There’s something incredibly alluring about the aroma of fresh dough baking to golden perfection, mingling with savory fillings that make your taste buds dance. That’s right; I’m talking about the heavenly calzone recipe that could easily turn any mundane weeknight into a delightful feast. Imagine biting into a flaky, warm crust encasing gooey cheese, zesty sauce, and whatever tantalizing fillings your heart desires. It’s like a hug from your favorite Italian grandma—comforting, indulgent, and guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Now, let me take you back to my first attempt at making calzones. It was during an epic pizza night with friends, fueled by laughter and too much wine. As I rolled out the dough with the precision of a medieval knight wielding a sword, I realized I was destined for greatness—or at least for some deliciousness. Little did I know that this simple calzone recipe would become a staple in our household, perfect for cozy dinners or as a party showstopper.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This calzone recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor that will impress your family and friends
- You can customize it endlessly based on your mood or what you have in the fridge
- The visual appeal of these golden-brown beauties is bound to make anyone drool before taking their first bite
- Ideal for casual dinners or festive gatherings, these calzones are always a hit!
I remember one evening when I surprised my family with homemade calzones filled with pepperoni and extra cheese—let’s just say they were devoured faster than you can say “Bellissimo!”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
All-Purpose Flour: Look for unbleached flour for the best texture and flavor.
-
Active Dry Yeast: Fresh yeast is key; check expiration dates for optimal rising.
-
Warm Water: Use water around 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast properly.
-
Olive Oil: A touch of extra virgin olive oil adds richness to the dough.
-
Salt: Essential for flavor; don’t skip this step!
-
Your Favorite Fillings: Think cheese, meats, or veggies—be as creative as you like!
-
Marinara Sauce: Perfect for dipping and elevating those flavors even more.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast; let sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Stir in flour, salt, and olive oil until combined.
Knead Until Smooth: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You want it soft but not sticky.
Let it Rise: Place the kneaded dough into an oiled bowl; cover it with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it inside to heat up as well.
Roll Out Your Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into equal portions. Roll each piece into circles about 6-8 inches in diameter.
Add Fillings and Seal**: Layer your favorite fillings on one half of each circle. Fold over the other half and seal edges by crimping with a fork or pinching together like sealing an envelope.
Bake Until Golden**: Place calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Get ready to experience pure bliss when you pull these calzones out of the oven! The aroma will fill your kitchen like an Italian bistro on pasta night—your family won’t be able to resist!
And there you have it—a delicious calzone recipe that is not only fun to make but also serves as an amazing centerpiece for any gathering. Enjoy each bite filled with cheesy goodness while reminiscing about that unforgettable pizza night!
You Must Know
- A calzone is like a pizza’s cozy cousin, stuffed with cheesy goodness and whatever toppings you desire
- Mastering the dough can elevate your calzone game, making it pizzeria-level delicious
- Plus, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will make everyone think you’re a culinary genius
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll out the dough, fill it with your favorite ingredients, seal it tight, and then bake until golden brown. This sequence ensures you maximize flavors and texture for that perfect calzone.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap mozzarella for ricotta or add sautéed veggies like mushrooms or spinach. Experiment with spices such as oregano or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Personalizing your calzone makes it uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness, or microwave if you’re in a hurry.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality ingredients; fresh herbs and cheeses enhance flavor immensely
- Avoid overstuffing to prevent leaks during baking, and always let them cool slightly before cutting to keep the cheesy goodness intact
Sharing my first calzone-making adventure feels necessary! I remember my family’s faces lighting up when they took their first bite; it’s those moments that make cooking so special.
FAQ
What is a traditional calzone recipe?
A traditional calzone recipe includes pizza dough, mozzarella cheese, ricotta, and tomato sauce.
Can I freeze cooked calzones?
Yes, cooked calzones freeze well; wrap them tightly in foil before storing them.
How do I ensure my calzones don’t leak?
Seal edges properly and avoid overfilling with ingredients to prevent leaks while baking.
Homemade Calzones
Experience the delightful comfort of homemade calzones, featuring a flaky crust enveloping gooey cheese and your choice of savory fillings. Perfect for cozy dinners or festive gatherings, this easy-to-follow recipe will transform any average weeknight into an unforgettable feast. With endless customization options, each bite is a warm hug from Italy that guarantees smiles all around.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup pepperoni
- ½ cup sautéed veggies (optional)
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast; let sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Stir in flour, salt, and olive oil until well combined.
- Knead Until Smooth: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let it Rise: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll Out Dough: Punch down the risen dough, divide into equal portions, and roll each piece into circles (6-8 inches in diameter).
- Add Fillings and Seal: Layer your favorite fillings on one half of each circle. Fold over the other half and seal edges by crimping with a fork.
- Bake Until Golden: Place calzones on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
