Golden, crispy on the outside, warm and gooey on the inside this Homemade Calzone is everything you love about pizza, wrapped up in a handheld pocket of deliciousness. Whether you’re stuffing it with classic pepperoni and cheese or getting creative with your favorite fillings, calzones are the ultimate comfort food. Trust me, once you make these from scratch, you’ll never look at takeout the same way again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This calzone recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick lunch, a cozy dinner, or a fun meal to make with family. Here’s why you’ll love it:
Better Than Takeout
Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—made fresh in your own kitchen!
Easy to Customize
Fill it with your favorite ingredients—meats, cheeses, veggies—you name it!
Budget-Friendly
Uses simple pantry staples, making it an affordable homemade meal.
Great for Meal Prep
Make extra, freeze them, and reheat for a quick and satisfying meal anytime.
Kid-Approved
A fun and delicious way to get the whole family involved in the kitchen.
Ingredients in Homemade Calzone
Here’s what makes these calzones so irresistible:
Pizza Dough – The foundation of the calzone. Use homemade or store-bought for convenience.
Marinara Sauce – Brings a rich, tangy flavor to every bite.
Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully, giving that signature gooey stretch.
Ricotta Cheese – Adds a creamy, rich texture inside.
Pepperoni (or other meats) – Classic and full of flavor, but feel free to swap with sausage, ham, or chicken.
Bell Peppers & Mushrooms – Adds a fresh, slightly sweet contrast to the savory fillings.
Garlic Powder & Italian Seasoning – Enhances the overall flavor of the calzone.
Olive Oil – Brushed on top for a golden, crispy crust.
Egg Wash – Helps create that perfect bakery-style sheen.
How to Make Homemade Calzone
Let’s break it down step by step:
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Dough
Roll out the pizza dough into a large circle, about ¼-inch thick. If it shrinks back, let it rest for a few minutes and try again.
Layer the Fillings
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on one half of the dough, leaving about an inch around the edges. Add mozzarella, ricotta, pepperoni, and any other desired toppings.
Seal the Calzone
Fold the dough over the fillings, creating a half-moon shape. Press the edges together and crimp with a fork or pinch tightly to seal.
Brush and Season
Brush the top with olive oil or egg wash for that golden crust. Sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Bake to Perfection
Place the calzones on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Cool and Serve
Let them cool for a few minutes before slicing in. Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping!
How to Serve Homemade Calzone
These calzones are amazing on their own, but here are a few ways to take them to the next level:
Dipping Sauces – Serve with marinara, ranch, or garlic butter for extra flavor.
Side Salad – A fresh, crisp salad balances out the cheesy goodness.
Roasted Veggies – Serve alongside roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.
Soup Pairing – A bowl of tomato soup makes a cozy and satisfying meal.
Additional Tips
Make Ahead: Assemble the calzones and freeze them before baking for a quick meal later.
Extra Crispy Crust: Bake on a pizza stone or preheated baking sheet.
Dough Substitute: Try using store-bought puff pastry for a flaky, buttery twist.
Storage Tips: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating Tips: Bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to keep them crispy.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use store-bought dough?
A1: Yes! Store-bought pizza dough works perfectly if you’re short on time.
Q2: Can I make calzones ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Assemble them, freeze raw, and bake when ready—just add a few extra minutes.
Q3: What other fillings can I use?
A3: Get creative! Try spinach and feta, BBQ chicken, or even a breakfast calzone with scrambled eggs and bacon.
Q4: How do I keep the calzones from getting soggy?
A4: Don’t overfill with sauce, and be sure to seal the edges well to keep moisture inside.
Q5: Can I air-fry these instead of baking?
A5: Yes! Air fry at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q6: How do I reheat a calzone without it getting dry?
A6: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or use an air fryer for extra crispiness.
Q7: Can I make mini calzones for a party?
A7: Yes! Just divide the dough into smaller portions and reduce the baking time.
Q8: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A8: Absolutely! Use dairy-free cheese and skip the ricotta for a delicious dairy-free version.
Q9: What’s the difference between a calzone and a stromboli?
A9: Calzones are folded in half and sealed, while strombolis are rolled up like a log.
Q10: Can I add fresh herbs inside the calzone?
A10: Yes! Basil, oregano, or parsley add a fresh burst of flavor.
Final Thoughts
These Homemade Calzones are a must-try for any pizza lover. They’re crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor plus, they’re easy to make and totally customizable. Whether you’re making them for a cozy dinner or prepping extras for later, these calzones will quickly become a household favorite. So grab some dough and get baking you won’t regret it!
Print
Homemade Calzone
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Easy Calzone Recipe is perfect for a fun and delicious lunch or dinner! These homemade pizza pockets are stuffed with pepperoni, salami, ricotta, and gooey mozzarella—all baked to golden perfection. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping!
Ingredients
- 2 lb pizza dough
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup pepperoni
- 1/2 cup salami
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat & prepare: Preheat oven to 475°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with oil.
- Divide & roll: Cut pizza dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a ¼-inch thick circle.
- Add filling: Spread pizza sauce on half of each dough circle. Add ricotta, pepperoni, salami, and mozzarella, leaving edges clean for sealing.
- Seal the calzones: Fold the dough over the filling and crimp the edges tightly.
- Bake: Place calzones on the baking sheet with space between them. Cut a small vent on top of each. Brush with oil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Feel free to customize with your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, or cooked sausage!
- For a crispier crust, brush with garlic butter before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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