![When making a calzone, you need a few key ingredients. These will give you that tasty, cheesy delight that everyone loves. Here’s what you need: - 1 batch of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color) - 1/2 cup chopped spinach (fresh or frozen) - 1/4 cup sliced black olives - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) - Marinara sauce for dipping I recommend using equal parts ricotta and mozzarella. This mix gives a creamy and stretchy texture. The Parmesan adds a nice salty kick. For veggies, feel free to mix in your favorites. Bell peppers and spinach work well, but you can try others. You can customize your calzone easily. Want meat? Try pepperoni or sausage. Love mushrooms? Toss them in! You can also swap cheeses. Goat cheese or cheddar can change the flavor. Be creative with what you have at home. Preheating the Oven Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures your calzone bakes evenly and crisps up nicely. Preparing the Baking Sheet Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy. Rolling Out the Pizza Dough On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough. Aim for a large circle, about 12 inches wide. Make it thin, but not too thin, or it may break. Filling the Dough In a mixing bowl, combine the cheeses and veggies. Use ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, bell peppers, spinach, and olives. Add oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes for extra flavor. Mix well until everything is combined. Spoon this mixture onto one half of the dough circle. Leave a small border along the edge for sealing. Sealing the Calzone Carefully fold the other half of the dough over the filling. Press the edges firmly to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges. This adds a nice touch and keeps the filling inside. Baking Instructions (Time and Temperature) Place the calzone on the baking sheet. Brush the top with beaten egg for a golden finish. Cut a few small slits on top for steam to escape. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it warm with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy your cheesy veggie explosion calzone! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. To make a great calzone, keep a few tips in mind. - Preventing Dough from Sticking: Use enough flour on your work surface. This helps the dough roll out easily. If it sticks, gently lift it and add more flour underneath. You want a smooth surface for rolling. - Tips for Even Baking: Make sure your oven is fully preheated. This step is key for even baking. Place your calzone in the center of the oven. This allows hot air to circulate around it. If you bake too close to the sides, it may cook unevenly. Calzones are fun because you can fill them with many options. - Adding Different Fillings: You can swap in any veggies or meats you like. Try mushrooms, zucchini, or pepperoni. Be creative with flavors! Just remember not to overfill. This keeps them easy to seal and bake. - Vegetarian vs. Meat Options: For a veggie calzone, use ricotta, spinach, and bell peppers. For meat lovers, add sausage or ham. You can mix and match to suit everyone’s taste. {{image_2}} You can make your calzone even more fun with different flavors. Here are two tasty options: - Italian Meat Calzone: Add cooked sausage, pepperoni, or ham to your filling. Mix these meats with ricotta and mozzarella cheese. This gives a hearty taste and a protein boost. - Mediterranean Veggie Calzone: For a lighter choice, use ingredients like feta cheese, zucchini, and sun-dried tomatoes. Add fresh herbs like basil and oregano. This calzone bursts with fresh flavors. Dipping sauces can make your calzone even better. Here are some great options: - Alternative Sauces for Serving: Try ranch dressing, pesto, or garlic butter as dips. Each sauce adds a new twist to your calzone experience. - Homemade Marinara Recipe: You can also make your own sauce. Here’s a quick way: - Ingredients: - 1 can of crushed tomatoes - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Instructions: 1. In a pot, combine crushed tomatoes, oregano, and garlic powder. 2. Heat over medium heat for about 10 minutes. 3. Season with salt and pepper. This sauce pairs perfectly with your cheesy veggie explosion calzone. Enjoy the dip! - Storing Leftover Calzones After you enjoy your calzones, let them cool. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save space, wrap each calzone in plastic wrap before putting them in the container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. - Best Practices for Reheating When you are ready to eat your leftover calzones, you can reheat them easily. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the calzones on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This helps keep the crust crispy. You can also use a microwave, but the crust may get soft. If you use a microwave, heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking. - How to Freeze Cooked Calzones If you want to save your calzones for later, freezing is a good option. Let the calzones cool completely. Wrap each one in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This double wrap prevents freezer burn. Label them with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. - Thawing and Cooking Frozen Calzones To enjoy your frozen calzones, take them out of the freezer. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can thaw them in the microwave using the defrost setting. Once thawed, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15 minutes. Check to make sure they are heated through. You can follow the same steps for cooking directly from frozen but add 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time. For a full recipe of cheesy goodness, check out the [Full Recipe]. How do I know when my calzone is done? You can tell when your calzone is done by its color. It should be golden brown. You can also look for bubbles in the dough. The cheese inside should be melted and hot. To be sure, you can use a food thermometer. The inside should reach 165°F (74°C) for safety. Can I use store-bought pizza dough? Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough. It saves time and works great. Many people enjoy the taste and texture of store-bought dough. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for rolling and baking. What vegetables work best for calzone filling? Many vegetables suit calzones well. My favorites include bell peppers, spinach, and mushrooms. You can also add onions, zucchini, or even artichokes. Just remember to chop them small. This helps them cook evenly and fit well inside the calzone. What to serve with calzones? Calzones pair well with marinara sauce for dipping. You can also serve a fresh salad on the side. A simple green salad or Caesar salad works great. Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks can make a tasty addition too. Can calzones be made ahead of time? Yes, you can make calzones ahead of time. Prepare them, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze them for later. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Enjoy this easy calzone recipe as a simple and delicious meal option. Check out the Full Recipe for more details! Making calzones is fun and tasty. We covered important aspects, like ingredients, baking steps, and tips. Remember, you can customize your calzone with fillings you love. Store leftovers in the fridge or freeze them for later. With the right techniques, you'll enjoy perfect calzones every time. Try different sauces to enhance the flavor. Now, get creative in your kitchen and enjoy your delicious calzones!](https://toastedrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/5c09d010-788d-43c8-b38a-3bc6132c0586-300x300.webp)
Easy Calzone Recipe
Indulge in a Cheesy Veggie Explosion Calzone that's bursting with flavors! This easy recipe combines rich ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and a medley of colorful veggies for a satisfying dish that's perfect for snacking or sharing. Ready in just 35 minutes, this calzone is sure to impress. Click through to discover how to make this cheesy delight and elevate your pizza night to a whole new level!