The aroma of freshly baked Pepperoni Calzone wafts through the air, a delightful mix of savory pepperoni, gooey cheese, and herby goodness. Each bite reveals a golden, flaky crust that cradles a treasure trove of flavors, inviting you to indulge in comfort food bliss.
Imagine gathering with family on a cozy Friday night, laughter echoing around the table as everyone digs into their own calzone. This recipe brings back fond memories of my childhood pizza nights, where the calzones were just as much about fun as they were about flavor.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Pepperoni Calzone is simple to whip up and perfect for any occasion
- Its flavor profile features a delightful combination of spices and cheeses that please everyone’s palate
- Visually appealing with its golden crust, it’s sure to be the star of your dinner table
- Plus, it’s versatile enough for customizing with your favorite fillings or dipping sauces
One time at a family gathering, I made these calzones expecting leftovers but ended up with an empty plate and requests for more!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Pizza Dough: You can buy pre-made dough or make your own; both work like magic.
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Pepperoni: Choose thin slices for that perfect crispy texture when baked.
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Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for whole milk mozzarella for extra creaminess and stretchiness.
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Ricotta Cheese: A dollop adds richness and balances out the flavors beautifully.
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Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs elevates the taste to pizzeria perfection.
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Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade for dipping; it’s an absolute must!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Dough Preparation: Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re making dough from scratch, mix flour, yeast, salt, and warm water until it forms a ball. Knead it for about 5 minutes until smooth.
Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large circle about ¼ inch thick. Aim for that classic pizza shape; don’t stress if it’s not perfect!
Add Filling: Spoon ricotta cheese onto one half of the dough circle and then layer with shredded mozzarella and crispy pepperoni. Sprinkle Italian seasoning over everything to enhance those flavors.
Seal Your Calzone: Carefully fold the other half of the dough over the filling. Pinch the edges tightly to seal in all that cheesy goodness; no one likes a leaky calzone!
Bake to Perfection: Place your calzone on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until it turns golden brown and bubbly.
Serve with Marinara Sauce: Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into it. Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping; trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!
You Must Know
- A Pepperoni Calzone isn’t just a meal; it’s a portable pizza party
- The delightful aroma of baking dough and savory pepperoni fills your kitchen, making it hard to resist
- Customize it with your favorite fillings for a unique twist every time!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll out the dough, fill with ingredients, and seal well before baking until golden brown.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out pepperoni for your favorite deli meats, or add veggies like mushrooms and spinach for extra flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always seal the edges of your calzone properly to prevent any delicious fillings from escaping
- Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or provolone for unique flavors
- Let calzones rest for a few minutes after baking; they’ll be easier to slice and eat
Making my first Pepperoni Calzone was hilarious—it exploded everywhere! My friends still tease me about it, but now I’m the calzone queen in my circle.
FAQ
What type of dough is best for a Pepperoni Calzone?
Use pizza dough or bread dough; both work perfectly for achieving that classic texture.
Can I make Pepperoni Calzones ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them in advance and freeze before baking for later enjoyment.
What dipping sauce pairs well with Pepperoni Calzones?
Marinara sauce is a classic choice, but ranch dressing adds a fun twist!
Delicious Pepperoni Calzone
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes 2 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the comforting delight of homemade Pepperoni Calzones, featuring a flaky crust filled with savory pepperoni and gooey cheese. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, these calzones are quick to make and can be customized with your favorite fillings. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch paired with rich flavors, making them an instant favorite for both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced pepperoni
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a circle about ¼ inch thick.
- On one half of the dough, spoon ricotta cheese, followed by mozzarella and pepperoni. Sprinkle Italian seasoning on top.
- Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, pinching edges tightly to seal.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone (200g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
