Calzone

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 350
• Protein: 20 grams
• Carbohydrates: 32 grams
• Fat: 15 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Sugar: 2 grams
• Sodium: 600 mg

Why Make This Calzone

There’s something truly magical about biting into a warm, golden calzone. These delightful Italian pockets are not only delicious, but they’re also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the filling to suit your taste. The crispy crust encases a creamy and flavorful blend of cheeses, savory sausage, and nutritious spinach, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a pizza night with friends, or simply satisfying your cravings, calzones are sure to impress everyone at the table.

How to Make Calzone

## Ingredients:

• Pizza dough
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian sausage (cooked)
• Spinach (cooked and chopped)
• Marinara sauce
• Egg (for egg wash)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper

## Directions:

### Step 1: Preheating

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is crucial because a hot oven helps the calzones bake evenly and achieve that golden, crispy crust we all desire.

### Step 2: Rolling Out Dough

Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface until you have circles, about 6 to 8 inches in diameter. Make sure to keep the dough floured so it doesn’t stick, and feel free to adjust the size according to how large you want your calzones.

### Step 3: Mixing the Filling

In a bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, cooked Italian sausage, chopped spinach, salt, and pepper. This filling should be creamy with savory notes, packed with flavor that will make each bite delightful.

### Step 4: Assembling the Calzones

Place a generous amount of the filling on one half of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as it can make sealing the edges difficult. Then, fold the other half of the dough over the filling and seal the edges. Crimp the edges with a fork to ensure no delicious filling escapes during baking.

### Step 5: Baking

Brush the top of each calzone with olive oil and egg wash for a glossy finish. Cut a few slits in the top for steam to escape—this prevents the calzones from bursting in the oven. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.

### Step 6: Serving

Once baked, let the calzones cool for a few minutes before serving. They pair wonderfully with marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy the crispy exterior, and take a moment to appreciate the aromas wafting through your kitchen!

How to Serve Calzone

Calzones are best enjoyed hot from the oven, featuring their warm, melty interior. Serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. They also make a fantastic accompaniment to a fresh salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal. For an added touch, sprinkle each calzone with fresh basil or a dash of Italian seasoning before serving.

How to Store Calzone

To store leftover calzones, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat them in the oven for the best texture, warming at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Expert Tips for Perfect Calzone

1. Dough Consistency: For an easier time rolling and folding, use pizza dough that has rested at room temperature for 30 minutes.
2. Cheese Choices: Feel free to mix and match different cheeses based on your preference. Provolone or fontina can add nice variations.
3. Extra Flavor: Add herbs like oregano or basil to the cheese mixture for an extra flavor boost.
4. Vegetarian Option: Replace Italian sausage with sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
5. Make Ahead: You can prep the calzones in advance and freeze them unbaked for a quick meal anytime.

Delicious Variations

• Mushroom & Spinach: Swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms for a tasty vegetarian option.
• Buffalo Chicken: Use shredded cooked chicken and mix with buffalo sauce for a spicy twist.
• Mediterranean Veggie: Stuff with feta cheese, olives, artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes for a delicious Mediterranean flair.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
   Absolutely! Store-bought dough is a great time-saver, and it usually works just as well as homemade.

2. What if my calzone leaks during baking?
   This could happen if they’re overstuffed. Make sure to seal the edges well and cut slits for steam escape to prevent leaks.

3. Can calzones be made vegetarian?
   Yes! Just omit the meat and load them with your favorite vegetables and cheeses.

4. Can I freeze uncooked calzones?
   Yes, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

5. How do I know when calzones are done?
   Look for a golden brown color on the crust. It should smell delicious, and a thermometer should read 165°F (74°C) at the center.

Conclusion

Calzones are not just a meal; they are an experience filled with rich flavors, delightful textures, and comforting warmth. In just about 40 minutes, you can create a deliciously satisfying dish that you and your loved ones will cherish. So roll up your sleeves, get creative with your fillings, and enjoy the wonderful world of calzones!

Delicious Calzone

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• Author: lydia
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Meat and Vegetarian Option Available

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Description

These delightful Italian calzones are filled with a creamy blend of cheeses, savory sausage, and nutritious spinach, perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

• Pizza dough
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian sausage (cooked)
• Spinach (cooked and chopped)
• Marinara sauce
• Egg (for egg wash)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface until you have circles, about 6 to 8 inches in diameter.
3. In a bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, cooked Italian sausage, chopped spinach, salt, and pepper.
4. Place a generous amount of the filling on one half of each dough circle, fold over, and seal the edges.
5. Brush the top with olive oil and egg wash, cut slits for steam to escape, and bake for 20-25 minutes.
6. Let cool for a few minutes before serving with marinara sauce.

Notes

For extra flavor, add herbs like oregano or basil to the filling. You can also freeze unbaked calzones for quick meals.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 calzone
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 40mg