Recipe for Classic Calzone

Calzone is an Italian dish with origins in Naples, and it’s essentially a folded pizza stuffed with a variety of fillings like cheese, meats, and vegetables. It’s like a pizza pocket, offering a warm, gooey center surrounded by a crispy, golden crust. From my own personal experience, making calzones is a fun way to get creative with ingredients, and it’s not as complicated as it might seem. Let me show you how I make this delicious dish, step by step.

What to Expect:

You can expect a golden, crispy crust with a warm, cheesy filling that’s utterly satisfying. The calzones might puff up slightly during baking due to the yeast in the dough, but they’ll settle down once they’re out of the oven.

Recipe: Classic Calzone

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Course: Main

Equipment Needed:

Baking sheet, pizza stone (optional), rolling pin, oven, mixing bowls

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Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp active dry yeast
• ¾ cup warm water
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the filling:

• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup cooked spinach or other vegetables (e.g., mushrooms, bell peppers)
• 1 cup cooked meats (e.g., pepperoni, sausage, or chicken)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
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Method:

1. Prepare the dough:
   • In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s frothy.
   • In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center, add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the dough comes together, then knead for about 5 minutes until smooth.
   • Coat a bowl with olive oil, place the dough in the bowl, and cover with a kitchen towel. Let it rise for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Make the filling:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and cooked vegetables and meats. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Assemble the calzones:
   • Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
   • Punch down the dough and divide it into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle about 8 inches in diameter.
   • Place a generous amount of filling on one half of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to cover the filling, then pinch the edges to seal.
   • Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake the calzones:
   • Brush each calzone with a little olive oil and cut a few slits on top to allow steam to escape. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Serve:
   • Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

Variations:

• Vegetarian: Skip the meat and use a combination of vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
• Vegan: Use vegan cheese and swap in vegan sausage or tofu for the meat.
• Different cheeses: Try adding provolone, gouda, or even feta for a unique twist.

Tips:

• If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pizza dough instead of making your own.
• Be careful not to overfill the calzones, as this can cause them to burst during baking.

Substitutions for Specific Dietary Needs:

• For gluten-free, use a gluten-free pizza dough.
• Dairy-free? Use a plant-based cheese substitute and ensure your fillings are dairy-free.
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Nutritional Information Per Serving (Approximate):

• Calories: 670
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 80g
• Protein: 30g

I hope this guide has made making calzone seem a little less daunting! Have you tried it before, or is this your first time? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comment below. I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment!