Easy Calzone Recipe

$- Pizza dough: You can use store-bought dough for quick prep or make your own at home. Homemade dough gives a fresh taste, but store-bought is easy and reliable. - Cheese options: Choose from ricotta for creaminess, mozzarella for stretch, or Parmesan for a sharp kick. Mixing these cheeses can create a rich filling. - Vegetables: You can customize your filling with any veggies you like. Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms all work well. Fresh or frozen, they add great flavor and texture. - Spices and seasonings for flavor: Add dried oregano or garlic powder to enhance the taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. - Suggestions for additional toppings: Consider adding meats like pepperoni or sausage for a heartier meal. Fresh herbs like basil can also boost the flavor profile. For the full recipe, check out the Cheesy Veggie Explosion Calzone. 1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is key for a great calzone. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the calzone from sticking. 3. Lightly flour a clean surface. This helps in rolling out the dough. 4. Roll out the pizza dough into a large circle, about 12 inches wide. Aim for an even thickness. 1. In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. 2. Add diced bell peppers, chopped spinach, and sliced black olives to the cheese. 3. Sprinkle in dried oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes, if you like it spicy. 4. Stir until everything is well mixed and creamy. 1. Spoon the cheesy veggie filling onto one half of the dough circle. Leave a small edge for sealing. 2. Gently fold the other half over the filling, making a half-moon shape. 3. Press the edges together firmly to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork for extra security. 1. Brush the top of the calzone with beaten egg. This gives it a nice golden color. 2. Use a sharp knife to cut small slits on top. This lets steam escape while baking. 3. Place the calzone on the prepared baking sheet. 4. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly inside. 5. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping. For more detailed steps, check out the Full Recipe. Enjoy your calzone adventure! To get the best calzone, focus on the dough. Roll it out to about ¼ inch thick. A thicker dough can make it chewy. A thinner dough may tear. Bake your calzone at 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps it cook fast. Aim for about 15 to 20 minutes. The calzone should be golden brown on top. Using fresh ingredients always helps. Fresh veggies taste better than canned ones. You can also try herbs like basil or thyme for extra flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free dough. For a vegan calzone, swap ricotta with tofu and add nutritional yeast. This keeps the flavor while being plant-based. Slice your calzone into wedges for a nice look. This also makes it easy to share. Serve it on a colorful plate to catch the eye. Pair your calzone with marinara sauce. You can add a sprinkle of parsley on top for a touch of green. It makes your dish pop and looks great! {{image_4}} You can easily change the cheese in your calzone. If you need a dairy-free option, try vegan cheese. It melts well and tastes great. You can also use cottage cheese for more protein. Looking for different flavors? Swap out veggies based on your taste. Try mushrooms for an earthy bite. Zucchini or artichokes add a fresh twist. Bell peppers bring sweetness, while spinach adds a nice touch. Calzones are not just for veggies! You can make meat-filled calzones too. Ground beef or sausage adds a hearty flavor. You can also use chicken or pepperoni for a classic touch. Feeling sweet? Try dessert calzones! Fill them with Nutella and banana for a tasty treat. Apple pie filling and cinnamon sugar also make a great dessert option. Explore these ideas to create your perfect calzone. Check out the Full Recipe for a delicious base to start from! To store leftovers, let them cool first. Place calzones in an airtight container. They stay fresh for about three days in the fridge. When ready to eat, you can reheat them in the oven. This keeps the crust crispy and the filling warm. You can freeze calzones for up to three months. Wrap each calzone tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. This way, they won’t get freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat a frozen calzone, take it out and let it thaw overnight in the fridge. To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through. This method helps keep the flavor intact. Enjoy your cheesy veggie explosion calzone anytime! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. How long does it take to make calzones? It takes about 35 minutes in total. You will spend around 15 minutes prepping. Baking the calzones takes another 15 to 20 minutes. Can calzones be made ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare calzones ahead. Assemble them and store them in the fridge. Bake them when you are ready to eat. What can I serve with calzones besides marinara? You can serve calzones with ranch dressing or a fresh salad. Garlic bread or steamed veggies also make great sides. What to do if the calzone dough is too sticky? If the dough is sticky, sprinkle extra flour on your work surface. Work the dough gently to avoid over-kneading. How to fix a calzone that won't seal properly? If your calzone won’t seal, try using a little water on the edges. This helps the dough stick together better. Crimp the edges with a fork for a tight seal. This guide covers everything you need for making easy calzones. You learned about key ingredients, like pizza dough and cheese, which form the base. We went through step-by-step instructions to prepare the filling, assemble, and bake your calzone. You discovered tips for perfecting the dough and enhancing flavor with fresh options. Remember, calzones are versatile—feel free to customize them to your taste. With proper storage, you can enjoy your calzones later. Enjoy your tasty creations and share them with friends and family!$

Indulge in the ultimate cheesy veggie explosion calzone that combines creamy cheeses with vibrant veggies for a mouthwatering treat! This easy recipe guides you step-by-step from mixing the filling to achieving that perfect golden crust. Whether you're preparing a snack or a meal to impress, this calzone is sure to delight everyone. Click through to explore this delicious recipe and elevate your culinary skills today!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 batch of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any vibrant color)

1/2 cup chopped fresh or frozen spinach

1/4 cup sliced black olives

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Marinara sauce, for dipping

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the pizza dough into a large circle, approximately 12 inches in diameter, ensuring an even thickness.

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses with the diced bell peppers, chopped spinach, sliced black olives, oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if desired). Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated and the filling is creamy.

Spoon the vibrant cheese and vegetable filling onto one half of the dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge for sealing.

Gently fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, then press the edges together firmly to seal. For an added decorative touch, crimp the edges with a fork to ensure the filling remains secure during baking.

Transfer the calzone to the prepared baking sheet and brush the top with the beaten egg to achieve a beautiful golden hue as it bakes.

Use a sharp knife to make a few small slits on the top of the calzone, which will allow steam to escape and prevent it from bursting in the oven.

Bake the calzone in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown and the cheese filling is delightfully bubbling inside.

Once baked, remove the calzone from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to set slightly.

Serve the calzone warm, accompanied by marinara sauce for a delicious dipping experience!

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 35 mins | Servings: 2-4

- Relish this cheesy veggie delight as a fabulous snack or a hearty meal to share with family and friends! Enjoy!