Cheesy Calzone
A flavorful cheesy calzone filled with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and optional blue cheese, perfect for customizing with your favorite fillings and served with marinara sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the pizza crust on a floured surface into a large circle.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and parsley flakes. Mix well.
- Optional: Prepare additional fillings such as onions, mushrooms, spinach, peppers, olives, ground beef, sausage, Canadian bacon, or pepperoni.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly over half of the pizza crust, leaving a border around the edges.
- Add your desired optional fillings on top of the cheese mixture.
- Fold the crust over to enclose the fillings, forming a calzone shape. Seal the edges by pinching or folding.
- Place the calzone on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Warm the marinara sauce and serve alongside the calzone for dipping.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier calzone, bake on a pizza stone if available. You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option. Feel free to add herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor. For a spicy kick, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes into the cheese mixture. If you want a more substantial filling, consider cooked sausage or ground beef from your favorite Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the calzones warm with marinara sauce for dipping. A side salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the calzone nicely. You can also pair it with Italian Scalidi for a sweet finish to your meal. For more vegetarian recipes, consider adding a side of roasted vegetables.
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 (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Calzone contains roughly 689 calories, with 31g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (63% of the Daily Value), calcium (48% of the Daily Value), and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1290mg per serving (56% 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 calzone before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled calzone before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. This is a great way to prepare meals in advance.
What can I use instead of blue cheese?
If you prefer not to use blue cheese, feel free to replace it with feta or goat cheese for a different flavor profile. Both options will add creaminess and a tangy taste without overpowering the calzone.
How can I tell when the calzone is done baking?
The calzone is done when it is golden brown on the outside and sounds hollow when tapped. You can also use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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).