Homemade calzones are a delightful way to enjoy the classic flavors of pizza in a portable, easy-to-eat stuffed dough. Whether you’re looking for a snack, a quick meal, or a fun dish for family gatherings, these calzones hit all the right notes. With a crispy exterior and a warm, cheesy filling, they can be customized with your favorite ingredients, making them perfect for any occasion.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 400
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
Why Make This Homemade Calzones
Making homemade calzones offers a fantastic opportunity to explore your culinary creativity. They are simple enough for a quick weeknight meal but can be impressive enough for entertaining guests. You have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to customize fillings to suit your family’s tastes or dietary preferences. Plus, the joy of pulling a golden-brown calzone from the oven, with cheese bubbling out and a warm aroma filling your kitchen, is unbeatable!
How to Make Homemade Calzones
Creating homemade calzones is straightforward, making it an excellent option for cooks of all levels. Follow these steps to guide you through the process, ensuring delicious results every time.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
- Optional: pepperoni, vegetables, or other preferred fillings
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
In a bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. This mixture will create the base for your calzone dough, providing both structure and flavor.
Step 2: Mixing
In a separate bowl, mix the warm water and olive oil. Gradually add the liquid to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until it is smooth and elastic, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Rising
Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy and airy texture in your calzones.
Step 4: Preparing for Baking
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into circles about 6 inches in diameter.
Step 5: Filling
Place a scoop of ricotta and a generous handful of mozzarella cheese on one half of each circle. If you want to add any optional fillings such as pepperoni or veggies, now is the time!
Step 6: Sealing
Fold the dough over to cover the filling and seal the edges tightly. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch and to ensure they are well-sealed.
Step 7: Baking
Arrange the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown. Your kitchen will smell incredible during this time!
Step 8: Serving
Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping. The gooey cheese paired with the savory sauce makes for an enjoyable flavor experience.
How to Serve Homemade Calzones
Homemade calzones are best when served fresh out of the oven. Pair them with a side salad for a complete meal or serve them as an appetizer at parties. You can also cut them in half for smaller portions, making them great finger food for gatherings.
How to Store Homemade Calzones
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or an air fryer to restore their crispiness. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap each calzone tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and they can last up to 2 months in the freezer. Just bake from frozen at 400°F (204°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Expert Tips for Perfect Homemade Calzones
- Use warm water (not hot) to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or cheddar for unique flavors.
- Make sure your calzones are sealed well to prevent leaks during baking.
- For a golden appearance, brush the tops with an egg wash (1 beaten egg mixed with a splash of water) before baking.
Delicious Variations
- Vegetarian Delight: Fill with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach for a tasty veggie option.
- Meat Lovers: Add cooked sausage or ground beef for a heartier filling.
- Spicy Twist: Incorporate jalapeños or spicy sausage for added heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use store-bought dough? Yes, using pre-made dough can save you time; just follow the directions for rolling and filling.
- What can I substitute for ricotta cheese? Cream cheese or cottage cheese can be used but will change the texture slightly.
- How can I make these calzones healthier? Use whole wheat flour for the dough and add plenty of fresh vegetables as fillings.
- Can I bake them ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the calzones and store them in the fridge. Bake them just before serving for the best texture.
- What if my dough doesn’t rise? Make sure your yeast is fresh and the water is warm, not hot, as this could kill the yeast.
Conclusion
Homemade calzones are not only delicious but also a fun way to customize dinner to your liking. With a crispy exterior and a cheesy filling, these folded delights are perfect for families and gatherings alike. Plus, with endless filling possibilities, you can create a new flavor combination every time you make them! So gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try—you’ll be rewarded with a comforting meal that everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
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Homemade Calzones
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful stuffed dough with customizable fillings, perfect for snacks or meals.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
- Optional: pepperoni, vegetables, or other preferred fillings
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
- In a separate bowl, mix warm water and olive oil. Gradually combine with dry ingredients to form dough.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Roll out the risen dough into circles about 6 inches in diameter.
- Place ricotta and mozzarella cheese on one half of each circle. Add optional fillings as desired.
- Fold the dough over the filling, sealing the edges tightly. Crimp edges with a fork if desired.
- Arrange calzones on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
