25 Delicious Calzones With Pizza Dough

Did you know that calzones, a traditional Italian turnover, can be easily made at home using simple pizza dough recipes? This versatile dish has become a staple in many cuisines around the world, offering a delicious and convenient meal option.

With Italian calzone recipes as a starting point, home cooks can experiment with various fillings and ingredients to create unique calzone recipes. Whether you’re looking for a classic Italian flavor or an innovative fusion, making homemade calzones is a great way to explore new culinary possibilities.

Key Takeaways

• Learn how to make homemade calzones using simple pizza dough recipes.
• Explore various Italian calzone and international calzone recipes.
• Discover tips and techniques for perfecting the art of calzone making.
• Find inspiration for creative fillings and ingredients to customize your calzones.
• Get recommendations for essential equipment and preparation methods.

The Art of Making Perfect Calzones

The art of crafting the perfect calzone begins with understanding its rich history and cultural significance. Calzones, originating from Naples, Italy, are essentially folded pizzas that have been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries.

What Are Calzones and Their Italian Origins

Calzones have a fascinating history that dates back to 18th-century Italy. They were initially made as a street food, filled with ingredients like ham, salami, and mozzarella. Understanding their origins helps in appreciating the traditional techniques and ingredients used.

Preparing the Perfect Pizza Dough for Calzones

Preparing the perfect pizza dough is crucial for making calzones. The dough should be elastic and have the right balance of ingredients.

Basic Pizza Dough Recipe

A basic pizza dough recipe includes flour, yeast, water, salt, and olive oil. To make the dough, combine 2 cups of warm water, 2 teaspoons of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Then, add 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until smooth.

Dough Troubleshooting Tips

Common issues with pizza dough include stickiness, toughness, or failure to rise. To avoid stickiness, ensure the dough is not overworked and has the right amount of flour. If the dough is too tough, it may be overworked or have too much flour. To fix a dough that doesn’t rise, check the yeast’s expiration date and ensure the water is not too hot or cold.

Essential Equipment and Techniques

To make perfect calzones, one needs the right equipment and techniques. Essential tools include a pizza stone, pizza peel, and a rolling pin.

Folding and Sealing Methods

Folding and sealing are critical steps in making calzones. The dough should be folded over the filling, and the edges sealed by crimping with a fork.

Baking Temperature and Time

Baking calzones at the right temperature and time is crucial. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Classic Italian Calzones

Classic Italian calzones represent the heart of Italian cuisine, offering a delicious blend of traditional flavors. These authentic Italian calzones have been perfected over centuries, with various regions in Italy contributing their unique ingredients and cooking techniques.

Traditional Ricotta and Mozzarella Calzone

The Traditional Ricotta and Mozzarella Calzone is a quintessential Italian dish that showcases the simplicity and richness of Italian cuisine. This ricotta calzone recipe combines the creaminess of ricotta with the melted goodness of mozzarella, creating a truly satisfying flavor profile.

Ingredients List

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup pizza dough

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
3. Mix the ricotta, mozzarella, egg, basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Place the mixture on one half of the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
5. Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Sicilian Calzone with Anchovies and Olives

The Sicilian Calzone with Anchovies and Olives is a bold variation that incorporates the salty, savory flavors of anchovies and the brininess of olives, characteristic of Sicilian cuisine. This Sicilian calzone is perfect for those who enjoy robust flavors.

Ingredients List

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped anchovies
• 1/4 cup chopped green olives
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup pizza dough

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
3. Mix the ricotta, anchovies, olives, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Place the mixture on one half of the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
5. Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Quattro Formaggi (Four Cheese) Calzone

The Quattro Formaggi Calzone is a rich and creamy variation that combines four distinct Italian cheeses: mozzarella, ricotta, parmesan, and gorgonzola. This four cheese calzone is a cheese lover’s dream, offering a complex and satisfying flavor profile.

Ingredients List

• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup pizza dough

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
3. Mix the mozzarella, ricotta, parmesan, gorgonzola, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Place the mixture on one half of the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
5. Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Prosciutto and Arugula Calzone

The Prosciutto and Arugula Calzone is a sophisticated variation that pairs the saltiness of prosciutto with the peppery freshness of arugula. This prosciutto calzone offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

Ingredients List

• 6 slices prosciutto, chopped
• 1 cup arugula
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup pizza dough

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
3. Mix the prosciutto, arugula, mozzarella, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Place the mixture on one half of the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
5. Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Caprese Calzone with Fresh Basil

The Caprese Calzone with Fresh Basil translates the classic Caprese salad into a handheld meal, featuring fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and abundant basil. This calzone is a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Ingredients List

• 1 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup pizza dough

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
3. Layer the mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil on one half of the dough.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Meat Lover’s Calzones

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Vegetarian Delights

The versatility of vegetarian fillings makes calzones a great canvas. Vegetarian calzones can be just as satisfying as their meat-filled counterparts, offering a wide range of flavors and textures that cater to diverse tastes.

