There’s just something magical about a calzone—like a pizza’s cozy, folded-up cousin, warm and golden on the outside, bursting with gooey, cheesy goodness on the inside. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to slow down and savor each bite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a game-day snack, or just because you’re craving comfort food in its best form, this homemade calzone is here to deliver all the cozy vibes. Trust me, once you make your own, you’ll never go back to the frozen kind!
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Why You’ll Love Homemade Calzone
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. You can keep it classic with cheese and pepperoni or load it up with veggies, sausage, or whatever your heart desires.
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples like flour, cheese, and tomato sauce. You probably have most of what you need already, making it a smart and satisfying choice.
Quick and Easy: Don’t be intimidated by the idea of making dough—it’s simpler than you think! Or use store-bought pizza dough for an even quicker shortcut.
Customizable: Want to go vegetarian? Easy. Love spice? Add jalapeños or crushed red pepper. You’re in charge of your calzone destiny here.
Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a pocket of melted cheese and delicious fillings. Kids, adults, picky eaters—this one brings everyone to the table.
Ingredients
Here’s the beauty of the calzone—you only need a few everyday ingredients to make something that feels totally special. Let’s take a peek at what makes this so good:
Pizza Dough: The golden, crispy shell that holds everything together. You can make your own or grab a ball of store-bought dough to save time.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts like a dream and gives that irresistible pull with every bite. You can mix in a little provolone or fontina if you’re feeling fancy.
Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess to the filling that balances the sharper flavors of mozzarella and other mix-ins.
Tomato Sauce: A spoonful inside the calzone for a saucy center, and some extra on the side for dipping. Because dipping is half the fun.
Fillings of Your Choice: Think pepperoni, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, onions, sausage, or roasted peppers. The options are endless and totally customizable.
Olive Oil and Italian Seasoning: For brushing the dough before baking to get that beautiful golden crust with extra flavor.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 450°F and place a baking sheet or pizza stone inside to heat up. A hot surface helps give you that crisp, golden crust.
Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll your pizza dough into a circle or oval, about ¼ inch thick. Try not to go too thin or your filling might burst through.
Add the Fillings: On one half of the dough, layer your cheeses, sauce, and favorite fillings. Don’t overfill—it’s tempting, but too much will make sealing tricky.
Seal It Up: Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly and crimp with a fork to seal in all the goodness.
Brush and Season: Brush the top with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or even a little Parmesan for extra flavor and crunch.
Bake to Perfection: Transfer your calzone to the preheated baking surface and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
Cool and Serve: Let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing. Serve with warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping, and enjoy every melty, savory bite.
How to Serve Homemade Calzone
You can enjoy your calzone in so many delicious ways. Here are some of my favorite pairings:
With a Side Salad: A simple Caesar or Italian salad brings a fresh, crunchy contrast to the warm, cheesy calzone.
Extra Marinara: Serve extra sauce on the side for dipping—or drizzle it right over the top.
With Roasted Veggies: Add a tray of roasted broccoli or zucchini for a colorful, nutritious side.
As a Main Course: This calzone is plenty filling on its own. Serve it hot, straight from the oven with your favorite drink.
Additional Tips
Make Ahead: You can prep the calzones in advance and refrigerate before baking. Perfect for easy weeknight meals.
Freeze for Later: Calzones freeze like a dream. Just bake, cool completely, and freeze in a zip-top bag. Reheat in the oven until hot.
Dough Shortcut: Short on time? Grab fresh pizza dough from the deli section of your grocery store.
Fill It Your Way: Use leftovers like grilled chicken, cooked veggies, or even taco meat for fun twists.
Cheese Options: Don’t stop at mozzarella! Mix in some smoked provolone, fontina, or a little sharp cheddar for more flavor.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use store-bought dough?
A1: Absolutely! Store-bought dough makes this recipe quick and convenient without sacrificing flavor.
Q2: Can I make it vegetarian?
A2: Yes! Use mushrooms, spinach, roasted peppers, onions, and other veggies. It’s just as delicious and hearty.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Wrap leftovers in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Q4: Can I freeze calzones?
A4: Definitely. Bake, let them cool completely, then freeze. Reheat straight from frozen in the oven at 375°F until hot.
Q5: Can I make mini calzones?
A5: Yes! Roll out smaller dough circles and fill them the same way. Great for parties or kid-friendly portions.
Q6: What’s the best dipping sauce?
A6: Marinara is classic, but ranch, garlic butter, or even pesto can be fun and flavorful alternatives.
Q7: Can I cook it in an air fryer?
A7: You can! Air fry at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes, checking for doneness and adjusting time as needed.
Q8: Do I have to use ricotta cheese?
A8: Not at all. You can skip it or replace it with cream cheese or even cottage cheese for a different texture.
Q9: What if my calzone leaks while baking?
A9: It happens! Just make sure the edges are well-sealed, and try not to overfill. A little leak doesn’t hurt the flavor.
Q10: Can I serve this for a party?
A10: Absolutely! Slice into smaller pieces for a shareable appetizer, or make mini versions for a party platter.
Conclusion
Homemade calzones are the ultimate comfort food—warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every bite. They’re surprisingly simple to make and endlessly customizable, which makes them perfect for any night of the week. Whether you stick with a classic combo or get creative with the fillings, this is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again. So go ahead—roll up your sleeves, get that dough going, and enjoy the delicious magic of a homemade calzone.
Print
Homemade Calzone
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 49 minutes
- Yield: 8 calzones
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These calzones are the perfect pizza pocket—filled with gooey mozzarella, creamy ricotta, and savory pepperoni, all wrapped in a golden, crispy crust. It’s pizza in a portable, hand-held form!
Ingredients
- Dough: 1 (.25-ounce) package active dry yeast 1 teaspoon white sugar 1 cup warm water 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon salt 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting 1 teaspoon olive oil 1 large egg, beaten
- Filling: 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup ricotta cheese 1/2 cup pepperoni slices, diced 1 tablespoon dried basil
Instructions
- Proof Yeast: In a medium bowl, mix yeast and sugar with warm water. Let sit for 8-10 minutes until foamy. Add olive oil, salt, and mix in flour, 1 cup at a time, until dough is smooth.
- Knead Dough: Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until elastic. Coat with olive oil, cover, and let rise for 45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine mozzarella, ricotta, pepperoni, and basil. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Form Calzones: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a baking sheet. Punch down dough, divide into 2 pieces, then divide into 3-4 balls. Roll each ball into a circle (⅛-inch thick). Add ¼ of the filling to each circle, fold over, and press the edges with a fork to seal. Brush with beaten egg and cut a vent slit on top.
- Bake: Place calzones on the baking sheet and bake for 24-28 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a crispy crust, consider brushing the outside of the calzone with a little olive oil before baking.
- Feel free to swap the pepperoni for other fillings like sausage, veggies, or even chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg