Cheese Calzone
A cheesy, savory calzone filled with ricotta and mozzarella, wrapped in bread dough and baked to golden perfection—perfect for satisfying comfort food cravings or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Roll the bread dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
- Mix ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, egg, and parsley flakes in a bowl.
- Spread the cheese mixture onto the dough, keeping away from the edges.
- Fold the dough around the cheese filling to form a calzone shape.
- Moisten the edges of the dough with water and press to seal.
- Place the calzone on a cookie sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve warm with pizza sauce for dipping.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, add cooked spinach or mushrooms to the cheese mixture. You can substitute the ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter version. If you're short on time, use store-bought pizza dough instead of frozen bread dough. To enhance flavor, consider adding Italian herbs like oregano or basil to the filling. This calzone pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Baked Tomatoes Parmesan.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your cheese calzone warm with a side of pizza sauce for dipping. It pairs well with a fresh salad, such as Italian Bean And Tomato Salad, or a simple green salad to balance the richness. For a complete meal, consider serving with a side of garlic bread or some roasted vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover calzones can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the calzone soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Calzone contains roughly 430 calories, with 7g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value), calcium (12% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% 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 the calzones before baking?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked calzones. Just assemble them, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, there's no need to thaw; just increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes.
What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese?
If you don't have mozzarella, you can use other cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly, so adjust your expectations accordingly.
How can I make the calzone healthier?
To make a healthier calzone, consider using whole wheat bread dough, reducing the cheese content, or adding more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or onions to the filling. This can enhance the nutritional value while still keeping it delicious.
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).