Calazone
Calazone is a delicious folded pizza pocket filled with savory hamburger, melted mozzarella, and flavorful Italian seasoning, making it a perfect handheld meal. Its crispy crust and hearty filling appeal to both kids and adults, ideal for a quick lunch or casual dinner with a satisfying, cheesy bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare pizza crust dough according to package directions and set aside to rise.
- In a skillet, cook hamburger until browned; add chopped onion and cook until translucent.
- Roll out the pizza crust dough into a circle or rectangle as preferred.
- Spread pizza sauce over one half of the dough.
- Top the sauce with cooked hamburger mixture and grated mozzarella cheese.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the fillings.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and seal the edges.
- Place the calazone on a baking sheet and bake at the temperature specified on the crust package until golden brown, about 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier crust, consider brushing the calazone with olive oil before baking. You can substitute the hamburger with Italian sausage for a spicier flavor, or use a meat alternative for a vegetarian option. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to the filling for added texture and taste. Pair your calazone with Grandma'S Italiano Pasta Sauce for a delightful combination.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the calazone hot with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. A fresh garden salad or Italian Deli Ziti Toss pairs beautifully with this dish, adding a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside garlic bread or a light antipasto platter to enhance the Italian flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover calazone in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the calazone in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the crust is crispy again. You can also microwave it, but the crust may become soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Calazone contains roughly 658 calories, with 20g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (39% of the Daily Value), iron (25% of the Daily Value), and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1377mg per serving (60% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the calazone ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the calazone ahead of time by assembling it and then refrigerating it before baking. Just ensure you cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When you're ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of pizza sauce?
If you don't have pizza sauce, you can use marinara or any tomato-based sauce you have on hand. Alternatively, a simple mixture of crushed tomatoes with Italian seasoning works well as a homemade substitute. This can also enhance the flavor profile of your calazone.
Can I freeze calazone?
Yes, you can freeze calazone before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. To bake, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. This makes for a quick meal option on busy days.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).