If you’re craving a warm, cheesy, and utterly comforting meal that’s both fun to make and delightful to eat, this Easy Calzone Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine golden, crispy pockets stuffed with savory pepperoni, rich ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and a tangy tomato sauce, all wrapped up in soft yet slightly crisp pizza dough. It’s the kind of dish that brings the joy of pizza with an exciting twist, perfect for sharing with family or impressing friends at your next cozy dinner night.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry and fridge. Each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes a calzone so irresistible.
- 2 lb pizza dough: The foundation of your calzone, providing that soft, chewy shell with a golden crust once baked.
- 1 cup pizza sauce: Adds a rich, tangy tomato flavor that keeps the filling juicy and packed with zest.
- 1 cup pepperoni: Brings a spicy, smoky bite that complements the cheeses beautifully.
- 1/2 cup salami: Features a robust, slightly salty flavor boosting the savory profile of the filling.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella: Essential for that wonderful, stretchy cheese pull and creamy texture inside.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds a smooth, mild creaminess that balances the tang and spice perfectly.
- 2 tbsp oil: Brushing the calzones with oil keeps the crust golden and crisp without drying it out.
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a nutty, salty finish and beautiful browning.
How to Make Easy Calzone Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
First things first, preheat your oven to 475 °F to ensure it’s hot enough to bake your calzones quickly and evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray it to prevent sticking—this little prep step makes cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: Shape the Dough
Next, divide your pizza dough into 8 equal pieces for perfectly sized calzones. Roll each piece into a quarter-inch thick circle—this thickness lets the dough cook through without getting doughy, while still holding all that delicious filling.
Step 3: Add the Filling and Seal
Now, it’s time to pile on the flavor! On one half of each dough circle, spread a spoonful of pizza sauce, dollops of ricotta, then scatter pepperoni, salami, and shredded mozzarella. Be sure to leave the edges neat and clear; this is key to sealing the dough without your filling escaping. Fold the dough over the filling and crimp the edges tightly. This sealing step locks in all those heavenly flavors and juices.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Arrange your calzones on the prepared baking sheet, spaced apart so they can bake evenly. Make a small vent on the top of each one—this allows steam to escape during baking, keeping your crust crisp. Brush the tops with oil for a lovely golden shine and sprinkle parmesan cheese generously for added flavor and a delightful crust. Bake for 15 minutes or until beautifully golden brown and bubbling with melted cheese inside.
How to Serve Easy Calzone Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano right after baking adds a burst of herbal brightness that complements the rich flavors inside. You can also drizzle a little extra pizza sauce or a dusting of red pepper flakes for those who love a touch of heat.
Side Dishes
Calzones pair wonderfully with light, crisp sides like a fresh green salad tossed with vinaigrette or a simple cucumber and tomato salad. This helps balance the hearty, cheesy stuffing. For a heartier meal, serve with garlic bread or a bowl of warm soup like minestrone or tomato basil.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve your calzones sliced into wedges on a rustic wooden board, alongside small bowls of dipping sauces like garlic butter, ranch, or extra pizza sauce. For parties, mini calzones or calzone roll-ups made with the same recipe are perfect finger foods that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers—which is unlikely because these calzones tend to disappear fast—store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They keep their flavor well and stay moist without getting soggy.
Freezing
To enjoy your Easy Calzone Recipe later, wrap each calzone tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. This is a perfect option for quick meals when you need something tasty in no time!
Reheating
For the freshest taste, reheat your calzones in an oven preheated to 375 °F for about 10 minutes. This method preserves the crisp crust while warming the filling evenly. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that lovely texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this Easy Calzone Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works perfectly and saves time without sacrificing flavor or texture. Just make sure it’s fully thawed if frozen before shaping your calzones.
What other fillings can I add to my calzone?
You can customize your calzone with veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers, or swap meats with cooked sausage or grilled chicken. Feel free to get creative with herbs and cheeses to suit your taste buds!
How do I know when the calzones are done baking?
Look for a golden brown crust with a slight crispness, and you might see some bubbling sauce sneak through the vent. The baking time in the recipe is a good guideline, but ovens vary, so keep an eye on their color.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can use gluten-free pizza dough available at many stores. Just be mindful that gluten-free dough may have a slightly different texture but will still taste delicious with this filling.
Can I prepare the calzones ahead of time before baking?
Definitely. Assemble your calzones, cover them tightly, and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it easy to prepare in advance for gatherings or busy nights.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Calzone Recipe is a fantastic way to bring happiness to your table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, the warm, cheesy pockets are bound to become a beloved classic in your recipe arsenal. Go ahead—roll up your sleeves, gather these simple ingredients, and enjoy making calzones that taste like they came from your favorite pizzeria.
Print
Easy Calzone Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 calzones
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This easy calzone recipe features a crispy, golden-brown dough stuffed with a delicious blend of pizza sauce, ricotta cheese, pepperoni, salami, and shredded mozzarella. Perfect for a quick homemade Italian meal, these calzones are baked to perfection and topped with parmesan for an extra layer of flavor.
Ingredients
For the Dough and Assembly
- 2 lb pizza dough
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup pepperoni, sliced
- 1/2 cup salami, sliced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tbsp oil (for brushing and baking sheet)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 475 °F (245 °C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the dough: Divide the pizza dough into 8 equal pieces. Using a rolling pin, roll each piece into a circle about 1/4 inch thick, ensuring even thickness for uniform baking.
- Add the filling: Spoon pizza sauce, ricotta cheese, pepperoni, salami, and shredded mozzarella onto one half of each dough circle. Leave a clean edge around the perimeter to seal the calzone properly.
- Seal the calzones: Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges firmly to seal the calzones, preventing filling from escaping during baking.
- Prepare for baking: Arrange the calzones on the prepared baking sheet with some space between each. Cut a small vent on the top of each calzone to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Brush and top: Brush the tops of the calzones with oil for a golden finish. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over each calzone for added flavor.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the calzones turn golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Be sure to not overfill the calzones to avoid leakage during baking.
- You can substitute salami and pepperoni with your favorite cured meats or vegetables.
- To make the dough easier to work with, allow it to come to room temperature before rolling.
- The small vents on top are essential to prevent soggy calzones and promote even baking.
- Serve warm with extra pizza sauce or marinara for dipping.
