Is there anything better than biting into a golden, crispy calzone oozing with melty cheese and spicy pepperoni? These Pepperoni Cheese Calzones are everything you love about pizza—wrapped up in a warm, handheld package. The flaky, golden crust gives way to a gooey, cheesy filling loaded with bold Italian flavors. Whether you’re making them for a fun family dinner, game night, or just because you’re craving something delicious, these calzones are guaranteed to hit the spot.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy & Fun to Make: Perfect for a weekend cooking project or a quick dinner fix.
Customizable: Add extra toppings like mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers for variety.
Portable & Mess-Free: Great for on-the-go lunches or a no-fuss meal.
Kid-Approved: A fun alternative to regular pizza that the whole family will love.
Crispy on the Outside, Gooey on the Inside: The perfect contrast of textures in every bite.
Ingredients in Pepperoni Cheese Calzones
Pizza Dough: The foundation of the calzone—store-bought or homemade both work!
Pepperoni: Adds a spicy, savory kick. Feel free to use turkey or plant-based pepperoni.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for that signature cheesy pull.
Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess and a touch of richness.
Parmesan Cheese: A little sharpness to enhance the overall flavor.
Garlic Powder & Italian Seasoning: Infuse the filling with extra Italian goodness.
Marinara Sauce: For dipping—because every calzone needs a good sauce!
Egg Wash: Helps achieve that perfectly golden, crispy crust.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough into circles, about 6-8 inches in diameter.
Make the Filling: In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir until well combined.
Assemble the Calzones: Spread a spoonful of the cheese mixture onto one half of each dough circle. Add a layer of pepperoni on top.
Seal the Edges: Fold the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Press the edges with a fork to seal.
Egg Wash & Venting: Brush the tops with a beaten egg for a golden crust. Use a knife to make two small slits on each calzone for steam to escape.
Bake to Perfection: Place calzones on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown.
Serve & Enjoy: Let them cool slightly before serving with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: [Calorie count]
How to Serve Pepperoni Cheese Calzones
With Marinara Sauce: A must-have for dipping!
With a Side Salad: A fresh green salad balances the richness of the calzone.
With Garlic Butter: Brush the tops with melted garlic butter for an extra flavor boost.
With Soup: Serve alongside tomato soup for the ultimate comfort meal.
Additional Tips
Make-Ahead: Assemble calzones and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freeze for Later: Freeze unbaked calzones on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Air Fryer Option: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes for a crispier, faster option.
Change Up the Fillings: Try adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cooked sausage.
Dough Variations: Use whole wheat dough or even crescent roll dough for a different twist.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
A1: Yes! Store-bought dough works perfectly and saves time.
Q2: What’s the best cheese for calzones?
A2: A blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan gives the best flavor and texture.
Q3: How do I prevent soggy calzones?
A3: Make sure to not overfill them and let steam escape by making small slits on top.
Q4: Can I make these in advance?
A4: Yes! Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q5: Can I freeze baked calzones?
A5: Yes! Let them cool completely, wrap them individually, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven.
Q6: What’s the best way to reheat calzones?
A6: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Q7: Can I make a vegetarian version?
A7: Definitely! Swap the pepperoni for mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
Q8: Can I cook these in a skillet?
A8: Yes! Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side, flipping carefully.
Q9: Can I add extra toppings?
A9: Of course! Just be mindful not to overfill them, or they may burst while baking.
Q10: What’s the difference between a calzone and a stromboli?
A10: A calzone is a folded, sealed pocket, while a stromboli is rolled like a burrito and sliced before serving.
Final Thoughts
These Pepperoni Cheese Calzones bring all the best parts of pizza into a crispy, golden handheld treat. Whether you’re making them for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prepping for later, or just indulging in cheesy goodness, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Give them a try and thank me later!
Print
Pepperoni Cheese Calzones
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 calzones
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These homemade Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones are incredibly satisfying and delicious! Made with pizza dough, gooey mozzarella, zesty pizza sauce, and crispy pepperoni, they’re the perfect Italian-inspired meal—no delivery needed!
Ingredients
-
500g pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
-
100g pepperoni slices
-
160g mozzarella cheese, shredded
-
4 tablespoons pizza sauce
-
1 teaspoon olive oil (for brushing)
-
Flour (for dusting work surface)
Instructions
-
Preheat & Prepare
-
Preheat the oven to 210°C (410°F) fan bake.
-
Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
-
-
Divide & Roll the Dough
-
Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal portions and shape each into a ball.
-
On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into a 20 cm (8-inch) circle.
-
-
Add the Fillings
-
Spread 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce on one half of each dough circle, leaving a 2 cm border around the edge.
-
Place 4 pepperoni slices on top of the sauce, then sprinkle with 40g (⅓ cup) shredded mozzarella.
-
-
Seal the Calzones
-
Fold the empty half of the dough over the toppings to create a half-moon shape.
-
Press the edges firmly to seal, then fold and twist the edge for a secure closure.
-
-
Bake the Calzones
-
Transfer the calzones to the prepared baking tray.
-
Cut two small vents in the top of each calzone using a sharp knife.
-
Brush the tops with olive oil.
-
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
-
-
Cool & Serve
-
Let the calzones cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
-
Notes
-
For a crispy crust, bake on a preheated pizza stone.
-
Customize with mushrooms, bell peppers, or sausage for variety!
-
Serve with extra pizza sauce or marinara for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg