Authentic Italian Calzone Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 3/4 cup warm water (around 110 degrees F)
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup pizza sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives
  • 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup sliced bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup sliced onions
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Stir until dissolved and let it sit for about 5 minutes or until it gets frothy.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix with a spoon or your hands until a dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
  5. Preheat your oven to 475 degrees F (245 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  6. Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal parts. Roll out each piece into a circle about 1/4 inch thick.
  7. Spread half of the pizza sauce onto one half of each dough circle, leaving about a 1 inch border around the edges. Top with the cheese, pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, bell pepper, and onions. Fold the unfilled half of the dough over the filling and crimp the edges to seal.
  8. In a small bowl, beat together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush the tops of the calzones with the egg wash, and then sprinkle with dried oregano if using.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining the yeast mixture and dough ingredients.
  • Measuring Spoons - Used to accurately measure the yeast and sugar.
  • Measuring Cups - Required for measuring warm water, flour, and olive oil.
  • Spoon - A utensil for stirring and mixing the dough.
  • Flour - Used for dusting the surface while kneading the dough.
  • Baking Sheet - A sheet pan lined with parchment paper for baking the calzones.
  • Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the dough into circles.
  • Brush - To apply the egg wash onto the calzones before baking.
  • Clean Towel - Used to cover the dough while it rises.

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier crust.
  • Try using a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free calzone.
  • Experiment with different types of cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or feta.
  • Replace the pepperoni with cooked Italian sausage or ham for a different meat option.
  • Add fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley for added flavor.
  • Include your favorite vegetables such as spinach, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Make a vegetarian version by omitting the meat and adding extra vegetables or replacing it with plant-based protein alternatives.
  • Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • For a different crust texture, brush the calzones with melted butter or garlic butter before baking.
  • Serve with a side of marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.

Recipe overview

This delicious Calzone recipe will transport you straight to Italy with its authentic and savory flavors. Calzones are essentially folded pizzas, stuffed with an array of ingredients that you can customize to your liking. This particular recipe calls for a filling of pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions, all enveloped in a layer of melted mozzarella cheese. The crust is homemade, made from scratch with yeast, giving it a fantastic texture and taste. This Calzone is then sealed and baked to golden perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior and a gooey, cheesy interior. Making Calzone from scratch might seem daunting, but this step-by-step guide will make the process easy and enjoyable. It's a fun recipe to involve the whole family, and you will be rewarded with a delicious and satisfying meal. Serve these Calzones hot from the oven with some extra pizza sauce on the side for an indulgent and hearty meal. Enjoy the process and, most importantly, the outcome!

Common questions

  1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes, you can use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast. However, you may need to adjust the amount used. For 1 packet of active dry yeast, use approximately 2 teaspoons of instant yeast.
  2. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in this recipe. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may be slightly different.
  3. Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! While mozzarella is the traditional choice, you can use any type of cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, provolone, or a combination of different cheeses.
  4. Can I add other toppings or fillings? Of course! Feel free to customize your calzone with your favorite toppings and fillings. Just make sure not to overstuff it, as it may be challenging to seal properly.
  5. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. After the dough has risen, you can cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to use, let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
  6. Can I freeze the calzones? Yes, you can freeze the calzones for later. After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in a preheated oven until warmed through.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking sheet - Used to bake the calzones in the oven.
  • Parchment paper - Placed on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleaning easier.
  • Rolling pin - Used to roll out the dough into circles.
  • Pizza cutter - Helps to easily cut the baked calzones into individual servings.
  • Brush - Used to apply the egg wash onto the calzones before baking.
  • Clean towel - Covers the dough while it rises to keep it warm and moist.
  • Greased bowl - Used to let the dough rise in a warm environment.

Origin stories

Calzone, meaning 'stocking' or 'trouser' in Italian, is a pizza pocket that originated in Naples during the 18th century. It was created as a portable, on-the-go version of pizza that laborers could carry to work and eat for lunch. Unlike a traditional pizza, a calzone is folded over before it's baked, creating a warm, stuffed pocket. This versatility allowed the workers to enjoy a hearty, delicious meal without the need for cutlery or a table, making it an enduring favorite in Italian cuisine. Today, while the classic fillings are often ham, salami, mozzarella, or ricotta cheese, calzones can be filled with a variety of ingredients, much like their pizza counterparts. It's a wonderful testament to the ingenuity of Italian culinary tradition, balancing practicality with the savoury flavours of the Mediterranean.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.