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There’s something truly comforting about biting into a warm calzone. Imagine all the classic flavors of a pizza—savory meats, melted cheese, and tangy sauce—wrapped up in a perfectly baked dough. This calzone recipe is a delightful twist on a traditional pizza that you can easily prepare at home. Whether you need a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a tasty snack to pack for work or school, these calzones have got you covered.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This calzone recipe is a gem because it combines the convenience of handheld food with the heartiness of a full meal. The calzones are easy to make and offer endless customization possibilities, allowing you to tailor each one to your personal tastes. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep since they reheat beautifully. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
- 2 loaves (1 pound each) frozen bread dough, thawed
- 1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 50 slices pepperoni
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 pitted ripe olive, sliced and cut in half
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out each piece of dough into a rounded triangle shape, approximately 14 inches high by 11 inches wide at the base. Place each on a parchment-lined baking sheet with the tip of the triangle toward you.
- Lightly score a 4-inch-wide rectangle in the center of the triangle, 2 inches from the top and bottom.
- On each long side, cut 1-inch-wide strips at an angle up to the score line, leaving a triangle in the top center of the wide end for the head.
- Inside the scored rectangle, layer the cheese, pizza sauce, pepperoni, and green pepper.
- Shape the top center triangle into a head. Starting at the head, fold alternating strips of dough at an angle across the filling, stopping at the last strip on each side. Fold the bottom dough tip up over the filling, then fold the remaining two strips over the top; press down firmly.
- Brush the dough with beaten egg. Cover and let rise for 15 minutes.
- For eyes, press 1 olive slice into each head.
- Bake for 25-28 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand for 5 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Ensure your dough is fully thawed before starting to make it easier to roll out.
- Don’t overfill the calzones to prevent them from bursting open during baking.
- Let the calzones rest before slicing to keep the fillings intact.
Additional Tips or Variations
Feel free to get creative with the fillings! You can add mushrooms, onions, or substitute the pepperoni with cooked sausage or ham. For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add more of your favorite vegetables.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
This calzone recipe provides a balanced mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Each serving is rich in calcium and provides a good amount of vitamins from the vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I freeze the calzones?
Yes, you can freeze the calzones before baking. When ready to eat, bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What other sauces can I use?
Aside from pizza sauce, you can try marinara, Alfredo, or even a spicy arrabbiata for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
These calzones are a delightful way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza in a portable form. I hope you give this recipe a try and find it as enjoyable as I do. Don’t forget to share your creations and any fun variations you come up with. Happy cooking!
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