Ultimate Cheesy Pepperoni Calzone

$To make your calzone, gather these key items: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon instant yeast - 1 teaspoon sugar - 1 teaspoon salt - 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup sliced pepperoni - 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) - 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash) These ingredients will give you a rich flavor and tasty texture. The mozzarella melts beautifully and pairs perfectly with pepperoni. You can add extra flavor with these optional items: - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Garlic powder for added taste - Sliced olives for a briny touch - Spinach or mushrooms for some veggies These additions enhance the dish and let you customize it to your liking. If you need to swap some items, here are some suggestions: - Whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for a healthier option - Any cheese like cheddar or provolone in place of mozzarella - Turkey pepperoni for a lighter choice - Water can be replaced with milk for a richer dough Feel free to experiment. Cooking is all about finding flavors you love. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To make the perfect dough, start with a large bowl. Mix the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Whisk them together until they blend well. Next, slowly add the warm water and olive oil. Stir with a spoon until you get a shaggy mix. Now, transfer this dough to a floured surface. Knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it to feel smooth and elastic. Once done, place your dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for 30 to 45 minutes. It should double in size. After your dough has risen, gently punch it down. This releases the air inside. Divide the dough into two equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle about 10 inches wide. On one half of each circle, sprinkle three-quarters of the mozzarella cheese. Next, layer the sliced pepperoni. Season it with Italian seasoning. If you like a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes. Carefully fold the other half of the dough over the filling. Pinch the edges to seal them well. This step is key to keep the filling inside. Now, brush the tops of your calzones with the beaten egg. This gives them a lovely golden color. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for 12 to 15 minutes. You want them to puff up and turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Once they’re done, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. Slice them in half to see the cheesy filling. Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy the ultimate cheesy pepperoni calzone! For the full recipe, check the complete instructions above. To make the best calzone, start with your dough. Use all-purpose flour for a great texture. Measure your ingredients carefully. Too much flour makes the dough dry. On the other hand, too little makes it sticky. Knead your dough for about 5 to 7 minutes. This helps develop gluten, giving your calzone that perfect chew. Let the dough rise in a warm spot. It should double in size. This step is key for a light and airy calzone. Flavor is everything in a calzone. Use fresh mozzarella cheese for a creamy texture. Combine it with sliced pepperoni for a classic taste. Add Italian seasoning to boost the flavor. If you like heat, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes in your filling. For a twist, you can add veggies like spinach or mushrooms. Just be sure to chop them finely to fit inside. Layer your filling evenly to avoid any spills. Baking your calzone right is crucial. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) before you start. This high heat gives the calzone a nice crust. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a shiny finish. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, but keep an eye on them. The calzones should turn golden brown. Let them cool slightly before slicing. This helps keep the cheesy filling from spilling out. Enjoy with warm marinara sauce on the side! {{image_4}} If you want a meat-free calzone, try using fresh veggies. I love spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers. You can add artichokes or zucchini too. Swap out pepperoni for feta or ricotta cheese. A mix of mozzarella and goat cheese gives great flavor. You can even toss in some olives for a salty touch. Want a kick? Add spicy peppers, like jalapeños or banana peppers. They make your calzone exciting! You can also mix in some cooked sausage or chorizo for a spicy twist. Don’t forget to balance the heat with some creamy cheese. Cheese helps tone down the spice while adding richness. Cheese is key in a calzone. While mozzarella is classic, you can explore other options. Try provolone for a smoky touch or fontina for creaminess. A blend of cheeses can create layers of flavor. Mix mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan for a cheesy explosion. Whichever you choose, cheese makes every bite delightful. For the full recipe, check out the Ultimate Cheesy Pepperoni Calzone . To store leftover calzones, let them cool down first. Place them in an airtight container. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Keep the calzones in the fridge if you plan to eat them within a few days. They will stay fresh for about three days. When you want to eat your leftover calzones, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the calzones on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the crust crispy and warms the filling. You can also use a microwave, but it may make the crust soft. If you choose this method, heat them in short bursts to avoid overcooking. To freeze calzones, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. This prevents freezer burn. You can also place them in a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. They will keep well for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw the calzones in the fridge overnight. Then, follow the reheating tips to enjoy them again. You can find the Full Recipe for making fresh calzones anytime! The best way to reheat a calzone is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the calzone on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the crust crispy and the filling warm. You can also use an air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes. Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. After you knead it, let it rise. Once it doubles in size, punch it down. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before using. Dipping sauces can make your calzone even more tasty. I recommend marinara sauce, which is classic and delicious. You can also try garlic butter for a rich flavor. Ranch dressing adds a nice twist too. For a spicy kick, sriracha or hot sauce works well. Your calzone is done when it is golden brown on top. It should puff up and feel firm to the touch. You can also use a food thermometer. The inside should reach 165°F (74°C). If you see bubbling cheese through the crust, that’s a good sign too! In this post, I covered how to make the ultimate cheesy pepperoni calzone. We explored key ingredients, how to prepare the dough, and baking tips. I also shared variations and storage advice. Keep experimenting with flavors and fillings to make it your own. With these steps, you can master this tasty dish. Enjoy your delicious calzones and share them with friends!$

Ultimate Cheesy Pepperoni Calzone

Indulge in the deliciousness of an Ultimate Cheesy Pepperoni Calzone! This easy recipe guides you through creating a golden, flaky calzone filled with melty mozzarella and savory pepperoni, perfect for any meal. Discover step-by-step instructions and tips for presentation that will impress your friends and family. Click now to explore this mouthwatering recipe and elevate your cooking game today!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon instant yeast

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup sliced pepperoni

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt until well combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the warm water and olive oil to the dry mixture. Use a wooden spoon to stir until a shaggy dough begins to form.

Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead it for about 5-7 minutes, or until it feels smooth and elastic to the touch.

Allow Dough to Rise: Lightly grease a bowl and place the kneaded dough inside. Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for approximately 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.

Preheat Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Divide and Roll: After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide it into two equal pieces. Using a rolling pin, roll each piece into a 10-inch circle on a floured surface.

Assemble the Calzone: On one half of each dough circle, sprinkle approximately three-quarters of the mozzarella cheese. Add a layer of pepperoni, then season with Italian seasoning and sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes if desired.

Fold and Seal: Carefully fold the other half of the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Use your fingers to pinch the edges firmly, ensuring they are sealed well to prevent any filling from leaking during baking.

Egg Wash: Brush the tops of each calzone generously with the beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color when baked.

Bake: Place the calzones in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.

Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Slice the calzones in half to reveal the cheesy goodness inside, and serve with warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 2

- Presentation Tips: Serve each calzone on a rustic wooden board with a small bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added aroma.