust, it’s a meal everyone will love. Try it today and enjoy the magic of homemade calzones!

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