7 Best Calzone Recipes for Delicious Homemade Meals

Calzones are a delicious and versatile dish that can satisfy various taste preferences. They’re essentially pizza folded into a pocket, making them easy to eat and perfect for any meal. I believe that trying different calzone recipes can enhance your cooking skills and delight your taste buds.

In this article, I will share my favorite seven calzone recipes. Each recipe offers unique flavors and ingredients, catering to different diets and cravings. From classic combinations to inventive twists, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

1. Classic Italian Calzone

Classic Italian calzone is a delicious, stuffed pastry that originated in Italy. It is similar to pizza but folded over to enclose the filling. The dough is typically made with flour, water, yeast, and a little salt.

I find it easy to make calzones at home. With simple ingredients and basic techniques, I can create a tasty dish that impresses family and friends.

To make a classic calzone, I follow these quick steps:

1. Prepare the Dough: Combine 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of yeast, and a pinch of salt. Add warm water gradually until a soft dough forms.
2. Let it Rise: Cover the dough and let it rise for about 1 hour. This helps the dough become light and airy.
3. Roll Out: Once risen, I divide the dough into portions and roll each piece into a circle.
4. Add Filling: On one half of the circle, I add my favorite fillings, like mozzarella cheese, ricotta, and pepperoni.
5. Seal and Bake: I fold the dough over and seal the edges. Then, I bake it in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes.

The result is a crispy, golden calzone filled with warm, melty goodness.

2. Spinach and Ricotta Calzone

The Spinach and Ricotta Calzone is a delicious and satisfying dish. It features a filling of fresh spinach and creamy ricotta cheese, all wrapped in a golden, crispy crust.

I find this recipe easy to make. It’s perfect for beginners or anyone who wants a quick meal. The ingredients are simple and commonly found in most kitchens.

To prepare, I follow these steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix 2 cups of fresh spinach, 1 cup of ricotta cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Roll out pizza dough into circles about 6 inches in diameter.
4. Place a generous scoop of the spinach mixture on one half of each dough circle.
5. Fold the dough over and press the edges to seal.
6. Bake on a greased baking sheet for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Each calzone is a hearty option for lunch or dinner. The combination of flavors is satisfying, making it a favorite in my home.

3. Buffalo Chicken Calzone

The Buffalo Chicken Calzone is a tasty twist on the classic Italian dish. It combines shredded chicken with Buffalo sauce, giving it a spicy kick. This dish is perfect for fans of bold flavors.

Making a Buffalo Chicken Calzone is quite easy. I enjoy preparing it because it only requires a few simple ingredients. The process is straightforward and can be done in about 30 minutes.

To make it, I follow these steps:

1. Preheat my oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix shredded chicken with 1/2 cup of Buffalo sauce in a bowl.
3. Roll out pizza dough into a circle on a floured surface.
4. Place the chicken mixture on one half of the dough, adding 1/2 cup of shredded cheese on top.
5. Fold the dough over to seal the calzone and crimp the edges.
6. Brush the top with egg wash for a golden finish.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

This dish brings together the comfort of cheese and bread with the exciting heat of Buffalo sauce. It’s a delicious option for a quick meal or game day snack.

4. Mushroom and Swiss Calzone

The Mushroom and Swiss Calzone is a tasty dish filled with savory mushrooms and creamy Swiss cheese. It offers a simple yet delicious flavor combination that many enjoy.

I find this recipe easy to make, even for beginners. The ingredients are straightforward, and the steps are simple.

To prepare, follow these steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms in a bit of olive oil until they are tender.
3. Roll out pizza dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
4. Place a portion of the mushroom mixture on one half of the dough.
5. Add 1/2 cup of shredded Swiss cheese on top of the mushrooms.
6. Fold the dough over and seal the edges with a fork.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

This calzone makes for a great meal or snack. Enjoy the rich flavors that come together easily!

5. Ham and Cheese Calzone

The ham and cheese calzone is a delicious Italian dish. It consists of a folded pizza filled with ham and cheese. The outer dough is crispy, while the inside is warm and cheesy.

Making a ham and cheese calzone is easy. I appreciate how simple it is to prepare. You only need a few ingredients: pizza dough, ham, mozzarella cheese, and a touch of olive oil.

Here are the steps I follow:

1. Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface.
3. Place sliced ham and mozzarella cheese on one half of the dough.
4. Fold the dough over and seal the edges by pressing them with a fork.
5. Brush the top with olive oil and make a few small slits for steam to escape.
6. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

The ham and cheese calzone is perfect for lunch or dinner. I enjoy serving it with marinara sauce for dipping.

