There’s nothing quite like the irresistible aroma and satisfying crunch of a perfectly baked calzone. These crispy, golden pockets of deliciousness, bursting with your favorite pizza toppings, have long been a cherished family favorite in our home. What makes this recipe truly special is its incredible adaptability; whether you want to swap out vegetables, go entirely meatless, or use pre-made or homemade pizza dough, it’s designed to fit your pantry and preferences. And for the ultimate indulgence? Dunk them generously in a rich marinara sauce. It’s a culinary experience that brings comfort and joy with every bite.

Why Calzones Are Your Next Favorite Home-Cooked Meal

In our household, we are undoubtedly avid pizza enthusiasts. However, achieving that perfectly blistered, brick-oven crust at home, without a professional 600-degree oven, can be a challenge. While we adore frequenting our favorite local pizza joints in the Northeast – where options abound – there are those evenings when the pizza craving strikes, but the desire to stay in is even stronger. That’s precisely when I turn to cooking up a batch of hot, super crispy calzones from scratch. Think of them as individual, portable pizzas, delightfully encased in a golden crust. The best part? I can prepare a large batch and freeze them, making those inevitable “what’s for dinner?” nights a breeze. And let’s be honest, with a family to feed, those nights happen more often than not!

Calzones offer a unique advantage over traditional pizza: convenience and versatility. Since the fillings are entirely enclosed, they retain their moisture and flavor beautifully, resulting in a more indulgent and cohesive taste experience. Plus, the pocket design makes them incredibly easy to handle and enjoy, whether you’re at the dinner table or grabbing a quick meal on the go. They transform humble ingredients into a spectacular dish, proving that homemade comfort food can indeed rival the pros, especially when you master the art of the calzone.

Unleash Your Creativity: Customizing Your Calzone Fillings

One of the true beauties of this calzone recipe is its incredible flexibility, allowing you to tailor it perfectly to your family’s tastes or whatever ingredients you happen to have on hand. My secret weapon for streamlined meal prep is keeping frozen pizza dough readily available. You can typically find high-quality dough balls in the freezer section or deli of most grocery stores, which instantly cuts your prep time in half. With the dough ready, it’s a delightful treasure hunt through the fridge and pantry to discover what meats and vegetables will make their way into our next batch of calzones.

Our go-to combination usually features savory Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and vibrant bell peppers. I love to sizzle the sausage and veggies in a skillet until everything is perfectly browned and tender, then mix it with a luxurious blend of creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan cheese. This classic combination delivers a robust flavor profile that’s hard to beat.

However, don’t feel limited! This recipe is incredibly forgiving and encourages experimentation. Consider diced chicken breast with sun-dried tomatoes and provolone for a different Italian twist, or ground beef with onions and cheddar for a heartier, more Americanized flavor. For a fantastic vegetarian option, sauté mushrooms, zucchini, and extra garlic, then mix with the cheese blend and a sprinkle of fresh basil. You could even incorporate olives, artichoke hearts, or different herbs like oregano and thyme to truly make these calzones your own. The key is to ensure any vegetables are cooked down to release their moisture and any meats are thoroughly browned before mixing them into the cheese, preventing a soggy interior. This adaptability is what truly makes homemade calzones a culinary triumph!

The Magic of Make-Ahead: Freezing and Reheating Calzones

This particular recipe yields a generous batch of 8 delicious calzones, which is ideal for strategic meal planning. The ability to freeze a portion of your homemade creations is a game-changer for busy individuals and families alike. Once cooled, simply store your extra calzones in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container, and they’ll stay perfectly fresh for up to 6 months. Imagine the convenience of pulling out a ready-to-go dinner from the freezer on a hectic weeknight – a wholesome, homemade meal without any of the last-minute stress. It’s truly a testament to the power of thoughtful meal prep, ensuring you always have a comforting, nutritious option on hand, made with love and quality ingredients.

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen calzones, there are a couple of excellent reheating methods to ensure they return to their crispy, golden glory. For the best results, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Then, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake them for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crisp again. If you’re short on time, you can even reheat them directly from frozen in the oven, though it will take a bit longer – typically 30-40 minutes. An air fryer is another fantastic option for a quick reheat, delivering exceptional crispness in about 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Avoid the microwave, as it tends to make the crust soggy, detracting from the overall experience.

Mastering the Dough: Store-Bought vs. Homemade

Whether you opt for the convenience of store-bought pizza dough or embark on the rewarding journey of making your own, handling the dough correctly is crucial for perfect calzones. For store-bought dough, remember to let it come to room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before rolling. This makes it much more pliable and easier to work with. If using homemade dough, ensure it’s had sufficient time to rise.

When rolling out your dough portions into 8-inch rounds, a well-floured surface is your best friend. This prevents sticking and allows you to achieve the ideal thickness. Don’t overfill your calzones; about 3/4 cup of filling per round is perfect. After spooning the mixture onto one side, carefully fold the dough over and press firmly to seal the edges. For that classic, decorative touch and extra security, pinch and roll the dough up and over to form a crimped edge. This not only looks beautiful but also helps to keep all that delicious filling locked inside during baking, ensuring a truly satisfying bite every time.

Serving Your Golden Calzones: Beyond Marinara

Once your calzones emerge from the oven, hot and gloriously golden, it’s tempting to immediately dive in. Resist that temptation, no matter how alluring those beauties look! Just like a piping hot HotPocket, the molten cheese and filling inside can cause a serious brain-searing burn. Instead, allow them to cool for a few minutes before indulging. This brief pause not only saves your palate but also allows the fillings to set slightly, making for a more enjoyable eating experience.

While the calzones are cooling, take a moment to warm up some marinara sauce on your stovetop for the perfect dipping accompaniment. Store-bought marinara is a perfectly simple and delicious option, keeping your meal prep effortless. However, if you’re feeling ambitious, a homemade marinara sauce can elevate the flavors even further, adding a touch of personalized gourmet flair. We love to serve these hearty calzones alongside a crisp, leafy green salad with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad provides a wonderful contrast to the rich, savory calzones, creating a balanced and incredibly satisfying meal. So scrumptious!

Sausage, Ricotta and Veggie Calzones

Yield:
8 calzones

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 lb. ground Italian sausage
• 1 green pepper, small chopped
• 1 red pepper, small chopped
• 1 medium onion, small chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups baby spinach, rinsed
• 2 cups (16 oz.) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
• Kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste
• 2 (1 lb.) balls pizza dough, divided into 4 portions each
• 1 large egg

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Set a large skillet to medium heat; add olive oil. Once hot, add Italian sausage and crumble with a wooden spoon. Add chopped onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté until sausage is browned and veggies are softened, about 10 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Add baby spinach and cover the skillet. Sauté for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until spinach has wilted completely.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, a generous pinch of kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper, and the cooked sausage-veggie mixture. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
4. On a well-floured surface, roll out each of the 8 pizza dough portions into an 8-inch round. Scoop approximately 3/4 cup of the prepared filling onto one side of each dough round. Carefully fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, then press firmly to seal the edges. To form a decorative and secure seal, pinch and roll the dough edges up and over. Place the filled calzones onto the prepared baking sheet.
5. In a small bowl, whisk the large egg with 1 teaspoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of each unbaked calzone with the egg wash for a golden, glossy finish. Using a small paring knife, make 3 small vents on the top of each calzone. These vents will allow steam to escape, preventing the calzones from bursting and ensuring a crispy crust.
6. Bake the calzones in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve hot with warm marinara sauce for dipping, if desired. Enjoy these delicious homemade calzones!

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