Garden Vegetable Calzone
A delicious veggie-filled calzone with crispy crust and melted cheese, perfect for casual dinners or lunch, appealing to vegetarians and pizza lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 8 fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1 small zucchini, halved lengthwise, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 red or yellow bell pepper, coarsely chopped
- 1/4 cup sliced green onion ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil leaves ⓘ
- 1 egg white, beaten ⓘ
- 1 10-ounce can Pillsbury Refrigerated All Ready Pizza Crust ⓘ
- 4 ounces shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, combine sliced mushrooms, chopped bell pepper, sliced zucchini, and sliced green onion.
- Sprinkle the vegetable mixture with garlic salt and dried basil leaves; mix well.
- Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough and place it on the prepared cookie sheet.
- Roll the dough into a 14-inch square, then cut into four 7-inch squares.
- Place 1/4 cup of the vegetable mixture on one half of each square, spreading to within 1/2 inch of the edge.
- Top each with 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese.
- Fold each square in half over the filling and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal.
- Brush the top of each calzone with beaten egg white.
- Cut 2-3 slits in the top of each calzone with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve warm with heated pizza or spaghetti sauce for dipping.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Garden Vegetable Calzone, consider adding fresh herbs like oregano or thyme. If you don't have mozzarella or provolone, any melty cheese will work, such as cheddar or gouda. For a healthier twist, use whole wheat pizza dough or add spinach to the filling. You can also experiment with other vegetables like spinach or artichokes for added texture and taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Garden Vegetable Calzones warm with a side of heated pizza or spaghetti sauce for dipping. A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables make for a great accompaniment. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Vegetable Spaghetti or a light antipasto platter for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover calzones can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes, but the oven method will keep the crust crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garden Vegetable Calzone contains roughly 915 calories, with 21g protein, 171g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (52% of the Daily Value), protein (42% of the Daily Value), and potassium (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 796mg per serving (35% 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 filling and assemble the calzones in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake them. Just be sure to let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
Can I freeze the calzones?
Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the calzones and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be baked straight from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What other fillings can I use for calzones?
You can get creative with your calzone fillings! Try ingredients like ricotta cheese, cooked sausage, or roasted vegetables. For a twist, consider using a combination of cheeses or even adding some sauce inside, like a spoonful of marinara or pesto for extra flavor.
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).