Transform your ordinary pizza night into an extraordinary culinary adventure with this incredible Homemade Calzone recipe. Imagine a delicious, portable pizza pocket, bursting with savory fillings, baked to golden perfection. This guide will walk you through creating these irresistible calzones from scratch, using a simple yet robust pizza dough, rich marinara sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and your choice of favorite fillings. Perfect for a fun family dinner, a satisfying appetizer, or a quick, delicious snack any day of the week, these calzones are a game-changer for homemade Italian cuisine enthusiasts.
Elevate Your Pizza Night with the Best Homemade Calzone Recipe
There’s an undeniable charm to homemade calzones that makes them an instant family favorite. Beyond their undeniable deliciousness, oozing with melted cheese and rich sauce, they offer unparalleled convenience and versatility. Once you have your pizza dough ready – which can even be prepared in advance – the assembly and baking process takes a mere 30 minutes, making them a fantastic option for busy weeknights. The best part? Calzones are incredibly freezer-friendly. You can whip up a big batch, freeze them, and then reheat them whenever a quick, satisfying meal or on-the-go snack is needed. This recipe empowers you to take control of your ingredients, ensuring a fresh, wholesome, and customizable meal every time.
Our family absolutely adores creating personal-sized calzones, allowing each member to customize their pocket with their preferred ingredients. It’s a fantastic way to cater to diverse tastes and make dinner an interactive, enjoyable experience for everyone. Here’s a clever tip for family cooking: bake individual calzones on a sheet tray lined with parchment paper and gently write each person’s name on the parchment beneath their calzone. This simple trick ensures everyone gets their personalized creation without any guesswork!
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Calzones
Crafting the perfect calzone begins with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and some helpful tips for each:
- Flour: We typically use all-purpose flour for a well-balanced texture. However, if you prefer a chewier crust with more structure, bread flour can be an excellent alternative.
- Water: Warm water is crucial for activating the yeast properly. Aim for a temperature between 95-110 degrees Fahrenheit (35-43 degrees Celsius). Water that’s too hot can kill the yeast, while water that’s too cold won’t activate it effectively.
- Yeast: This recipe calls for active dry yeast, which requires a short proofing step to ensure it’s alive and ready to work its magic. (For a more in-depth guide on activating yeast, refer to our Homemade White Bread recipe). If you opt for instant yeast, you can save a few minutes by skipping the proofing; simply mix it directly with the other dry ingredients, then add the wet ingredients to form and knead the dough.
- Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil adds flavor and richness to the dough, contributing to a tender crumb and a delicious crust. You can substitute with another neutral-flavored cooking oil like avocado oil if preferred.
- Mozzarella Cheese: The quintessential calzone cheese! For convenience, pre-shredded mozzarella works perfectly. Both whole milk and part-skim varieties will melt beautifully, creating that signature gooey interior. Consider shredding your own from a block for even better melt and flavor, as pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents.
- Pepperoni: A timeless classic and a definite family favorite in our home. Feel free to customize! You can omit the pepperoni entirely, substitute it with cooked Italian sausage, diced ham, mini meatballs, or shredded chicken, based on your family’s preferences.
- Marinara Sauce: The heart of any great pizza pocket. Use your favorite store-bought brand for a quick solution, or elevate your calzones with a batch of homemade marinara sauce if you’re feeling ambitious! A good sauce truly makes all the difference.
- Egg Wash: A simple mixture of a whole egg and a tablespoon of water, brushed onto the calzones just before baking. This step is not just for aesthetics, providing a beautiful golden shine to the dough, but also helps seasonings like garlic salt and Parmesan cheese adhere better, and aids in sealing the edges securely.
- Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese over the top before baking adds a salty, savory depth and a lovely crust. Any type of grated Parmesan will do the trick – fresh or pre-grated.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Delicious Homemade Calzones
- Prepare the Calzone Dough: In the bowl of your stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl if kneading by hand), combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Give it a gentle stir and let it rest for about 5 minutes. You’ll know your yeast is active and ready when the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly. Once proofed, add one cup of the flour, the salt, and the olive oil. Attach the dough hook (or use a sturdy spoon) and mix until just combined. Gradually add the remaining flour, about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing until all the flour is incorporated and the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl. Continue to mix and knead on low speed for approximately 2 minutes (or knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes) until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it has roughly doubled in size. This resting period is crucial for developing flavor and texture.
- Shape the Calzones: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and divide it into 6 equal pieces. Take each piece and roll it into a smooth ball. Using a rolling pin, flatten each ball into a circular shape, roughly 6-8 inches in diameter. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly round; a rustic look adds to the homemade charm!
- Fill the Calzones: Now for the fun part! Spoon about 2 tablespoons of your chosen pizza or marinara sauce onto one half of each dough circle. Spread the sauce evenly, making sure to leave at least a 3/4-inch border clear around the edges to allow for proper sealing. Next, sprinkle approximately 1/4 to 1/3 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Finally, layer your desired toppings, such as pepperoni, over the cheese. Remember not to overfill, as this can make sealing difficult.
- Seal the Calzones: Carefully fold the unfilled half of the dough over the top of the filling, aligning the edges. Press the edges together firmly with your fingers to seal. For an extra secure and decorative seal, you can crimp the edges using the tines of a fork. This not only looks great but also helps prevent filling from escaping during baking. Place the sealed calzones onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving at least 2 inches of space between each one to ensure even cooking.
- Apply Egg Wash and Prepare for Baking: In a small bowl, whisk together one large egg and one tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, apply a thin, even layer of this egg wash over the entire top surface of each calzone. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown crust and a slight sheen. Immediately sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and/or garlic salt for extra flavor. Before baking, use a sharp knife or fork to poke two or three small holes into the top of each calzone. This essential step allows steam to escape, preventing the calzones from bursting open in the oven and ensuring a crispier crust.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake the calzones in a preheated 425-degree Fahrenheit (220-degree Celsius) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are puffed up and gloriously golden brown. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before serving. This cooling time allows the fillings to set and prevents burns from the molten hot cheese. Enjoy your homemade masterpiece!
Endless Calzone Filling Possibilities
The beauty of calzones lies in their endless customization. Here are some fantastic filling ideas to inspire your culinary creativity, allowing you to tailor each calzone to your specific tastes:
- Sauce Options:
- Classic Marinara Sauce (always a winner!)
- Zesty Buffalo Sauce (for a kick)
- Sweet and savory BBQ sauce
- Fragrant Homemade Pesto
- Cheese Varieties:
- Mozzarella cheese (for gooey melt)
- Parmesan cheese (for sharp, salty notes)
- Creamy Ricotta cheese (a traditional favorite, adds moisture)
- Shredded Provolone (for a milder, yet flavorful melt)
- Spicy Pepper Jack cheese
- Meats & Proteins:
- Pepperoni slices
- Cooked Italian sausage (crumbled or sliced)
- Diced ham
- Mini meatballs
- Shredded chicken (especially good with BBQ or buffalo sauce)
- Herbs & Spices:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Cilantro
- Dried oregano
- Fresh rosemary
- Vegetables & More:
- Tangy banana peppers
- Sweet sauteed onions
- Colorful bell peppers
- Fresh green onions
- Nutrient-rich spinach (wilted and squeezed dry)
- Earthy mushrooms (sauteed for best flavor)
- Sliced black olives
Expert Tips for Calzone Success
- Don’t Overfill: It’s incredibly tempting to stuff your calzones with an abundance of fillings, but resist the urge! Too much filling makes it challenging to seal the edges securely, leading to potential bursts in the oven and messy clean-ups. A moderate amount ensures a perfectly cooked, well-sealed pocket.
- Prepare Dough in Advance: To significantly reduce your prep time on baking day, make your pizza dough a day ahead. Store it in the refrigerator, covered, and simply allow it to come to room temperature for 20-30 minutes before shaping, filling, and baking. You can also freeze portions of dough for even longer storage (see FAQ below).
