Introduction
Calzones are a delightful Italian dish that resembles a folded pizza pocket, filled with all your favorite toppings. This Easy Calzone Recipe from Natasha’s Kitchen is perfect for a fun lunch or dinner. These stuffed pizza pockets are filled with classic toppings like meat, cheese, and your choice of sauce, making them a hit with both kids and adults. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to make these delicious calzones, along with tips and variations to make them your own.
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
There are several reasons why you’ll love making Easy Calzones. Firstly, they are incredibly versatile and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Secondly, they are easy to prepare and can be made in under an hour, making them perfect for busy weeknights. Additionally, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a great option for family dinners. Lastly, calzones are a fun and interactive dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Ingredients
- Pizza Dough: 2 pounds of pizza dough.
- Pizza Sauce: 1 cup.
- Pepperoni: 1 cup.
- Salami: ½ cup.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups, shredded.
- Ricotta Cheese: 1 cup.
- Oil: 2 tablespoons.
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup.
Equipment Used
- Mixing Bowl: For combining the ingredients for the dough and fillings.
- Rolling Pin: To roll out the pizza dough into circles.
- Baking Sheet: For baking the calzones until they are golden brown.
- Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure out the ingredients accurately.
- Knife or Pizza Cutter: For cutting the dough and making air vents.
- Brush: To brush the tops of the calzones with oil.
- Oven: For baking the calzones to perfection.
Directions & Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Divide the pre-made pizza dough into equal portions and roll each portion into a circle.
- Add the Fillings: On one half of the dough, spread the pizza sauce and add your selected ingredients such as pepperoni, salami, mozzarella cheese, and ricotta cheese.
- Fold and Seal: Fold the dough over the fillings and tightly crimp the edges to seal. Cut air vents on top, brush with oil, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). Bake the calzones for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutritional Information
Easy Calzones are not only delicious but also provide a balanced meal. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 578
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
Variations
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences. You can add different fillings such as ham, bacon, chicken, or vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling. If you prefer a vegetarian version, use a variety of vegetables and cheese as the filling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use store-bought pizza dough? A: Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough to save time. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can prepare the calzones ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply bake them in the oven.
Q: How can I make this dish gluten-free? A: To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pizza dough and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Pro Tips By Emma
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients will provide the best flavor and texture for your calzones.
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the calzones to prevent them from breaking.
- Bake Until Golden: Ensure the calzones are baked until golden brown for the best results.
Serving Suggestions
Easy Calzones are best served hot and can be enjoyed with a variety of sides. Consider pairing them with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. For a touch of freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or basil
Easy Calzone Recipe: Delicious Stuffed Pizza Pockets
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl: For combining the ingredients for the dough and fillings.
- Rolling Pin: To roll out the pizza dough into circles.
- Baking Sheet: For baking the calzones until they are golden brown.
- Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure out the ingredients accurately.
- Knife or Pizza Cutter: For cutting the dough and making air vents.
- Brush: To brush the tops of the calzones with oil.
- Oven: For baking the calzones to perfection.
Ingredients
- Pizza Dough: 2 pounds of pizza dough.
- Pizza Sauce: 1 cup.
- Pepperoni: 1 cup.
- Salami: ½ cup.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups shredded.
- Ricotta Cheese: 1 cup.
- Oil: 2 tablespoons.
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup.
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Divide the pre-made pizza dough into equal portions and roll each portion into a circle.
- Add the Fillings: On one half of the dough, spread the pizza sauce and add your selected ingredients such as pepperoni, salami, mozzarella cheese, and ricotta cheese.
- Fold and Seal: Fold the dough over the fillings and tightly crimp the edges to seal. Cut air vents on top, brush with oil, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). Bake the calzones for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
Don't Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the calzones to prevent them from breaking.
Seal Tightly: Ensure the edges are tightly sealed to keep the fillings inside during baking.
Bake Until Golden: Ensure the calzones are baked until golden brown for the best results.