There's something magical about biting into a perfectly baked calzone - that moment when the crispy exterior gives way to reveal a steaming, cheese-filled interior. Today, I'll share a foolproof recipe for making restaurant-quality calzones at home.
What is a Calzone?
A calzone is essentially a folded pizza, created in Naples, Italy. Think of it as a savory turnover made from pizza dough and stuffed with various ingredients typically found on pizza.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1½ cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the filling:
- 2 cups whole milk ricotta
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup grated Parmesan
- 8 ounces Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Make the Dough Start by combining warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Mix in the flour, salt, and olive oil until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
- Prepare the Filling While the dough rises, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, cooked sausage, herbs, and garlic in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
- Shape and Fill Divide the dough into 4 portions. Roll each portion into a 10-inch circle. Place filling on one half of each circle, leaving a 1-inch border. Brush the edges with water and fold the dough over, crimping to seal.
- Bake Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Cut small slits in the top of each calzone for venting. Brush with egg wash. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Tips for Success
- Don't overfill your calzones - this can lead to bursting during baking
- Make sure to seal the edges well to prevent the filling from leaking
- Let the calzones rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the filling to set
Serving
Serve your calzones hot with extra marinara sauce for dipping. A simple green salad makes the perfect accompaniment.
These homemade calzones can be customized with your favorite pizza toppings. Try variations with vegetables, and different cheeses, or even make a dessert version with Nutella and ricotta. The possibilities are endless!
Whether you're feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, these calzones are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
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