Imagine biting into a calzone, its golden crust giving way to a melty cheese explosion, mingled with savory meats and vibrant veggies. The aroma wafts through the air, teasing your senses with promises of flavor that will make your taste buds dance. This calzone recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together, whether you’re hosting game night or enjoying a cozy dinner at home.
Every time I whip up this calzone, I’m transported back to my college days, where my friends and I would gather for pizza and laughter. Those evenings filled with cheesy goodness and friendly banter are what inspired me to create this delightful calzone recipe that has become a staple in my kitchen. Get ready for a flavor journey that’s as comforting as a warm hug on a cold day!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This calzone recipe is simple enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough to serve guests
- With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, it’s sure to please everyone
- The golden-brown crust adds visual appeal, making it an eye-catching centerpiece on any table
- It’s versatile too—stuff it with your favorite ingredients or whatever leftovers you have!
This dish always gets rave reviews from family and friends who can’t resist the gooey cheese and savory fillings.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-purpose Flour: A must for the dough; look for unbleached flour for better texture.
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Active Dry Yeast: Ensure it’s fresh for the best rise in your dough.
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Warm Water: About 110°F (43°C) helps activate the yeast properly.
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Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for richer flavor in the dough.
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Salt: Essential to enhance the overall flavor of the dough.
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Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and mild, it adds a luscious texture when mixed with other cheeses.
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Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully—don’t skimp!
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Your Favorite Fillings: Choose from pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms—get creative!
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Marinara Sauce: A side of marinara makes the perfect dipping sauce.
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 flour, yeast, salt, and warm water with olive oil until you form a sticky ball. Knead it on a floured surface until smooth.
Let It Rise: Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled.
Create Your Filling: While waiting for the dough to rise, mix ricotta and mozzarella cheese in a bowl. Fold in your desired fillings like pepperoni or vegetables.
Roll Out the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough onto a floured surface. Divide into equal portions and roll each piece into circles about 6-8 inches wide.
Add Fillings & Fold**: Spoon your filling onto one-half of each dough circle. Don’t overstuff! Fold the other half over and pinch edges tightly to seal.
Bake Until Golden**: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
And there you have it! A delightful homemade calzone ready to be devoured by family or friends—or all by yourself if you’re feeling indulgent! Enjoy every cheesy bite while reminiscing about your own unforgettable moments around the dinner table.
You Must Know
- This calzone recipe is a game changer; it’s the perfect blend of crispy and gooey
- Customize it with your favorite fillings for a unique twist
- The aroma of baked dough wafting through the kitchen guarantees you’ll have everyone running to the dinner table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll out your dough, fill, fold, and seal. Bake until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes for best results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with fillings! Swap mozzarella for ricotta or add spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean vibe. Make it your own!
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) until warm, about 10-15 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Keep your fillings balanced; too much can lead to soggy calzones
- Always seal edges well to prevent leaks during baking
- Experiment with herbs and spices to elevate flavors beyond basic cheese and sauce
The first time I made this calzone recipe, my friends declared me a culinary genius! They devoured every last bite and begged for seconds, which made my heart swell with joy.
FAQ
Can I freeze calzones?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked calzones for up to three months before baking them.
What is the best dough for calzones?
Use pizza dough for a chewy texture or try homemade dough for extra flair.
How do I know when my calzone is done?
Look for a golden-brown crust; it should sound hollow when tapped gently on the bottom.
Enticing Calzone
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this homemade calzone recipe! Each bite reveals a golden crust that cradles an explosion of gooey cheese, savory meats, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for game nights or cozy dinners, these calzones are easy to prepare yet impressive enough for guests. Customize the fillings to your liking, and enjoy a delightful culinary experience that brings everyone together!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Your favorite fillings (e.g., pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms)
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix flour, yeast, salt, warm water, and olive oil until a sticky dough forms. Knead on a floured surface until smooth.
- Let It Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Create Your Filling: Combine ricotta and mozzarella in a bowl. Add desired fillings like pepperoni or veggies.
- Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide into equal portions. Roll each portion into circles about 6-8 inches wide.
- Add Fillings & Fold: Spoon filling onto one half of each dough circle. Fold over and pinch edges tightly to seal.
- Bake Until Golden: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place calzones on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone (150g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
