Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A calzone gives you everything you love about pizza in a handheld, sealed pocket. The crust bakes up crisp on the outside while locking in all the cheesy, savory goodness inside.
It’s highly customizable. You can fill it with classic combinations like mozzarella and pepperoni or get creative with vegetables, ricotta, sausage, or even pesto.
This recipe is also great for meal prep. Make several at once and enjoy leftovers for lunch or freeze them for later. It’s a crowd-pleasing option that feels comforting and homemade.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
ricotta cheese
shredded mozzarella cheese
grated Parmesan cheese
Italian sausage or pepperoni (optional)
sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers (optional)
pizza sauce
olive oil
egg (for egg wash)
salt
black pepper
Italian seasoning (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide the pizza dough into equal portions and roll each into a circle about 8 to 10 inches wide.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using.
- Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over one half of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edge.
- Spoon the cheese mixture over the sauce.
- Add sausage, pepperoni, or sautéed vegetables if desired.
- Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
- Press the edges together and crimp with a fork to seal.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg and lightly brush with olive oil.
- Cut a small slit on top of each calzone to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 18 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 calzones
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 18 to 25 minutes
Total time: About 45 minutes
Variations
Make a vegetarian version with spinach, mushrooms, roasted red peppers, and olives.
Use grilled chicken and pesto instead of pizza sauce for a different flavor profile.
Create a breakfast calzone with scrambled eggs, cheese, and cooked bacon or sausage.
Try a dessert version filled with sweetened ricotta and chocolate chips.
For a crispier crust, bake the calzones on a preheated pizza stone.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes until heated through. This helps restore the crisp crust.
You can also freeze baked calzones for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soft.
FAQs
What is the difference between a calzone and a stromboli?
A calzone is folded into a half-moon shape and sealed, while a stromboli is rolled up like a log and sliced.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, store-bought dough works perfectly and saves time.
Do I need to cook the fillings first?
Yes, meats should be fully cooked and vegetables sautéed to remove excess moisture.
Why did my calzone leak?
Overfilling or not sealing the edges properly can cause leaks. Be sure to crimp the edges firmly.
Can I make calzones ahead of time?
Yes, assemble them and refrigerate until ready to bake.
How do I keep the bottom from getting soggy?
Avoid too much sauce and ensure vegetables are cooked to remove excess moisture.
Can I air fry a calzone?
Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 to 12 minutes, depending on size.
What cheese works best?
Mozzarella is classic, but provolone, fontina, or a blend can also be used.
Should I serve sauce inside or on the side?
Traditionally, some sauce goes inside, and extra is served on the side for dipping.
How do I know when it’s done?
The crust should be golden brown and firm, and the filling should be hot and melted inside.
Conclusion
Homemade Calzone is a comforting and versatile dish that brings pizza flavors into a convenient, handheld form. With its crisp crust and melty filling, it’s perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining. Easy to customize and simple to prepare, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
PrintHomemade Calzone Recipe
Homemade Calzone is a golden, oven-baked Italian-style folded pizza filled with gooey cheese and savory toppings. With its crisp crust and melty interior, it’s a comforting and customizable meal perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 calzones
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) pizza dough
- 3/4 cup (180 g) ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups (150 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup (75 g) cooked Italian sausage or pepperoni (optional)
- 1/2 cup (75 g) sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers (optional)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) pizza sauce, plus more for serving
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal portions and roll each into an 8 to 10-inch circle.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using.
- Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over one half of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edge.
- Spoon the cheese mixture over the sauce.
- Add cooked sausage, pepperoni, or sautéed vegetables if desired.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape.
- Press the edges together and crimp with a fork to seal tightly.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg and lightly brush with olive oil.
- Cut a small slit on top of each calzone to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 18 to 25 minutes, until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with additional sauce on the side.
Notes
- Ensure meats are fully cooked and vegetables are sautéed before filling.
- Avoid overfilling to prevent leaking during baking.
- Bake on a preheated pizza stone for a crispier crust.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
