Calzone are a type of folded pizza. They consist of a dough stuffed with a variety of fillings, such as cheese, meats, and vegetables, and are typically served with marinara sauce. They are often shaped like a half-moon and can be made with either traditional pizza dough or a bread dough.
Introduction
Indulge your taste buds in a slice of Italy with our delectable Calzone recipe! If you’re a fan of pizza, you’re in for a treat. This savory turnover combines the goodness of a pizza with the convenience of a hand-held pastry. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking, making it perfect for family dinners, game nights, or even a cozy date night in.
In this post, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of creating this culinary masterpiece, share useful tips, suggest flavor variations, and provide insights into how to store any leftovers. So, let’s embark on this delicious journey together!
Who Is This Recipe For?
This Calzone recipe is tailor-made for anyone who appreciates the irresistible flavors of Italian cuisine. Whether you’re a busy professional seeking a quick dinner option or a cooking enthusiast ready to experiment in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to cater to all skill levels. It’s a fantastic way to satisfy your pizza cravings while adding a creative twist to your meals.
Why It’s Great
What sets the Calzone apart is its ability to pack all the goodness of a pizza into a portable package. The warm, golden-brown crust encases a medley of fresh ingredients, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. This recipe is great because it offers endless possibilities for personalization. From classic pepperoni and cheese fillings to vegetarian options bursting with veggies, you can unleash your culinary imagination.
How To Make Calzone
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serving : 8
INGREDIENTS:
- pizza dough – made with all-purpose flour, salt, water, instant yeast, sugar, and olive oil.
- pizza sauce
- meat – I used salami, but you can also use pepperoni. Make sure to use meats that are already cooked.
- vegetables – I didn’t add any vegetables, but it is common to add some in if you want. You can add any vegetables that you like. Some of my favourites are mushrooms and green peppers. Just make sure that any watery vegetables that you use are cooked and well-drained.
- cheese – I used both mozzarella cheese and ricotta (ricotta is very traditional in a calzone).
- egg – beaten egg for the egg wash on top.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Prepare the dough. Whisk together flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. In a small bowl, combine water, yeast, sugar and olive oil. Whisk to dissolve and pour it into flour mixture. Stir well with a silicone spatula to combine until no dry flour is visible in the bowl. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl with the spatula. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes to help it be easier when kneading.
- Knead the dough and let it rise. Knead the dough with your hands until the dough is smooth, about 10 minutes. Allow the dough to rest in the bowl for 1 hour, covered, until doubled in size.
- Shape the dough. Punch down the dough, divide into 4 equal pieces and shape each into a ball. Take one dough ball at a time and flatten each dough ball into an approximate 8-inch circle using a rolling pin. Apply a little bit flour on your hands and the work surface, if needed to keep the dough from sticking.
- Add the fillings. Add pizza sauce, salami, ricotta and then mozzarella at the centre of the dough, leaving an inch of space along the edges.
- Fold over the calzones. Fold the dough over filling and press the edges together. Then, fold the bottom edge over the top and press down to seal, creating a raised border. Crimp with a fork if desired.
- Add air vents and egg wash. Transfer the calzones to a large half sheet baking pan lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle some cornmeal on the bottom if needed to prevent sticking. Make 3 air vents on the top of the calzones using a knife or scissors. Apply egg wash on top of the calzones.
- Bake. Bake in a 375 F preheated oven for 25 minutes until golden brown. Let calzones cool for 10 minutes as the fillings will be very hot and it will allow the cheese to not be too runny. Serve with marinara sauce.
Tips and Shortcuts
- If you’re short on time, opt for pre-made pizza dough to save effort.
- Experiment with different fillings to suit your taste. Think ham and pineapple, spinach and feta, or even a BBQ chicken filling.
Variations
- Vegetarian Delight: Load up on veggies like spinach, roasted red peppers, and caramelized onions for a satisfying vegetarian option.
- Breakfast Twist: Fill your calzones with scrambled eggs, cooked bacon, and cheddar cheese for a delightful breakfast variation.
Food Pairings
Pair your Calzone with a fresh garden salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. The crispness of the salad balances the richness of the calzone, creating a well-rounded meal.
How to Store Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place the calzones in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
Conclusion
The Calzone recipe brings together the joy of pizza in a convenient handheld form. With its endless variety of fillings and flavors, it’s a dish that invites creativity and culinary exploration. So, gather your favorite ingredients, roll out that dough, and create your very own flavor-packed pockets of deliciousness. Don’t forget to share your culinary triumph with friends and family, and why not subscribe to our blog for more mouthwatering recipes? Happy cooking!
