Ultimate Calzone Recipe

Pizza in a pocket! Make my easy calzone recipe tonight. Cheesy, meaty (or veggie!), perfect for quick Italian dinners. Get the family involved!

June 10, 2025
By Mia Westlake.
Updated June 13, 2025

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Alright, let’s dive into the world of calzones ! Remember that one time your mate burned the pizza? Let's avoid that drama! This calzone recipe is like pizza's cooler, handheld cousin.

The Pocket-Sized Pizza Dream

Ever wonder where italian dishes come from? well, calzones hail from naples, italy. think of them as enclosed pizzas, ready for any filling.

It's easy pizza calzones . stromboli sandwiches are in the same family.

This calzone recipe easy is surprisingly simple. we're talking about a golden crust packed with cheesy goodness. plus, your favorite fillings.

Get ready to create easy homemade calzones . it takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. this will yield 4 delicious homemade calzone .

Ultimate Calzone Recipe Recipe Card

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Preparation time:30 Mins

Cooking time:25 Mins

Servings:4 calzones

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240ml) warm water (105-115°F/40-46°C)
• 2 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon (6g) granulated sugar
• 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon (6g) salt
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil, plus more for greasing
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
• ½ cup (100g) diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) marinara sauce (good quality, store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 ½ cups (170g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (120g) ricotta cheese
• ½ cup (110g) cooked Italian sausage (or your preferred cooked filling – see variations), crumbled
• Optional: 1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh basil
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) water

Instructions:

• Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
• Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Add olive oil and knead on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
• While the dough is rising, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until softened, then add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 5 minutes. Let cool slightly.
• Punch down the risen dough. Divide into 4 equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a 8-inch circle.
• Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on one half of each dough circle, leaving a ½-inch border. Top with mozzarella, ricotta, sausage (or your filling of choice), and basil (if using).
• Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges tightly to seal. Crimp with a fork to ensure a tight seal.
• Place calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Whisk together egg and water. Brush the tops of the calzones with the egg wash. Cut a small vent in the top of each calzone.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the filling is heated through.
• Let cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:550-650 calories

Fat:25-30g

Fiber:3-5g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Italian

Why You'll Love This Calzone Recipe

Honestly, what's not to love? this is one of the tastiest italian dishes to make at home . the main benefit? it's customizable! plus, it’s perfect for a family dinner or pizza snacks easy .

This recipe is special because it's fun. building it with your hands will be great. it's a unique way to i love food !

Ingredients & Equipment for the Ultimate Calzone Recipe

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this amazing calzone recipe . it's all about fresh ingredients and a bit of elbow grease.

Honestly, easy homemade calzones are so much better than store-bought, you know?

Main Ingredients for Your Calzone Recipe Easy

• For the Dough:

  • Warm water: 1 cup (240ml) , about 105- 115° F (40- 46° C) . This is crucial for activating the yeast.
  • Active dry yeast: 2 teaspoons (7g) . Make sure it's fresh!
  • Granulated sugar: 1 teaspoon (6g) . It feeds the yeast.
  • All-purpose flour: 2 ½ cups (300g) , plus more for dusting.
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon (6g) .
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Extra for greasing the bowl.

• For the Filling:

  • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
  • Diced onion: ½ cup (100g) .
  • Minced garlic: 2 cloves .
  • Marinara sauce: 1 cup (240ml) . Go for a good quality sauce, it makes all the difference!
  • Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon .
  • Red pepper flakes (optional): ½ teaspoon .
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: 1 ½ cups (170g) .
  • Ricotta cheese: ½ cup (120g) .
  • Cooked Italian sausage: ½ cup (110g) , crumbled. For a calzone recipe pepperoni , just substitute with pepperoni.

Seasoning Notes to Make It Diy Calzones Homemade

The key to a great calzone is the seasoning! oregano is a must. red pepper flakes add a nice kick.

Also, a touch of garlic powder to the sauce can make a difference. if you don't have oregano, italian seasoning blend will work just fine.

I love food. and remember to taste as you go! this is the secret to any of the italian recipes .

Equipment Needed for These Easy Pizza Calzones

• Large mixing bowl: For the dough.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Gotta be precise!
• Baking sheet: Essential for baking.
• Parchment paper: Makes cleanup a breeze.
• Rolling pin: To roll out the dough.
• Small bowl for egg wash.
• Pastry brush: For brushing the egg wash.

Don't have a rolling pin? a wine bottle will do in a pinch! honestly, sometimes i just use my hands.

Also, consider some stromboli pictures for inspiration. time to turn these pizza ingredients into some italian dishes to make at home.

This is a perfect family dinner, and it is one of the best appetizer recipes too.

Alright, let's dive into this calzone recipe , because honestly, who doesn't love a handheld pocket of cheesy goodness? it's like pizza's cooler, slightly more sophisticated cousin.

We're gonna make easy homemade calzones , and trust me, it's way easier than you think. think of these as pizza snacks easy enough to whip up on a weeknight.

