Calzone Recipe (with Video)

Calzone Recipe: Calzones are the ultimate comfort food. Imagine a personal-sized pizza folded into a portable pocket—it’s a blend of convenience and deliciousness. Originally hailing from Italy, calzones have become a global favorite, loved for their versatility and rich flavors. Whether you’re hosting a party or need a quick family dinner, homemade calzones are a showstopper.

Why make calzones at home? Simple. They’re customizable, cost-effective, and incredibly fun to prepare. Let’s dive into this step-by-step guide to crafting perfect calzones.

Ingredients Needed for Calzones

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up the perfect calzones:

For the dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 ¼ cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the filling (traditional):

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• ½ cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup cooked and crumbled sausage or pepperoni

Optional extras:

• Chopped spinach
• Sliced mushrooms
• Fresh basil or oregano

Feel free to get creative! Think roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or even leftover pulled pork.

Essential Tools for Making Calzones

To make the process smooth, gather these tools:

• A large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• A rolling pin
• A baking sheet or pizza stone
• Pastry brush for egg wash

Alternatives: If you don’t have a pizza stone, a regular baking sheet works just fine. No pastry brush? A spoon or your fingers can help apply egg wash in a pinch.

Preparing the Dough

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm water (110°F) with sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. This step ensures the yeast is alive and active.
2. Mix and knead: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a rough dough forms. Turn it onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Let it rest: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.

Preparing the Filling

While the dough is resting, prepare your filling.

1. Combine cheeses: In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. This forms the creamy base for your calzone.
2. Cook any proteins: Brown sausage, cook pepperoni, or prepare your choice of protein. Drain excess grease to avoid soggy calzones.
3. Mix and match: Add vegetables or herbs for added flavor and texture. Season everything with a pinch of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Assembling the Calzone

Now that your dough has risen and your fillings are ready, it’s time to assemble your calzones. This is where the magic happens!

Roll out the dough:

• Divide your dough into 4-6 equal pieces, depending on your desired calzone size.
• Roll each piece into a circle, about ¼-inch thick, on a lightly floured surface. Aim for a diameter of 8-10 inches.

Add the filling:

• Spoon a generous amount of your prepared filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving about an inch of border around the edge.
• Avoid overstuffing; it’s tempting, but too much filling can cause the calzone to burst while cooking.

Seal the calzone:

• Fold the empty side of the dough over the filling to create a semi-circle.
• Press the edges together firmly with your fingers, then crimp with a fork for a decorative seal.

Egg wash for golden perfection:

• Brush the surface of each calzone with a beaten egg or olive oil. This helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust.

Optional venting:

• Cut small slits on top of each calzone to allow steam to escape during cooking.

Cooking Techniques for Calzones

Cooking your calzones properly ensures they’re crisp on the outside and perfectly cooked on the inside. Here are three popular methods:

Baking in the oven:

• Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a pizza stone.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Rotate the sheet halfway through for even cooking.

Air fryer method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the basket with nonstick spray.
• Cook calzones in batches for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method yields an extra crispy crust.

Stovetop method (for smaller calzones):

• Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil.
• Cook each calzone for 5-6 minutes on each side, covering the skillet with a lid to help the filling cook through.

Serving Suggestions

Calzones are versatile and pair beautifully with various sides and dips. Here are some ideas to enhance your meal:

• Dipping sauces: Serve with marinara sauce, garlic butter, or ranch dressing for dipping.
• Side dishes: A simple side salad or roasted vegetables makes a great complement.
• Garnishing: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan and chopped basil on top of your calzones for an elegant finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even seasoned cooks can stumble when making calzones. Here’s how to avoid common pitfalls:

• Overstuffing: Adding too much filling can cause the dough to tear or leak during cooking. Use moderation and balance.
• Skipping the egg wash: This small step makes a huge difference in appearance and texture. Don’t skip it!
• Undercooking: Ensure your calzones are golden brown and firm. Undercooking can leave the dough raw in the center.

Storing and Reheating Calzones

Calzones are fantastic for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat them:

Storage: Wrap cooked calzones tightly in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing: To freeze, wrap uncooked or cooked calzones in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months.

Reheating:

• From the fridge: Heat in an oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.
• From frozen: Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through.

Tips for Making Calzones Healthier

Looking to enjoy calzones without the guilt? Try these tweaks:

• Dough swaps: Use whole-wheat flour or gluten-free alternatives.
• Lighter fillings: Swap out full-fat cheeses for part-skim or low-fat versions. Add plenty of veggies to cut calories and boost nutrients.
• Baking over frying: Opt for the oven or air fryer to reduce excess oil.

Regional Variations of Calzones

Calzones come in many styles depending on where you are:

• Italian: Authentic Italian calzones often feature simple ingredients like ricotta, mozzarella, and ham with no marinara inside.
• American: In the U.S., calzones are typically larger and often stuffed with meats, cheeses, and a variety of vegetables.
• International twists: Some regions experiment with fusion flavors, like buffalo chicken calzones in the U.S. or spicy paneer calzones in India.

Perfecting the Art of Homemade Calzones

Practice makes perfect! Here are some expert tips:

• Experiment with fillings: Don’t be afraid to mix and match ingredients. Sweet options like Nutella and banana also work wonderfully for dessert calzones.
• Use a pizza stone: If you love crispy crusts, invest in a pizza stone for baking. It distributes heat evenly and gives your calzones a professional touch.
• Cook in batches: If making multiple calzones, work with one dough portion at a time to keep the rest from drying out.

FAQs about Calzone Recipe

1. What is a calzone?

A calzone is an Italian folded pizza that resembles a large turnover. It’s made by folding a circle of pizza dough over a filling of cheese, meats, vegetables, and seasonings, then baking it to perfection.

2. What are common fillings for a calzone?

Popular fillings include mozzarella cheese, ricotta, ham, salami, spinach, mushrooms, and onions. You can customize the fillings based on your taste preferences.

3. How do you seal a calzone to prevent leaks?

To seal a calzone, fold the dough over the filling and crimp the edges using your fingers or a fork. Ensure the edges are tightly sealed to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking.

4. What temperature should I bake a calzone?

Bake the calzone in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 to 30 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

5. Can calzones be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare calzones ahead and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, bake them completely, cool, and freeze for later use. Reheat in the oven to maintain a crispy crust.

6. What’s the difference between a calzone and a stromboli?

While both are Italian and involve similar ingredients, a calzone is a folded pizza, sealed on all sides, whereas a stromboli is rolled up like a jelly roll, with the ends left open.

7. Are there any tips for a perfect calzone crust?

For a golden, crispy crust, brush the top of your calzone with olive oil or a beaten egg before baking. You can also sprinkle some parmesan cheese or herbs for added flavor.

8. What dipping sauces work well with calzones?

Marinara sauce is a classic choice for dipping. You can also try pesto, garlic butter, or a creamy alfredo sauce for variety.

Conclusion

Making calzones at home is not only rewarding but also a great way to explore your culinary creativity. From classic Italian fillings to experimental flavors, calzones can be tailored to suit anyone’s palate. Plus, they’re perfect for every occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a casual snack.

Try this recipe and unleash your inner chef. Happy cooking!