Italian calzone is a delicious stuffed bread that originates from Italy. It looks like a folded pizza and is filled with tasty ingredients. Calzones are easy to make and fun to eat, offering a perfect meal for any time of the day.
Why Make This Recipe
Making calzones at home is a fantastic way to enjoy Italian flavors right in your kitchen. Not only can you customize the fillings to suit your taste, but you also get to enjoy a warm, fresh meal. This recipe is great for family dinners, parties, or even just a treat for yourself!
How to Make Italian Calzone
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Italian sausage
- Pepperoni
- Bell peppers
- Onions
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Herbs (oregano, basil)
- Salt
- Pepper
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into circles.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, cooked Italian sausage, pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, minced garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Place the filling on one half of the dough circle, leaving a border.
- Fold the dough over to cover the filling and crimp the edges to seal.
- Brush the calzones with olive oil and cut small slits on top for steam.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Italian Calzone
Serve your calzones warm, straight from the oven. They pair well with marinara sauce for dipping. You can also add a fresh salad on the side for a complete meal.
How to Store Italian Calzone
If you have leftover calzones, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
Tips to Make Italian Calzone
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Don’t overfill the calzones to prevent them from bursting while baking.
- Experiment with different fillings, like vegetables or different meats, to create your favorite combination.
Variation
You can make vegetarian calzones by skipping the meats and adding more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. You can also use different cheeses or herbs to change the flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make calzones ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the calzones, seal them, and refrigerate or freeze them. Just bake them when ready to eat.
2. What types of sauces can I serve with calzones?
Marinara sauce is popular, but you can also use garlic butter, ranch dressing, or even pesto for dipping.
3. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough can save you time, and it works just as well for making calzones.
Enjoy making your Italian calzone!