Let's forget the friday night takeaway and get our pinny on.

Prep Like a Pro, Even If You're Not!

First things first: mise en place . fancy, right? it just means having everything chopped, measured, and ready to go. get your onions diced, garlic minced, and all your cheeses shredded.

It will make the whole process smoother than a baby's bottom.

Time-saving tip : While the dough is rising, prep all your fillings. This means you can focus on assembly later. Less stress, more yum!

Safety bit : When using a knife, keep your fingers tucked. We don't want any accidents! Also, watch out with that oven. It gets proper hot, innit.

Let's Make Some Magic: Calzone Assembly

1. Activate the yeast. Combine warm water (105- 115° F/40- 46° C), yeast, and sugar. Wait 5- 10 minutes. It should get all foamy and frothy - like it's doing the floss.
2. Make the dough. Add flour and salt to the yeast. Knead for 5- 7 minutes. Get stuck in, and get the dough all elastic like, and smooth.
3. Let the dough rise. Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover. Let it rise for 1 hour. It should double in size.
4. Sauté onion and garlic. Add marinara sauce, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Divide the dough into 4 pieces. Roll each piece into an 8-inch circle.
6. Spread marinara sauce on one half of the dough. Add mozzarella, ricotta, and sausage.
7. Fold the dough over the filling. Pinch the edges to seal. Crimp with a fork.
8. Brush with egg wash. Cut a small vent on top. Bake at 400° F ( 200° C) for 20- 25 minutes. This makes easy pizza calzones .

Pro Tips for Calzone Perfection

Expert move: For an extra crispy crust, brush with garlic butter after baking. Oh my gosh, amazing!

Avoid this disaster: Overfilling the calzones! You'll end up with a leaky mess. Less is more, trust me.

Make-ahead option : prep the dough and filling the day before. store them separately in the fridge. this is how to make calzones at home even on busy weeknights.

This antipasto roll can be the perfect party starter!

This calzone recipe is totally customisable. feel free to use other italian dishes appetizers ingredients like pepperoni, ham, mushrooms. get inventive! if you want an italian cold cut calzone recipe then add salami, capicola and provolone cheese.

Or a calzone recipe pepperoni is a quick option for a filling lunch.

This should take you to Neapolitan heaven. Enjoy this homemade calzone and think about Italian dishes to make at home .

Alright, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of this fantastic calzone recipe . Consider this your cheat sheet for calzone success. Oh my gosh, I'm practically drooling just thinking about those cheesy pockets.

Recipe Notes

Let’s explore some extra tips to make your Easy Homemade Calzones even better than you imagined!

Serving Suggestions: Pizza Snacks Easy Mode

Presentation matters. Think beyond just slapping a Homemade Calzone on a plate.

• Plating and presentation ideas: Slice your calzone in half to show off that delicious filling. A sprinkle of fresh basil and a drizzle of good olive oil elevate the look. Serve it on a wooden board for a rustic vibe. Honestly, it's all about that visual appeal. Stromboli pictures don't lie!
• Complementary sides or beverages: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the calzone. As for drinks, an Italian beer (Peroni, anyone?) or a crisp white wine works wonders. Italian Dishes Appetizers are perfect with this calzone.

Storage Tips: Diy Calzones Homemade Magic

Leftover calzone? Lucky you!

• Refrigeration guidelines: Store cooled calzones in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Honestly, they never last that long in my house.
• Freezing options (if applicable): You can freeze baked calzones for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then foil, for optimal freshness. Or you can freeze the calzones unbaked and they will bake for longer.
• Reheating instructions: Reheat in a 350° F ( 175° C) oven until warmed through. You can also microwave, but the crust won't be as crispy.

Variations: Quick And Easy Calzones Galore

Feeling adventurous? Let's tweak that Calzone Recipe Easy .

• Dietary adaptations: For a vegetarian Italian Calzones option, swap the sausage for roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Use gluten-free flour for the dough if needed.
• Seasonal ingredient swaps: In the summer, use fresh tomatoes and basil. In the autumn, butternut squash and sage. Get creative with your Italian Christmas Pizza filling!

Nutrition Basics: Calzone Recipe Pepperoni Power

Let’s talk numbers. (But don't let it scare you away!)

• Simplified nutrition information: One calzone will set you back around 550-650 calories. Protein and carbs aplenty! I Love Food and this calzone.
• Key health benefits: Okay, calzones aren't exactly health food but can provide a satisfying meal with balanced macros. Don't skip it for a Family Dinner night! Makanan Dan Minuman (Food and Drink).

So there you have it. your ultimate guide to easy pizza calzones . don't be scared to experiment. just have fun with it.

This homemade stromboli recipe is your playground. how to make calzones at home? it is easy as you see! from deep dish flavors to classic tortellini inspiration, the possibilities are endless.

You've got this. now go bake some stromboli sandwiches or pillsbury stromboli inspired masterpieces.