6. Pepperoni and Sausage Calzone

A Pepperoni and Sausage Calzone is a delicious Italian dish. It is made by filling pizza dough with cheese, pepperoni, and sausage. This hearty meal is both satisfying and simple to prepare.

Making this calzone is quite easy. I find it a fun recipe for a quick weeknight dinner. The ingredients are common, so it’s likely I already have them at home.

To prepare, I follow these steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Roll out pizza dough into a circle.
3. In the center, layer mozzarella cheese, slices of pepperoni, and crumbled sausage.
4. Fold the dough over and seal the edges with a fork.
5. Brush the top with olive oil and add some Italian seasoning.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

This dish is perfect for sharing. I enjoy dipping it in marinara sauce for an extra flavor boost. The Pepperoni and Sausage Calzone is a sure hit at any meal.

7. Broccoli and Cheddar Calzone

A Broccoli and Cheddar Calzone is a delicious filled bread that combines fresh broccoli with melted cheddar cheese. It’s hearty and satisfying, making it perfect for lunch or dinner.

I find this recipe easy to make, even for beginners. It typically takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.

To prepare, I follow these steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: I set my oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Dough: I use store-bought pizza dough, rolling it out on a floured surface.
3. Cook the Broccoli: I lightly steam 1 cup of chopped broccoli until tender, then chop it finely.
4. Mix the Filling: In a bowl, I combine the chopped broccoli with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Assemble the Calzone: I place the filling on one half of the rolled dough, then fold it over and seal the edges.
6. Bake: I place the calzone on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

This simple recipe provides a tasty twist on traditional calzones.

What Is The History Of Calzones?

The calzone has a rich history rooted in Italian cuisine. I find it interesting how this dish evolved over time, adapting to various regions and tastes. Understanding its origins and changes can deepen my appreciation for this delicious food.

How Did Calzones Originate In Italian Cuisine?

The calzone originated in the region of Campania, Italy, in the 18th century. It was created as a convenient way for workers to take their meals on the go. Originally, it was simply a folded pizza filled with cheese, meats, and vegetables.

As time passed, calzones gained popularity in other parts of Italy, especially in Naples. They were often sold by street vendors and became a favorite among locals. The name “calzone” means “trouser” in Italian, referring to its shape. This unique design made it easy to carry and eat.

How Have Calzones Evolved Over The Decades?

In the 20th century, calzones started to spread outside Italy, particularly to the United States. Italian immigrants introduced them to American cuisine. In my experience, these calzones often feature a thicker crust and a wider range of fillings.

Throughout the decades, the calzone has adapted to local tastes. In the U.S., I’ve seen variations stuffed with everything from pepperoni to buffalo chicken. Many pizzerias now offer them on their menus, each adding their twist. The calzone’s evolution showcases how food can change and thrive in different cultures while still honoring its origins.

What Are The Steps For Preparing Calzone Dough?

Preparing calzone dough is essential for achieving that perfect crust. I focus on three main areas: selecting the right flour, applying proper kneading techniques, and allowing adequate fermentation and proofing. Each step contributes to a flavorful and textured dough that holds up well during baking.

How Do You Choose The Right Flour For Calzone Dough?

When making calzone dough, I prefer using high-protein bread flour. This type of flour has a higher gluten content, which gives the dough strength and chewiness. All-purpose flour works too, but it may not provide the same texture.

Another option is 00 flour, which is popular in Italian cooking. It’s finely milled and creates a softer, more tender texture. Always check the protein content; aim for around 12-14%.

I often mix flours to achieve my desired outcomes. For example, I might combine bread flour with a bit of whole wheat flour for added flavor and nutrition.

What Are The Best Kneading Techniques And Tips For Calzone Dough?

Kneading is crucial for developing gluten, which gives the dough its structure. I usually start by mixing the flour with water, yeast, and salt. Once combined, I move to the kneading process.

I find that kneading by hand works best. After turning the dough onto a floured surface, I push it away from me and fold it over itself. I repeat this for about 8-10 minutes, adding small amounts of flour if the dough becomes too sticky.

For those using a stand mixer, kneading on medium speed for about 7 minutes works well. Regardless of the method, the dough should be smooth and elastic when finished.

What Is The Importance Of Fermentation And Proofing In Calzone Dough Preparation?

After kneading, I let the dough rest for fermentation. I cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and place it in a warm area. This process allows the yeast to work, creating air pockets in the dough.

Fermentation typically takes about 1-2 hours. Waiting until the dough doubles in size ensures a light texture.

Once the initial fermentation is done, I gently punch down the dough to release excess air. Then, I shape it into balls and let it proof for another 30 minutes. This final rise improves flavor and texture, making my calzones truly delicious.