Panzerotti al Forno Recipe Guide

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Panzerotti al Forno

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Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Equipment Needed
• Large mixing bowl
• Rolling Pin
• Baking tray
• Parchment paper
• Small bowl for egg wash
• Pastry brush

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• For the Dough:
• 3 cups 375 g all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp 7 g instant yeast
• 1/4 cup 60 ml olive oil
• 1 cup 240 ml warm water
• For the Filling:
• 1 cup 250 g mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup 120 g ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup 120 g tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup 40 g grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Optional: diced ham salami, or sautéed vegetables
• For the Topping:
• 1 egg beaten
• Sesame seeds optional

Instructions

 

• Method
• Step 1: Prepare the Dough
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Mix well.
• Add olive oil and warm water gradually while stirring until a rough dough forms.
• Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 45 minutes or until it doubles in size.
• Step 2: Prepare the Filling
• While the dough is rising, mix mozzarella, ricotta, tomato sauce, Parmesan, and oregano in a bowl.
• Add any optional ingredients like diced ham, salami, or vegetables. Stir until evenly combined.
• Step 3: Shape the Panzerotti
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
• Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions.
• Roll each portion into a 5-inch (12 cm) circle on a lightly floured surface.
• Place 1–2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each circle.
• Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Seal the edges by pressing firmly and crimping with a fork.
• Step 4: Bake the Panzerotti
• Arrange the panzerotti on the prepared baking tray.
• Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds if desired.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
• Step 5: Serve
• Let the panzerotti cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
• Serve warm as an appetizer or with a side salad for a light meal.
• Variations, Tips, and Substitutions
• Variations:
• Swap mozzarella for provolone or Gouda for a richer taste.
• Use a meat-free filling like sautéed spinach and mushrooms for vegetarians.

Keyword   Panzerotti Fritti , Panzerotti

Panzerotti al Forno, or oven-baked panzerotti, are a delightful Italian specialty. These golden, crescent-shaped turnovers are filled with a luscious combination of cheese, tomato, and other flavorful ingredients, making them a versatile dish suitable for appetizers, lunches, or snacks. Unlike their fried counterparts, baking them creates a lighter, healthier option without compromising on flavor. From my own personal experience, they are perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy family dinner. Let me show you how I make these scrumptious pockets of Italian joy.

Notes on What to Expect

Panzerotti al Forno will be golden and slightly crisp on the outside with a soft, gooey, and flavorful filling inside. The baked version is lighter than the fried alternative but just as satisfying. Perfectly sealed panzerotti ensure no filling spills out during baking.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 1 hour (includes dough resting time)
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Time to Stand: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Moderate
• Servings: 12 panzerotti
• Calories: ~180 per panzerotto
• Cost of Ingredients: Moderate ($10–$15)

Cuisine: Italian

Course: Appetizer or Snack

Equipment Needed:

• Large mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Baking tray
• Parchment paper
• Small bowl for egg wash
• Pastry brush
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Panzerotti Alforno  now.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp (7 g) instant yeast
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
• 1 cup (240 ml) warm water

For the Filling:

• 1 cup (250 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup (120 g) ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 g) tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup (40 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Optional: diced ham, salami, or sautéed vegetables

For the Topping:

• 1 egg, beaten
• Sesame seeds (optional)
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Panzerotti Alforno  now.

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Mix well.
2. Add olive oil and warm water gradually while stirring until a rough dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 45 minutes or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. While the dough is rising, mix mozzarella, ricotta, tomato sauce, Parmesan, and oregano in a bowl.
2. Add any optional ingredients like diced ham, salami, or vegetables. Stir until evenly combined.

Step 3: Shape the Panzerotti

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions.
3. Roll each portion into a 5-inch (12 cm) circle on a lightly floured surface.
4. Place 1–2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each circle.
5. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Seal the edges by pressing firmly and crimping with a fork.

Step 4: Bake the Panzerotti

1. Arrange the panzerotti on the prepared baking tray.
2. Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds if desired.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 5: Serve

1. Let the panzerotti cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
2. Serve warm as an appetizer or with a side salad for a light meal.

Variations, Tips, and Substitutions

• Variations:
  • Swap mozzarella for provolone or Gouda for a richer taste.
  • Use a meat-free filling like sautéed spinach and mushrooms for vegetarians.
• Tips:
  • Ensure the edges are sealed properly to avoid leaks during baking.
  • Avoid overfilling to keep the panzerotti intact.
• Substitutions for Dietary Needs:
  • Use gluten-free flour to make the dough gluten-free.
  • Substitute dairy-free cheese for a vegan version and omit the egg wash (use plant-based milk instead).
  • > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Panzerotti Alforno  now.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: ~180
• Protein: 8 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fat: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g

Closing 

I hope this guide has made making Panzerotti al Forno seem a little less daunting! Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment. Buon appetito.