Description
A golden, folded pizza pocket filled with melty mozzarella, creamy ricotta, and savory Italian flavors — this homemade calzone is a delicious alternative to traditional pizza.
Ingredients
1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
1/2 cup chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms (optional)
1/2 cup marinara sauce (plus more for dipping)
1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir in olives and any vegetables you’re using.
- Divide the pizza dough into 2 or 4 equal pieces. Roll each into a circle about ¼ inch thick.
- Spoon the cheese filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving about a ½ inch border.
- Optional: Add a spoonful of marinara sauce on top of the filling.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
- Transfer the calzones to the baking sheet and brush the tops with the beaten egg.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, until golden and puffed up.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving with extra marinara sauce on the side.
Notes
Don’t overfill the calzones to prevent leaking.
Seal edges tightly with a fork for a secure closure.
Use any melty cheese or cooked vegetables you like for variation.
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Reheat at 375°F (190°C) to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
