Description
This Easy Homemade Calzone recipe delivers a delicious Italian-inspired treat featuring a golden, crispy dough filled with savory pepperoni, sautéed onions, green bell peppers, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect as a satisfying meal or snack, these calzones are baked to perfection and served with warm pizza sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Calzone Dough
- 1 pound pizza dough
Filling
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ cup diced green bell pepper
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Topping
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Additional warmed pizza sauce for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Prepare dough circles: Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each dough ball into a 1/4 inch thick circle, ensuring even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Add fillings: On one half of each dough circle, spread an equal amount of pizza sauce, followed by diced onion, diced green bell pepper, and sliced pepperoni. Leave a small border around edges to allow sealing.
- Add cheese and fold: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the toppings. Fold the other half of the dough over the fillings and crimp the edges well to seal the calzone.
- Create air vents: Cut 2 to 3 small slits or air vents on top of each calzone to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Brush with olive oil and bake: Place the calzones on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops lightly with olive oil. Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm with additional warmed pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure the dough edges are crimped tightly to avoid filling leakage during baking.
- Customize fillings with your favorite vegetables or meats if desired.
- Allow calzones to cool slightly before serving to avoid burns from hot fillings.
- For a crispier crust, brush the outside of the dough with olive oil before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
