Homemade Calzones: A Cheesy Delight
Introduction
Imagine sitting down to a meal of fresh, steaming calzones, right out of the oven. Crispy on the outside, filled to the brim with tasty cheese, zesty pizza sauce, and your favorite toppings, all folded into a mouth-watering crescent. Making homemade calzones isn’t just a way to satisfy your cravings; it’s an enjoyable process that gives you the freedom to add your preferred ingredients.
Why Make This Recipe
Making homemade calzones gives you the opportunity to customize your fillings and experiment with different flavors to your heart’s content. It’s a creative experience that’s as rewarding as it is delicious. They are great for family dinners, get-togethers with friends, and for those moments when you want something fuss-free but impressively homemade.
How to Make Homemade Calzones
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 cup pizza sauce
– 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or cooked Italian sausage
– 1/4 cup sliced olives
– 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Flour for dusting
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) before lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Divide the pizza dough into four equal portions. Roll each portion into an 8-inch circle on a surface dusted lightly with flour.
3. Spread a moderate amount of pizza sauce, roughly two tablespoons, over half of each dough circle, while leaving a 1/2-inch border.
4. Layer the sauce with mozzarella cheese, ricotta, pepperoni or sausage, olives, and bell peppers.
5. Fold the dough over the fillings to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together with a fork to seal.
6. Once the calzones are assembled, place them on the prepared baking sheet and coat the tops with the beaten egg. To top, sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
7. Bake for between 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
8. Allow the baked calzones to cool for a few minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed with extra pizza sauce for dipping if you prefer.
How to Serve Homemade Calzones
Calzones can be served hot as a stand-alone meal, or with a side of marinara or pizza sauce for dipping. A refreshing side salad with Italian vinaigrette, sauteed vegetables, or a portion of fries could also complement these cheesy delights.
How to Store Homemade Calzones
Store leftover calzones in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. They can be reheated in the oven or microwave when ready to eat.
Tips to Make Homemade Calzones
1. Remember to leave a small border around the edge while applying sauce. This will make sealing the calzone easier.
2. Don’t overfill the calzones as this could cause them to rupture during baking.
Variation (if any)
Experiment with different types of cheese like feta, provolone, or gouda for a distinct flavor. You can also try adding a variety of vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or tomatoes.
FAQs
1. Can I freeze cooked calzones? – Yes. Cooled calzones can be frozen in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months.
2. What else can I fill my calzones with? – Calzones can be filled with virtually anything you like, cheese, ham, bacon, vegetables, the choices are limitless.
3. Can I use a wheat dough for my calzones? – Yes. Wheat dough, gluten-free dough, or any other type of preferred pizza dough can be used for this recipe.
Buon appetito with your homemade calzones!