Indulge in the authentic flavors of Italy with these "Real Italian Calzones," a satisfying blend of homemade dough and rich, savory fillings. This recipe captures the essence of traditional Italian street food, featuring a golden, crisp crust stuffed with creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, aged Parmesan, and your choice of thinly sliced salami or ham. Enhanced with fresh basil and a touch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice, these calzones are baked to perfection in just 20 minutes. Serve them warm alongside a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping, and youβll have a handheld meal thatβs perfect for family dinners, parties, or game nights. With its foolproof dough recipe and irresistible cheesy interior, this dish is destined to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Perfect for those searching for "homemade Italian calzone recipes" or "easy calzones with ricotta and mozzarella."
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
Add the olive oil, flour, and salt to the mixture. Mix until the dough comes together. Knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 220Β°C (430Β°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In another bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
Punch the dough down and divide it into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle about 20 cm (8 inches) in diameter.
Place two tablespoons of the cheese filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1 cm (1/2 inch) border. Add a few slices of salami or ham on top of the filling.
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal, then crimp them with a fork to ensure they stay closed.
Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the top of each calzone to give them a golden finish.
Transfer the calzones to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
Allow the calzones to cool slightly before serving. Warm marinara sauce can be served on the side for dipping.
Calories |
3978 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 164.8 g | 211% | |
| Saturated Fat | 73.6 g | 368% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 646 mg | 215% | |
| Sodium | 9153 mg | 398% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 447.3 g | 163% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.6 g | 77% | |
| Total Sugars | 29.6 g | ||
| Protein | 177.9 g | 356% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 3195 mg | 246% | |
| Iron | 31.2 mg | 173% | |
| Potassium | 2314 mg | 49% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.