Description
This classic calzone recipe features a crispy, golden-brown crust filled with creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, tangy pizza sauce, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting Italian-inspired meal, these calzones are easy to prepare and deliver a delicious combination of flavors with every bite. Ideal for a quick dinner or a fun weekend cooking project.
Ingredients
Scale
Calzone Dough
- 1 prepared pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
Filling
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for filling and topping)
Finishing
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (232 degrees C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating to get it hot and ready for baking.
- Roll Dough: Divide the prepared pizza dough into two equal parts. On a floured surface, roll each piece into a circle about 1/4-inch thick, ensuring an even thickness for proper cooking.
- Add Sauce: Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edge to seal the calzone later.
- Layer Cheeses and Season: Evenly spread half of the ricotta cheese over the sauce, followed by half of the shredded mozzarella. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Fold and Seal: Carefully fold the dough over the cheese and sauce to form a semi-circle. Press the edges firmly together, then roll and crimp the edges with your fingers to ensure a tight seal and prevent filling from leaking out while baking.
- Prepare for Baking: Brush the top of each calzone with olive oil for a golden finish and sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese over the top for added flavor.
- Bake: Transfer the calzones onto the preheated pizza stone if using, or place them on a baking sheet. Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes, or until the calzones develop a golden-brown crust.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the calzones to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping, and enjoy your homemade calzone delight.
Notes
- Using a pizza stone helps achieve a crispier crust but is optional.
- Make sure to seal the edges well to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Calzones can be filled with other ingredients like cooked vegetables, pepperoni, or sausage according to your preference.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for best results.
