Cheese and Pepperoni Calzone Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food
This Calzone Recipe is something that if you like pizza you are sure to like. This unique Italian recipe is close to a pizza with filling eaten in each bite which contains all those favorite ingredients. Whether you prefer cheese, meat, or vegetables, the Calzone Recipe is friendly because you can add or substitute toppings of your choice. This leaves one with a crispy golden rich brown color and a hot melty inside with a blast of flavours.
What Makes This Calzone Recipe Special?
What I like about this Calzone Recipe is that it is quite flexible. While normal pizzas are flat, calzones are folded; therefore, they can contain more stuff and flavors. Regardless of whether the person is in the mood for a big meal or just a little munching, a calzone will be perfect. One benefit of making a Calzone Recipe at home is that you, as a person, choose what to put in it meaning you can make a low-calorie or fat version or go for the complete opposite stuffing a calzone with whatever you desire.
The Origin of the Calzone Recipe
The Calzone Recipe also hails from Naples Italy in Italy – the birthplace of pizza. When calzones first appeared, they were intended to be a convenient way to eat pizza and could easily be handheld. This dish has been altered over the years, with people from different areas making their improvements. The fillings in Italy especially those in the.imageView pizzas are basic and cover cheese, ham, and some vegetables at most. However, in other parts of the world, the Calzone Recipe has evolved into a thing of creativity where people use almost everything they desire in the preparation of the dish.
Ingredients to Perfect Your Calzone Recipe
The best starting point for a Calzone Recipe is the pizza dough, which is not difficult to prepare at home or can be bought ready-made. The dough is then spread and each is stuffed with mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, mushrooms, and more. Another thing that makes the Calzone Recipe so wonderful is that you are free to be as creative as you want with the mixture; whether you’d rather go for vegetarian spinach and olives or carnivorous pepperoni and sausage calzone.
However, the staff suggested that you add more Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or even some red pepper just to enhance the flavor of the filling. This is very true; you can add different herbs and spices to change the taste of your Calzone Recipe, to suit the kind of Calzone Recipe that you want to make.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Calzone Recipe
If you are keen on making this Calzone Recipe here are the steps to follow Before preparing the Dough and allowing it to rise. Once the dough is done you have to divide them into individual circles and then fill them with your preferred ingredients. Then fold the dough over to make a half-moon shape and crimp the edges so that the cheese doesn’t pop out, as shown in the picture below. Make sure that your calzones are baked until the exterior is golden brown then you know the insides are hot and cheesy.
Enjoying the Calzone Recipe with Dipping Sauces
As we know the delicious taste of Calzone Recipe can beat with the spices of dipping sauces. Marinara sauce is a traditional sauce, which has a perfect combination with the calzone taste. You could also opt for ranch dressing or garlic butter and for the more adventurous try a spicy sriracha mayo.
Why This Calzone Recipe is Perfect for Any Occasion
The other unique aspect of this Calzone Recipe is that it can be customized in many ways. It can also be taken as a meal on its own, a snack, or even an appetizer. Calzones are also best for meal planning. Just prepare a large number of meals and portion them, keep them in a refrigerator or a freezer, and then defrost them when needed. That is why I am sharing this easy and fast Calzone Recipe; so you won’t have to worry about running out of tasty meals.
Try More Recipe:- Crispy and Delicious Sfogliatelle Recipe: Bake Like an Italian Chef
This Calzone Recipe brings you Italian pizza with a surprise factor that is sure to make it even more delicious for you. Calzone is a pizza fold with your toppings of mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce and your favorite meat and vegetables. Another fantastic meal accompaniment or take along, you should not be discouraged by a bad attitude towards cooking to enjoy tasty calzones; they are very easy to make and can be made according to individual selections. You will love this Calzone Recipe as it gives you a crispy golden crust and warm cheesy center, excellent!
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup marinara sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- ½ cup cup pepperoni slices or cooked sausage (optional)
- ½ cup cup bell peppers, diced
- ½ cup cup mushrooms, sliced
- ½ cup cup black olives, sliced
- ¼ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
- Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the warm water and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.
Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture, and mix until a dough forms.
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, mix together the mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, and your choice of fillings like pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, and olives.
Season the filling mixture with Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Set aside.
- Step 3: Assemble the Calzones
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into four equal portions.
Roll out each portion into a circle, approximately 8 inches in diameter.
Spoon the filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a ½-inch border around the edge.
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and press the edges firmly to seal. You can also crimp the edges with a fork for a tighter seal.
- Step 4: Bake the Calzones
Place the calzones on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with olive oil for a golden finish.
Use a knife to make a small slit on the top of each calzone to allow steam to escape.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and crispy.
- Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Let the calzones cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Servings 5
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 420kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 8g13%
- Saturated Fat 1g5%
- Cholesterol 20mg7%
- Sodium 290mg13%
- Potassium 140mg4%
- Total Carbohydrate 80g27%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 8g
- Protein 10g20%
- Vitamin A 950 IU
- Vitamin C 0.1 mg
- Calcium 17 mg
- Iron 5 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
- Use your favorite vegetables like spinach, onions, or tomatoes.
- For a spicier calzone, add red pepper flakes.