Calzones
Delicious homemade calzones filled with melted cheese, pepperoni, and bell peppers, perfect for satisfying snack cravings or casual family dinners with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F and coat a baking sheet with nonstick spray.
- Unroll the refrigerated pizza crust onto a cutting board and stretch it into a 12-inch square.
- Cut the dough into four 6-inch squares.
- Place each square on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spread a layer of ricotta cheese on one side of each square, leaving a border around the edges.
- Distribute shredded mozzarella, thawed bell peppers and onions, and pepperoni over the ricotta on each square.
- Fold each square in half to form a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier calzone, consider pre-baking the crust for 5 minutes before adding the fillings. You can also swap out the ricotta for cottage cheese or cream cheese for a different flavor profile. Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition. If you're short on time, use store-bought marinara sauce for dipping, similar to what's used in Pepperoni And Cheese Stromboli.
Serving Suggestions
Serve calzones with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, enhancing the flavor. A simple salad or some garlic bread pairs well, creating a complete meal. These calzones are also great for parties, making them a fun finger food option. For a twist, try them alongside Something Really Delicious for a delicious Italian feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the oven will help maintain the crispiness of the crust.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Calzones contains roughly 887 calories, with 37g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (101% of the Daily Value), protein (74% of the Daily Value), and calcium (65% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1185mg per serving (52% 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 calzones ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the calzones and assemble them ahead of time. Just cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. If you want to freeze them, wrap each calzone tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What other fillings can I use for calzones?
You can get creative with the fillings! Try adding cooked sausage, diced chicken, or different cheeses like feta or cheddar. Veggies like spinach, zucchini, or even artichokes can also be delicious additions. For a more unique flavor, consider mixing in some pesto or using a different sauce base.
How do I get the edges of the calzone to seal properly?
To ensure the edges seal well, make sure to press them firmly together and optionally use a fork to crimp the edges. It's also helpful to keep the filling away from the edges to prevent overflow. A little water on the edges can help them stick together better before sealing.
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).