How to Make Delicious Calzone in a Few Easy Steps

Calzone is a tasty Italian dish that is basically a folded pizza filled with various ingredients like meats, vegetables and cheese. It is baked until golden and crispy on the outside, and warm and gooey on the inside. Making calzones at home is easy and fun, and above all, delicious! Here are some tips on how to make a perfect calzone every time.

To start, you will need a few basic ingredients like pizza dough, your choice of filling, and some cheese. The filling can be anything you like, from classic marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese to more adventurous options like chicken, spinach and ricotta cheese. Roll out your pizza dough into a large circle, then place your filling on one half of the circle. Fold the dough over the filling, then crimp the edges to seal it shut. Brush the top with some olive oil or melted butter, then bake it in a hot oven until it’s golden brown and delicious. Serve it hot and enjoy!

I. Choosing the Right Ingredients

1. Selecting the Best Dough

Calzone dough can be made from scratch or purchased pre-made. If making your own, select a recipe that includes yeast and all-purpose flour. It should be elastic, slightly sticky, and able to hold up to the filling. If purchasing pre-made dough, choose a quality dough that is pliable and fresh.

2. Picking the Right Filling

The filling is what makes a calzone delicious. Traditional calzones are filled with ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and various meats and vegetables. Get creative with the filling by adding your favorite spices and ingredients. Just be sure to use fresh ingredients for the best taste.

II. Preparing the Dough

3. Rolling Out the Dough

Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough into a circle or oval shape. The dough should be about 1/4 inch thick and big enough to accommodate the filling.

4. Docking the Dough

Docking, or poking small holes in the dough with a fork, prevents air pockets from forming and lets steam escape during the cooking process.

III. Adding the Filling

5. Layering the Ingredients

Once the dough is rolled out, fill one side with the desired ingredients. Begin with a layer of ricotta, then add meats, vegetables, and cheese. Be sure to layer the ingredients evenly and not too thickly.

6. Folding the Dough

Carefully fold the other half of the dough over the filling, sealing the edges by pressing them together. Use a fork to crimp around the edges to help ensure the calzone stays sealed during baking.

IV. Baking the Calzone

7. Preheating the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

8. Baking the Calzone

Place the calzone on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown.

V. Serving the Calzone

9. Cutting the Calzone

Allow the calzone to cool for a few minutes before cutting it into slices. Cut the calzone into individual servings with a sharp knife or pizza cutter.

10. Pairing the Calzone with Sides

A classic Italian salad, such as a Caprese salad or Caesar salad, makes a great side dish for a calzone. Breadsticks or garlic knots also pair nicely with a homemade calzone.

Ingredients for Calzone

Making calzone at home is a fun and rewarding experience. Before you begin, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here are the essential ingredients for making a delicious calzone.

1. Pizza dough

Pizza dough forms the base of calzone, so it’s the most important ingredient. You can either make your own pizza dough or purchase pre-made dough from your local grocery store.

2. Tomato sauce

Tomato sauce adds the necessary tangy flavor to the calzone. You can use store-bought tomato sauce or make your own by mixing crushed tomatoes with garlic and oregano.

3. Cheese

The cheese is what makes calzone so yummy. Mozzarella cheese is the most commonly used cheese in calzone, but you can also use cheddar, parmesan, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.

4. Meat

Adding meat to calzone adds flavor and texture. Popular meat options for calzone include sausage, pepperoni, and ham.

5. Vegetables

Calzone can be made with any vegetable you prefer, but the most common ones are mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers. Adding vegetables also makes the calzone more nutritious.

6. Olive oil

Brushing the calzone with olive oil before baking will give it a crispy texture and add flavor.

7. Salt

Sprinkling some salt on top of the calzone will help enhance the flavor of the ingredients.

8. Pepper

Add a dash of black pepper to give the calzone some heat.

9. Flour

Use flour to dust the surface where you’ll be rolling out the pizza dough.

10. Egg wash

Using an egg wash on top of the calzone before baking will give it a golden brown color.

Now that you have all the necessary ingredients, you’re ready to start making your calzone.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Making a delicious calzone starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. Here are some tips for choosing the right ingredients:

Selecting the Right Flour

When selecting flour for your calzone, it is important to choose the right kind of flour for your recipe. If you are making your own dough, you may want to experiment with different flours to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. Here are some common flour options:

• All-purpose flour: This is the most common flour used in pizza and calzone dough. It has a medium protein content and can create a chewy yet crispy crust.
• Bread flour: This has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour and can create a more elastic and sturdy dough.
• Whole wheat flour: This flour is high in fiber and nutrients and can create a denser, heartier crust.

Choosing the Right Cheese

Cheese is a crucial ingredient in any calzone recipe. Here are some cheese options to consider:

• Mozzarella: This is the most common cheese used in calzone. It has a mild flavor and melts easily.
• Provolone: This has a more robust flavor than mozzarella and can add a delicious savory note to your calzone.
• Parmesan: This is a hard, nutty cheese that can add depth of flavor to your calzone. You may want to use it in combination with another cheese for best results.

Meat and Veggie Options

While there are endless possibilities when it comes to calzone fillings, here are some popular options:

• Pepperoni: This is a classic calzone filling. Choose a high-quality pepperoni that is not too greasy.
• Italian sausage: This can add spice and richness to your calzone. Choose a high-quality sausage that is well-seasoned.
• Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms can add earthiness and texture to your calzone. Be sure to season them well before adding to the calzone.
• Onions and peppers: These can add sweetness and crunch to your calzone. Be sure to sauté them before adding them to the filling.

Spices and Seasonings

Seasoning your calzone filling is key to achieving a flavorful and delicious result. Here are some popular seasoning options:

• Garlic: This can add a delicious flavor and aroma to your calzone. You can use fresh minced garlic or garlic powder.
• Oregano: This is a classic herb for Italian dishes and can add depth of flavor to your calzone filling.
• Red pepper flakes: If you like a little kick to your calzone, red pepper flakes can be a great addition.
• Salt and pepper: These simple seasonings can go a long way in enhancing the flavor of your calzone.

By following these tips for choosing ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying calzone that will impress even the most discerning pizza lover!

Ready to Make a Delicious Calzone?

Now that you know how to make a perfect calzone, it’s your turn to try it at home. Don’t forget to have fun in the kitchen and be creative with the filling. Thanks for reading our article, we hope you enjoyed learning how to make this delicious Italian dish. Visit us again for more culinary tips and recipes that will bring to your life all the flavors and aromas of the world. Happy cooking!