The Versatile Calzone
Indulge in the ultimate homemade comfort food with "The Versatile Calzone," a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep. Featuring a golden, crispy dough made from scratch, these calzones are stuffed with creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and a customizable mix of fillings like sautéed vegetables and savory Italian sausage. With just 20 minutes of prep time, this recipe combines simplicity with bold flavors, while the egg wash ensures a stunning, bakery-style finish. Whether you prefer it classic or packed with your favorite toppings, this recipe lets you personalize each calzone to suit your cravings. Serve with warm pizza sauce for dipping, and watch your family and friends savor every bite of this irresistible Italian-inspired creation. Perfect for keywords: "homemade calzone recipe," "customizable calzone idea," and "easy Italian dinner recipe."
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2.25 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cooked Italian sausage (optional)
- 1 cup sautéed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, onion, mushrooms)
- 0.5 cup pizza sauce
- 1 piece egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
Add the warm water and olive oil to the dry mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 4 equal portions.
Roll each portion into a round circle about 8-10 inches in diameter.
Spread 1-2 tablespoons of pizza sauce onto half of each circle, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
Layer your chosen fillings: mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, cooked Italian sausage, and sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle with oregano or Italian seasoning for added flavor.
Fold the empty half of the dough over the filling to create a semi-circle shape. Press and seal the edges together by crimping them with your fingers or a fork.
Carefully transfer the calzones to the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the tops of the calzones with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
Using a sharp knife, make 2-3 small slits on the tops of the calzones to allow steam to escape.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Allow the calzones to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with extra pizza sauce for dipping, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
899 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 44.8 g | 57% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.7 g | 98% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 140 mg | 47% | |
| Sodium | 1619 mg | 70% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 83.7 g | 30% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.2 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.0 g | ||
| Protein | 43.9 g | 88% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 581 mg | 45% | |
| Iron | 5.4 mg | 30% | |
| Potassium | 521 mg | 11% | |
*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.
