Are you looking for a simple yet delicious meal to satisfy your Italian food cravings? Look no further than this easy calzone recipe! Calzones are a fantastic alternative to traditional pizza, offering a delightful pocket of dough filled with cheese, meats, and vegetables. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this easy calzone recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Let’s dive into how to create this mouthwatering dish right in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the dough:
- 1 packet of active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni or cooked sausage (optional)
- 1 cup chopped vegetables (bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, etc.)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the top:
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Extra virgin olive oil (for brushing)
- Grated Parmesan (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
1. Preparing the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water, then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Let it Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
2. Preparing the Filling
- Mix Cheeses: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Incorporate Add-ins: Add the sliced pepperoni or sausage and chopped vegetables to the cheese mixture. Mix well.
3. Assembling the Calzone
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle about ¼ inch thick.
- Fill the Calzones: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1-inch border. Add a generous amount of the cheese and vegetable mixture on top of the sauce.
- Seal the Calzones: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly and crimp them with a fork to seal.
4. Baking the Calzone
- Prepare for Baking: Place the calzones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg and a little olive oil.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Serve: Let the calzones cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips for the Perfect Calzone
- Variations: Feel free to customize your calzone with your favorite fillings, such as ham, spinach, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheese combinations like feta, goat cheese, or provolone for a unique flavor.
- Crispier Crust: For an extra crispy crust, bake the calzones on a preheated pizza stone instead of a baking sheet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This easy calzone recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a fun weekend cooking project. The dough is straightforward to make, and the filling can be customized to suit your tastes. Plus, calzones are perfect for kids and adults alike, making them a versatile addition to your meal rotation.
Enjoy making and eating these delightful calzones, and soon you’ll find they become a go-to recipe in your household. Happy cooking!
By following this easy calzone recipe, you can bring the taste of Italy into your home with minimal effort and maximum flavor. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a delicious homemade calzone that’s sure to impress!
Serving and Storage Tips for Your Easy Calzone Recipe
Serving Tips
- Accompaniments: Serve your calzones with a side of marinara or pizza sauce for dipping. A fresh green salad or a bowl of minestrone soup also pairs wonderfully with calzones.
- Garnishing: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh basil on top of the calzones just before serving for an added burst of flavor.
- Presentation: Slice the calzones in half to show off the delicious filling inside. This not only makes them easier to eat but also adds to the visual appeal.
- Pairing: Calzones go well with a glass of red wine, like Chianti or Merlot, for adults, or a refreshing iced tea or lemonade for a family-friendly option.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Calzones freeze very well. Once they have cooled completely, wrap each calzone tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheating:
- From the Refrigerator: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the calzones on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
- From Frozen: There’s no need to thaw before reheating. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unwrap the frozen calzones and place them on a baking sheet. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until heated through.
Additional Tips
- Individual Portions: If you have leftover dough and filling, consider making smaller, individual calzones. These can be great for quick lunches or snacks.
- Meal Prep: Make and freeze a batch of calzones to have on hand for quick and easy meals. Simply follow the freezing instructions above and reheat as needed.
- Avoid Sogginess: To keep the calzone crust from becoming soggy when reheating, avoid microwaving them. The oven or a toaster oven will yield much better results.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure your calzones are as delicious as the day they were made, whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or reheating them for a quick meal later on. Enjoy your homemade calzones!
1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this calzone recipe?
Absolutely! Using store-bought pizza dough can save time and still yield delicious calzones. Simply follow the instructions for rolling out the dough, filling, and baking as directed in the recipe.
2. What are some good vegetarian filling options for calzones?
There are many tasty vegetarian options for calzone fillings. You can use a combination of cheeses (like ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan) with vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, and artichokes. Adding fresh herbs like basil and oregano can enhance the flavor even more.
3. How can I prevent my calzones from leaking during baking?
To prevent calzones from leaking, make sure not to overfill them. Leave enough of a border around the edges when adding the filling. Press the edges firmly together and crimp with a fork to seal well. Applying an egg wash can also help to seal the edges and give a nice golden color.
4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to use it, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out and assembling the calzones. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and let it come to room temperature before using.