Calzone Recipe: A Delicious Pocket of Italian Goodness

Why Calzone?

Calzone is essentially a folded pizza that originated in Naples, Italy. The word “calzone” means “trouser leg” in Italian, and it’s believed that the dish got its name from the way it’s folded to resemble a folded pant leg. While pizza is usually eaten with a knife and fork, calzones are meant to be eaten by hand, making them a perfect meal or snack for on-the-go.

Calzones are a great way to use up leftover pizza toppings or to experiment with new combinations. They’re also customizable to fit different dietary restrictions, such as a vegetarian or vegan filling.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need:

• 500g pizza dough
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 150g shredded mozzarella cheese
• 100g sliced pepperoni
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough into four 8-inch (20 cm) circles.
3. On one half of each circle, spread a tablespoon of pizza sauce, leaving a 1/2-inch (1 cm) border.
4. Sprinkle the cheese, pepperoni, olives, bell pepper, and red onion on top of the sauce.
5. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and crimp the edges to seal.
6. Brush the olive oil on top of each calzone and sprinkle with oregano, garlic powder, and salt.
7. Bake the calzones on a baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
8. Serve hot with additional pizza sauce for dipping, if desired.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Swap out the pepperoni for sliced mushrooms, diced zucchini, and diced eggplant. Add some chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor.
• Vegan: Use a vegan pizza dough and cheese alternative such as vegan mozzarella, and fill the calzone with veggies like spinach, artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Brush the dough with a vegan butter or olive oil instead of regular butter.
• Meat Lovers: Add cooked crumbled sausage, cooked bacon, and chopped ham to the filling along with the pepperoni.
• Margherita: Use fresh tomato sauce, sliced fresh mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves for a classic Margherita-style calzone.

Conclusion

Calzones are a fun and delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza in a convenient, folded package. This recipe is easy to customize based on your own preferences and dietary restrictions, making it a versatile option for weeknight dinners, lunch, or even a snack. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think!

FAQ

What is a Calzone?

Calzone is an Italian oven-baked sandwich that originated in Naples. It is made of pizza dough that is folded in half and filled with various ingredients like cheese, meat, and vegetables.

What ingredients do I need to make Calzone?

You will need pizza dough, pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, sliced pepperoni, sliced mushrooms, and sliced green peppers.

Can I use pre-made pizza dough for Calzone?

Yes, you can use pre-made pizza dough for Calzone. You can find pre-made pizza dough at your local grocery store or pizza shop.

Can I make Calzone ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Calzone ahead of time. You can assemble the Calzone and then freeze it until you are ready to bake it.

How long should I bake Calzone?

You should bake Calzone for 15-20 minutes at 425°F or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Can I add other ingredients to Calzone?

Yes, you can add any ingredients you like to Calzone. Some popular options include sausage, ham, bacon, onions, and olives.

Can I make Calzone without cheese?

Yes, you can make Calzone without cheese. However, the cheese is a key ingredient that adds flavor and texture to the dish.

Can I make Calzone without pizza sauce?

Yes, you can make Calzone without pizza sauce. You can substitute the pizza sauce with marinara sauce or any other tomato-based sauce.

Can I make Calzone into a dessert?

Yes, you can make Calzone into a dessert by adding sweet ingredients like Nutella, bananas, and strawberries.

Can I reheat Calzone?

Yes, you can reheat Calzone in the oven or microwave. To reheat in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the Calzone for 10-15 minutes. To reheat in the microwave, place the Calzone on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.