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Calzone

Calzone

Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine Italian

Equipment

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

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Instructions
 

  • Method:
  • 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.
  • Make the filling:
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and cooked vegetables and meats. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
Keyword Calzone