- The Power of Egg Wash: Don’t skip the egg wash! Besides imparting a beautiful golden, shiny crust, it acts as a fantastic adhesive, helping your Parmesan cheese and garlic salt toppings stick. More importantly, it helps create a stronger seal along the edges, preventing the calzones from coming apart during baking.
- Get Creative with Leftover Dough: If you find yourself with extra dough after making your main batch, don’t let it go to waste! Use it to create delightful mini calzones. These smaller versions are perfect for appetizers, kid-friendly snacks, or bite-sized treats for parties.
- Remember to Vent: Always remember to poke a few small holes in the top of each calzone before baking. This simple step is vital for allowing steam to escape from the hot, enclosed filling. Without these vents, steam builds up, causing the calzones to puff excessively and potentially burst, spilling their delicious contents.
Frequently Asked Questions About Calzones
Absolutely! Freezing homemade pizza dough is a fantastic way to prepare ahead and always have it on hand. Once your dough has completed its initial rise, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag, pressing gently to remove as much air as possible and flattening the dough slightly into a disc. It can be stored frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, simply let the dough thaw overnight in the refrigerator. The next day, remove it from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before proceeding with shaping and filling your delicious homemade calzones or any other recipe that uses this versatile pizza dough.
The baking time for a homemade calzone can vary slightly depending on its size and your specific oven. For the standard size calzones (making 6 from a single batch of dough) in this recipe, baking at a preheated 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius) typically takes between 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for a beautifully golden brown crust and a puffed appearance. If you’re making smaller, mini calzones for an appetizer, the baking time will naturally be shorter, ranging anywhere from 10-20 minutes. It’s always best to check them frequently (ideally without constantly opening the oven door, if possible!) and bake until they reach that desirable golden hue.
At its heart, a calzone is essentially a portable pizza or a “pizza pocket.” This ingenious dish originated in Naples, Italy, where it was traditionally sold by street vendors as a convenient, eat-on-the-go alternative to flat pizzas. Calzones are typically crafted from a simple pizza dough that is rolled into a flat, round shape. This dough is then generously stuffed with various delectable ingredients, most commonly a combination of cheeses (like mozzarella and ricotta), meats (such as pepperoni or sausage), and vegetables. The dough is then carefully folded in half, its edges tightly sealed, and finally baked to a crispy, golden finish, offering a wonderfully satisfying and mess-free alternative to your regular pizza night.
While both calzones and strombolis are delicious baked dough creations filled with savory ingredients, they have distinct differences. A calzone is traditionally a half-moon shape, made by folding a round pizza dough in half and crimping the edges to seal. It’s essentially a folded pizza, and is often served with marinara sauce on the side for dipping. A stromboli, on the other hand, is typically rolled up like a log or a spiral, often made with rectangular dough. The fillings are layered, and the dough is rolled around them, then sealed. Strombolis are usually served sliced, and the sauce is often baked inside or drizzled over top, rather than served on the side. Both are fantastic, but offer different culinary experiences!
Storing and Reheating Calzones
Homemade calzones are fantastic for meal prepping! Here’s how to store and reheat them effectively:
- Refrigerator Storage: Allow any leftover calzones to cool completely before storing. Transfer them to an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezer Storage: Cooked calzones freeze exceptionally well. Once they are completely cool, wrap each calzone individually in plastic wrap, then place them in freezer bags or an airtight freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. This is perfect for quick individual meals!
- To Reheat:
- Oven Method: For best results, reheat frozen or refrigerated calzones in a preheated 350-degree Fahrenheit (175-degree Celsius) oven. Bake for about 15-30 minutes, depending on the size of the calzone and whether it’s coming from the fridge or freezer, until it’s warmed through and the crust crisps up again.
- Microwave Method: While quicker, the microwave won’t yield as crispy a crust. Heat on high for 1 minute at a time, checking and continuing until warmed through. This method is great for a super fast snack.