Spinach and Feta Calzone

A classic Greek combination, spinach and feta make for a delicious and nutritious filling. Adding garlic and herbs enhances the flavor profile.

Ingredients List

• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix spinach, feta, garlic, and olive oil.
3. Place the mixture on one half of the dough, leaving a border.
4. Fold the dough and seal the edges.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Roasted Vegetable Medley Calzone

This calzone showcases a colorful mix of roasted seasonal vegetables, enhancing their natural sweetness and depth.

Ingredients List

• 1 cup roasted zucchini
• 1 cup roasted bell peppers
• 1/2 cup roasted eggplant
• 1/4 cup caramelized onions
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Preparation Steps

1. Roast the vegetables at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
2. Mix the roasted vegetables with olive oil and season.
3. Place the mixture on the dough, leaving a border.
4. Top with mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Mushroom and Truffle Oil Calzone

Elevate the humble mushroom with luxurious truffle oil for an umami-rich experience.

Ingredients List

• 1 cup sautéed mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons truffle oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Preparation Steps

1. Sauté mushrooms in olive oil until tender.
2. Mix with truffle oil and Parmesan.
3. Place the mixture on the dough.
4. Top with mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Eggplant Parmesan Calzone

Transform the beloved Italian casserole into a portable calzone.

Ingredients List

• 1 cup breaded and fried eggplant slices
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Preparation Steps

1. Bread and fry eggplant slices.
2. Layer eggplant, marinara, and cheese on the dough.
3. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Greek-Inspired Calzone with Olives and Artichokes

Combine Mediterranean ingredients for a bright, briny flavor profile.

Ingredients List

• 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
• 1/2 cup artichoke hearts
• 1/4 cup roasted red peppers
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta

Preparation Steps

1. Mix olives, artichoke hearts, and roasted red peppers.
2. Place the mixture on the dough.
3. Top with feta cheese.
4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.

25 Delicious Calzones With Pizza Dough: International Flavors

Exploring global cuisine through calzones opens up a world of flavors. By combining Italian technique with international ingredients, we can create unique fusion calzone recipes that are both exciting and delicious.

Mexican Taco Calzone

The Mexican Taco Calzone is a fusion of Italian and Mexican cuisines, featuring seasoned ground beef or chicken, beans, cheese, and salsa wrapped in pizza dough.

Ingredients List

• 1 lb ground beef or chicken
• 1 packet of taco seasoning
• 1 cup of beans
• 1 cup of shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup of salsa

Preparation Steps

1. Cook the ground beef or chicken with taco seasoning.
2. Mix cooked meat with beans, cheese, and salsa.
3. Place the mixture on one half of the pizza dough.
4. Fold the dough and bake until golden brown.

Indian Curry Calzone

The Indian Curry Calzone combines aromatic spices and creamy sauce with chicken or paneer and vegetables, all wrapped in pizza dough.

Ingredients List

• 1 cup of curry sauce
• 1 cup of cooked chicken or paneer
• 1 cup of mixed vegetables
• 1 cup of shredded mozzarella

Preparation Steps

1. Mix curry sauce with cooked chicken or paneer and vegetables.
2. Place the mixture on one half of the pizza dough.
3. Top with mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Mediterranean Falafel Calzone

This plant-based calzone features crispy falafel, tahini sauce, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs, offering a complex texture and flavor profile.

Ingredients List

• 4-6 falafel patties
• 1/2 cup of tahini sauce
• 1/2 cup of pickled vegetables
• 1/4 cup of fresh herbs

Preparation Steps

1. Cook falafel according to package instructions.
2. Mix tahini sauce with pickled vegetables and fresh herbs.
3. Place falafel and tahini mixture on one half of the pizza dough.
4. Bake until the crust is golden.

Korean BBQ Calzone

The Korean BBQ Calzone is a sweet, spicy, and umami fusion featuring marinated beef bulgogi, kimchi, and gochujang wrapped in pizza dough.

Ingredients List

• 1 cup of marinated beef bulgogi
• 1/2 cup of kimchi
• 2 tbsp of gochujang

Preparation Steps

1. Cook beef bulgogi according to package instructions.
2. Mix cooked beef with kimchi and gochujang.
3. Place the mixture on one half of the pizza dough.
4. Bake until the crust is crispy.

Thai Peanut Chicken Calzone

This calzone balances the richness of peanut sauce with lime, cilantro, and vegetables, creating a bright and complex flavor profile.

Ingredients List

• 1 cup of peanut sauce
• 1 cup of cooked chicken
• 1/2 cup of mixed vegetables
• 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro

Preparation Steps

1. Mix peanut sauce with cooked chicken and vegetables.
2. Place the mixture on one half of the pizza dough.
3. Top with cilantro and fold the dough.
4. Bake until golden brown.

