Kathy'S Calzone
Kathy's Calzone is a delicious, hand-folded pizza pocket filled with melted mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, and roasted red peppers, perfect for a satisfying snack or meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Let the bread dough rise until doubled in size.
- Roll out the dough into an oblong shape on a floured surface.
- Layer the sliced mozzarella cheese down the center of the dough.
- Add drained roasted red peppers on top of the cheese.
- Place sliced pepperoni over the peppers.
- Fold one side of the dough over the filling, then fold the other side, sealing the edges like wrapping a package.
- Pinch the ends and along the seam to seal the calzone.
- Cook in oil until golden brown and crispy, about 15-20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispy calzone, ensure your oil is hot before adding the dough. You can substitute the pepperoni with cooked sausage or even vegetables for a vegetarian option. If you want to spice it up, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes. For an extra cheesy experience, mix in some ricotta or parmesan with the mozzarella. This recipe is perfect for using up leftovers, similar to the Italian recipes featured in our collection.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these calzones with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. A fresh salad or steamed vegetables would complement the meal nicely. For a heartier option, pair with garlic bread or a slice of Italian bread loaf. They also make great snacks or appetizers for gatherings, and you could even enjoy them alongside our Christmas-Morning Italian Strata.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, allow the calzones to cool completely before wrapping them in foil or placing them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, which helps maintain their crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kathy'S Calzone contains roughly 1158 calories, with 6g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 121g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 597mg per serving (26% 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?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked or cooked calzones. If freezing uncooked, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to bake, you can cook them from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of Italian bread dough?
If you don't have Italian bread dough, you can use pizza dough or a store-bought bread dough as a substitute. Both will yield a delicious calzone, but the texture may vary slightly.
How do I know when the calzone is fully cooked?
The calzone is fully cooked when it turns a golden brown color and sounds hollow when tapped. The internal temperature should reach at least 190°F to ensure that the dough is thoroughly cooked and the cheese is melted.
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).