Homemade Calzone Recipe
The Carefree Kitchen
Pin
Rate
1 hr
25 mins
1 hr 25 mins
6
people
Ingredients
Calzone Dough
-
1
cup
water,
warm (95-110 degrees F) -
1
tablespoon
sugar -
2
teaspoons
active dry yeast -
1
tablespoon
olive oil -
1
teaspoon
salt -
2½
cups
all-purpose flour
Other Calzone Ingredients
-
2
cups
mozzarella cheese,
shredded -
1/2
cup
pepperoni -
1
cup
marinara sauce -
1
large
egg -
1
tablespoon
water -
1/2
teaspoon
garlic salt -
2
tablespoons
Parmesan cheese
Instructions
How to Make Calzone Dough
- In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the yeast, sugar, and lukewarm water. Stir and set aside for about 5 minutes to proof. When it starts to get bubbly it is ready to go.
- Add a cup of flour, the salt and cooking oil and mix with the dough hook to combine. The dough should start to look stringy.
- Add the rest of the flour, 1/2 cup at a time, and stir until it’s all combined. Continue to mix and knead on low speed for about 2 minutes.
- Cover dough with plastic wrap and let rest for about 30 minutes, or until about doubled.
How to Fill Calzones
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Punch the dough down and divide into 6 pieces. On a lightly floured surface, shape each piece of dough into a ball and use a rolling pin to roll out the dough into a 6-8″ circle.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce onto one half of each circle of dough and spread it evenly, making sure to stay at least 3/4″ away from the edges. Sprinkle about 1/4-1/3 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the marinara sauce, and then layer your pepperoni (or other toppings) over the top of the cheese.
- Fold the dough in half, over the filling, and press to seal the edges tightly. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving at least 2″ between each calzone.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water and brush a thin layer of this egg wash over the top of each calzone using a pastry brush. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and/or garlic salt, then poke a couple holes into the top of each calzone to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Reheating: reheat in a 350 degree oven until warmed through (about 15-30 minutes depending on the size), or microwave on high for 1 minute at a time until warmed through.
Nutrition
|
Carbohydrates: 45g
|
Protein: 19g
|
Fat: 17g
|
Saturated Fat: 7g
|
Cholesterol: 72mg
|
Sodium: 1238mg
|
Potassium: 270mg
|
Fiber: 2g
|
Sugar: 4g
|
Vitamin A: 487IU
|
Vitamin C: 3mg
|
Calcium: 228mg
|
Iron: 3mg
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.
Appetizer, Main Course
Italian
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Discover More Homemade Pizza Recipes
If you loved making these homemade calzones, you’re in for a treat! The world of homemade pizza-inspired dishes is vast and delicious. Expand your culinary repertoire with these other fantastic recipes from our kitchen that are perfect for family meals, entertaining, or just satisfying a craving for cheesy, baked goodness:
- Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks: The perfect accompaniment to any Italian meal or a delightful snack on its own.
- Pull Apart Garlic Bread: A fun and flavorful bread that’s great for sharing.
- French Bread Pizza: Quick, easy, and endlessly customizable for those busy nights.
- Homemade Stuffed Crust Pizza: Take your pizza game to the next level with a cheesy surprise in every bite.
- Grilled Pizza Dough: Experience a unique smoky flavor and crispy crust from the grill.
- Pizza Skulls: A spooky and delicious twist on pizza, perfect for themed parties.
- Pizza Sliders: Miniature pizza sandwiches that are great for appetizers or game day.
- Olive Oil Dipping Sauce: A simple yet elegant dip to serve with warm bread.
- Explore more Pizza Recipes for endless inspiration.
- Find additional Easy Dinner Ideas to simplify your meal planning.
Making homemade calzones is more than just cooking; it’s about creating memorable experiences in your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner baker, this recipe offers a rewarding and incredibly delicious way to enjoy Italian flavors. We hope this comprehensive guide inspires you to roll up your sleeves, get creative with your fillings, and savor every bite of these easy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying pizza pockets. Buon appetito!