Homemade Calzone Recipe

A Calzone is essentially an Italian-style stuffed pizza, folded into a pocket and baked until golden and crispy. The traditional calzone is filled with a variety of ingredients like cheese, meats, vegetables, and herbs, and served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Here’s a simple recipe for making homemade calzones:

Homemade Calzone Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese (or a mix of ricotta and mozzarella)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled Italian sausage (optional)
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or salami (optional)
• 1/2 cup sautéed mushrooms (optional)
• 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers or onions (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon water

For Dipping Sauce:

• 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, olive oil, and salt. Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture and stir until a dough starts to form.
• Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
• Form the dough into a ball, coat it lightly with olive oil, and place it back in the bowl. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

2. Prepare the Filling:

• While the dough is rising, prepare your filling ingredients. If you’re using cooked meats or vegetables, make sure they’re already prepped and drained of excess moisture (especially if you’re using things like sautéed mushrooms or vegetables).
• In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, oregano, basil, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add any optional fillings (sausage, pepperoni, peppers, etc.) and mix everything together.

3. Shape and Stuff the Calzone:

• Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 4 equal portions (for smaller calzones) or 2 portions (for larger ones). Roll each portion of dough into a ball and then roll it out into a circle on a lightly floured surface, about 8 inches in diameter.
• Spoon a generous amount of the cheese mixture onto one side of each dough circle, leaving about 1 inch around the edges. Be careful not to overstuff—too much filling can make it hard to seal the calzone.
• Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges together to seal, and then crimp the edges with a fork to ensure it stays closed during baking.

4. Bake the Calzones:

• Place the calzones on the prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush the tops of each calzone with the egg wash to give them a beautiful golden color.
• Use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to make a small slit in the top of each calzone (this allows steam to escape during baking).
• Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and the crust is crispy.

5. Serve:

• Allow the calzones to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips:

• Customize the filling: You can add any ingredients you like. Some other common options include olives, spinach, ham, or even cooked chicken.
• Make ahead: You can make the dough in advance, let it rise, and then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping. You can also freeze uncooked calzones for up to 2 months and bake them from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Crispy crust: If you like a super-crispy crust, preheat a pizza stone in the oven and bake the calzones on it for a better crust texture.

Serving Suggestions:

• Side salads: A simple mixed greens salad with balsamic vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with calzones.
• Roasted veggies: Serve with roasted vegetables or a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.

Enjoy your homemade calzones—perfect for a family dinner, party, or anytime you’re craving a cheesy, savory stuffed pizza!