Calizza
Calizza features savory bread pockets filled with seasoned meat, cheese, and tomato sauce, baked to perfection—ideal for hearty family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the cooked hamburger or sausage and set aside.
- Season the meat with garlic salt and Italian spices.
- Add tomato sauce and grated cheese to the cooked meat and mix well.
- With well-buttered hands, shape the bread dough into squares.
- Place a spoonful of the meat and cheese mixture in the center of each dough square.
- Fold the sides of the dough over the filling and seal the edges.
- Place the filled dough squares on a well-oiled cookie sheet.
- Brush the tops with the well-beaten egg.
- Bake at 325°F for about 20 minutes.
- When cooked, brush the calizza with butter before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding a bit of cream cheese to the meat and cheese mixture. You can substitute the Cheddar cheese with mozzarella for a different flavor profile. If you want a vegetarian option, replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms or spinach. For added flavor, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the filling, enhancing the overall taste, akin to Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the calizza warm as a delightful appetizer or main dish. They pair beautifully with a simple side salad or garlic bread, complementing the flavors. Consider serving with a marinara dipping sauce for extra flavor. This dish is perfect for gatherings, making it an excellent choice alongside other Italian recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the calizza in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them for a quick option, but the oven method helps retain the crispiness of the dough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Calizza contains roughly 363 calories, with 8g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of calcium (17% of the Daily Value), protein (16% of the Daily Value), and iron (10% 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 freeze calizza for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked calizza before baking. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to cook, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of bread dough?
If you don’t have bread dough, you can use puff pastry or biscuit dough as alternatives. Both will provide a different texture but will still be delicious. Just ensure they are rolled out thinly enough to hold the filling without breaking.
How do I know when calizza are done baking?
The calizza are done when they are golden brown on top and the filling is bubbling slightly. You can also insert a toothpick into the dough; if it comes out clean, they are ready to serve.
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).