Hey y’all! If you’re looking for a warm, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing dish that’s guaranteed to impress, this Easy Calzone Recipe is just the ticket. These golden, oven-baked pockets are stuffed with melty mozzarella, savory meats, and your favorite pizza toppings—all wrapped up in pillowy dough. Calzones are a fun twist on pizza, portable and perfect for family dinners, parties, or even meal prepping. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Calzone Recipe
- Super easy to customize with your favorite fillings.
- Crispy on the outside, soft, cheesy, and flavorful on the inside.
- Kid-friendly and ideal for busy weeknights or fun gatherings.
- Perfect for prepping ahead and freezing for later.
- Gets dinner on the table in under an hour!
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade, if you prefer)
- 1 cup (240g) ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup (70g) sliced pepperoni or cooked Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup (60g) sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1/2 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup (120ml) pizza sauce, plus extra for dipping
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, etc.)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly brush with olive oil.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
If using refrigerated pizza dough, let it rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each into an 8-inch (20 cm) round.
Step 3: Layer the Fillings
Spread 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce on half of each dough round, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Top with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, meats, and veggies. Sprinkle with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Fold and Seal
Fold the dough over the fillings to make a half-moon shape. Press the edges to seal, then crimp with a fork. Beat the egg and brush the tops for a glossy finish.
Step 5: Bake
Place calzones on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Let cool 2-3 minutes, then serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping!
Notes
- Be careful not to overfill calzones or they may burst during baking.
- Pinch edges tightly to prevent leaks.
- Let calzones rest briefly after baking to avoid burning your mouth on hot cheese.
Variations
- Veggie Lover’s: Omit meat and add spinach, olives, and roasted peppers.
- BBQ Chicken Calzone: Replace pizza sauce with barbecue sauce and use shredded cooked chicken and red onions.
- Breakfast Calzone: Fill with scrambled eggs, bacon, cheddar, and chives for a morning treat.
Required Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Small bowl (for egg wash)
- Fork (for crimping edges)
- Pastry brush (for oil and egg wash)
Storage Instructions
Cool calzones completely, then wrap tightly in foil or store in an airtight container. They keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a cup of tomato soup.
- Provide extra warm pizza sauce or ranch for dunking.
- Pairs perfectly with sparkling water or a light Italian white wine.
Pro Tips
- Let dough come to room temperature to make rolling much easier.
- Use a pizza stone for extra crispy bottoms.
- Get creative with your favorite cheeses—provolone and fontina are delicious in calzones too!
FAQ
Can I make calzones ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them, cover, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking. Or freeze unbaked calzones for later.
Can I reheat calzones in the microwave?
You can, but the crust will be softer. For a crispier texture, reheat in the oven or air fryer.
What other fillings can I use?
Any pizza toppings work—try ham and pineapple, buffalo chicken, or classic margherita with tomatoes and basil!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Servings: 4 calzones
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or spinach
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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1Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Cut into 4 equal pieces.
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3In a bowl, mix together mozzarella, ricotta, pepperoni, basil (or spinach), Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
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4Spoon some marinara sauce and the cheese mixture onto half of each dough piece, leaving a border. Fold dough over the filling and pinch edges to seal.
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5Place calzones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil and cut a small slit in each for steam to escape.
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6Bake for 20-22 minutes or until golden brown. Serve hot with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
410 caloriescal
Protein:
17gg
Fat:
16gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
48gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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