Description
These traditional Italian calzones are golden and crispy on the outside, with a warm, melty cheese and savory filling on the inside. Easy to customize and perfect for family dinners, packed lunches, or make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (7 g) instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (250 g) ricotta cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) marinara sauce
- Optional: 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- Optional: 1 cup sautéed mushrooms
- Optional: 1 cup chopped bell peppers
- Optional: 1 cup sautéed spinach
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm water and olive oil and stir until a dough forms.
- Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
- While dough rises, prepare any fillings by cooking and cooling vegetables or proteins.
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide dough into 8 pieces and roll each into an 8-inch circle. Add marinara, cheeses, and desired fillings to half of each circle, leaving a border.
- Fold dough over to create a half-moon shape. Seal edges by pressing and crimping with a fork. Cut small slits on top to vent.
- Brush calzones with beaten egg and place on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown. Cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use store-bought pizza dough to save time.
- Don’t overfill calzones to prevent leaking or sogginess.
- Freeze unbaked calzones and bake straight from frozen.
- Brush with egg wash for a shiny, golden crust.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
