Gene'S Special Calzone
Gene's Special Calzone is a hearty Italian-style folded pizza filled with salami, hams, and provolone, perfect for sharing at gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Let the pizza dough rise overnight and punch down as needed.
- Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle.
- Spread a layer of salami in a circular pattern, completely covering the dough.
- Cover the salami with a layer of boiled ham, then add a layer of hot ham on top.
- Cover the meats with a circular layer of Provolone cheese.
- Lift one end of the dough and fold it to the midpoint, then fold the same side once more to the end.
- Tuck in the sides of the calzone to prevent leakage during baking.
- Beat the egg and brush it over the calzone to help it brown.
- Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top and cut three small slices to allow steam to escape.
- Place the calzone on a lightly greased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes to 1 hour, checking at 45 minutes and removing when golden brown. Add 5 to 10 minutes if baking two calzones.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flaky crust, make sure the pizza dough is well-kneaded and allowed to rise overnight. If you want to mix up the flavors, try adding some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. For a twist, substitute the Provolone cheese with mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses. For an extra layer of flavor, consider brushing the dough with garlic-infused oil before adding the meats.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the calzone with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, which enhances the flavors beautifully. A fresh salad, like Antipasto Rice Salad, pairs well to balance the richness of the calzone. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light Italian dessert such as tiramisu or gelato to finish on a sweet note.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the calzone cool completely, then wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For reheating, place the calzone in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. This method helps retain the crispiness of the crust, avoiding a soggy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gene'S Special Calzone contains roughly 653 calories, with 29g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (58% of the Daily Value) and calcium (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1212mg per serving (53% 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, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you're ready to bake it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.
What can I use instead of pizza dough?
If you don’t have pizza dough, you can use store-bought puff pastry for a flaky version or try using store-bought bread dough. Both alternatives will offer a delicious result, although they may change the texture slightly.
How do I know when the calzone is done baking?
The calzone is done when it turns a golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you have a food thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F to ensure the filling is properly cooked.
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).