Sweet Dessert Calzones

Dessert calzones have emerged as a delightful innovation in the culinary world, offering a sweet twist on the traditional Italian dish. By utilizing pizza dough, these calzones can be filled with a variety of sweet ingredients, creating a unique dessert experience.

Nutella and Banana Calzone

The Nutella and Banana Calzone is a simple yet indulgent treat that combines the richness of Nutella with the freshness of bananas. To enhance the flavor, consider adding chopped hazelnuts or a sprinkle of coconut flakes.

Ingredients List

• Nutella
• Ripe bananas
• Pizza dough
• Optional: chopped hazelnuts, coconut flakes

Preparation Steps

1. Spread Nutella on one half of the dough, leaving a border around the edges.
2. Place sliced bananas on top of the Nutella.
3. Fold the dough and seal the edges.
4. Bake until golden brown.

Apple Pie Calzone

The Apple Pie Calzone transforms the classic American dessert into a handheld treat. By filling pizza dough with cinnamon-spiced apples, brown sugar, and butter, you create a delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients List

• Apples, sliced
• Cinnamon
• Brown sugar
• Butter
• Pizza dough

Preparation Steps

1. Mix sliced apples with cinnamon and brown sugar.
2. Place the apple mixture on one half of the dough.
3. Dot the top with butter.
4. Fold the dough and seal.
5. Bake until the crust is golden.

S’mores Calzone

The S’mores Calzone brings the campfire classic to a new level by filling pizza dough with chocolate, marshmallows, and graham cracker crumbs. This dessert is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients List

• Chocolate chips
• Marshmallows
• Graham cracker crumbs
• Pizza dough

Preparation Steps

1. Fill one half of the dough with chocolate chips, marshmallows, and graham cracker crumbs.
2. Fold the dough and seal the edges.
3. Bake until the marshmallows are toasted.

Cherry Cheesecake Calzone

The Cherry Cheesecake Calzone combines the tanginess of cream cheese with the sweetness of cherry preserves, creating a dessert that’s both familiar and innovative.

Ingredients List

• Cream cheese
• Cherry preserves
• Sugar
• Pizza dough

Preparation Steps

1. Mix cream cheese with sugar and cherry preserves.
2. Place the mixture on one half of the dough.
3. Fold the dough and seal.
4. Bake until the crust is golden.

Cinnamon Roll Calzone

The Cinnamon Roll Calzone captures the essence of the beloved breakfast treat by filling pizza dough with a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture and topping it with cream cheese glaze.

Ingredients List

• Cinnamon
• Sugar
• Butter
• Cream cheese
• Pizza dough

Preparation Steps

1. Mix cinnamon and sugar with melted butter.
2. Spread the mixture on one half of the dough.
3. Fold the dough and seal.
4. Bake until golden, then drizzle with cream cheese glaze.

Tips for Serving and Storing Your Calzones

The final touches on your calzone creations involve choosing the right dipping sauces and storage methods. To enhance your calzone experience, it’s essential to consider both serving and storing techniques.

Best Dipping Sauces for Calzones

Dipping sauces can elevate the flavor of your calzones. Some popular options include:

• Classic marinara
• Garlic butter
• Pesto
• Ranch dressing
• Specialty sauces tailored to specific calzone varieties

The temperature and consistency of the dipping sauce can significantly impact the overall experience. For instance, a warm marinara sauce pairs well with a freshly baked calzone.

Freezing and Reheating Instructions

To enjoy your calzones at a later time, proper freezing and reheating techniques are crucial. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Cool calzones completely before freezing.
2. Wrap each calzone individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
3. Place wrapped calzones in a freezer-safe bag or container.
4. To reheat, bake frozen calzones in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Make-Ahead Calzone Preparation

Preparing calzones ahead of time can save you time during busy days. You can assemble calzones up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. For longer storage, consider freezing them.

Proper Storage Techniques

To maintain the quality of your calzones, proper storage is essential. Store cooked calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For freezing, follow the steps outlined above.

Conclusion

With the comprehensive calzone guide provided, you’re now equipped to create delicious, restaurant-quality calzones at home. The pizza dough versatility allows for countless creative variations, from traditional Italian recipes to international fusion concepts and sweet desserts. By mastering calzone preparation, you can enjoy the homemade calzone benefits of cost-effectiveness, portion control, and customization for dietary preferences and restrictions.

The calzone recipe collection presented offers a diverse range of options for various tastes and occasions. Whether you’re planning family dinners, casual entertaining, game days, or kids’ lunches, calzones make ideal menu items. You can also experiment with new calzone meal ideas beyond the 25 recipes provided, exploring different fillings and flavors to suit your preferences.

To get the most out of your calzone-making journey, consider hosting themed calzone nights as a fun family cooking activity. Share your own creative calzone combinations and success stories, building a community around this versatile Italian-inspired dish. With the fundamental techniques and diverse recipes at your disposal, you’re ready to start creating your own delicious calzones and enjoying the many benefits they have to offer.