How to Prepare Homemade Calzones with Fresh Ingredients
If you’ve ever enjoyed a calzone, you know how delicious it can be. It’s like a folded pizza filled with warm, gooey ingredients – a perfect mix of comfort food and convenient handheld snack. The best part? You don’t need to order it from a restaurant. You can make homemade calzones using fresh ingredients right in your kitchen! In this article, we’ll walk you through how to prepare tasty, fresh calzones that your family and friends will love.
What is a Calzone?
A calzone is an Italian dish that looks a little like a stuffed pizza pocket. It’s made from pizza dough that is stretched, filled with various ingredients, folded, and baked. Traditionally, calzones are stuffed with cheese, meats, and veggies.
The fun thing about calzones is that you can get creative with the fillings. Whether you prefer classic Italian flavors or something more experimental, the choice is entirely yours!
What You’ll Need
First, let’s gather the ingredients. For this recipe, we’re going to use basic fresh ingredients. You can adjust these to your liking.
For the dough:
– 3 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 packet of active dry yeast (about 2¼ teaspoons)
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1 teaspoon of sugar
– 1 cup of warm water (not too hot, just warm)
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
For the filling:
– 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup of ricotta cheese (optional for added creaminess)
– ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup of cooked and chopped ingredients (e.g., pepperoni, sausage, chicken, or ham)
– 1 cup of fresh veggies, diced (e.g., spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, or tomatoes)
– ½ cup of marinara or pizza sauce
– Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, garlic powder) to taste
Optional: A small egg for egg wash (to make the calzones shiny and golden after baking).
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by preparing the dough. Homemade dough tastes better than store-bought because it’s fresh and made with love. Here’s how:
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Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the active dry yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbles form. This means the yeast is active.
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Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the dough starts to come together.
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Knead the dough: Place the dough on a clean countertop dusted with flour. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
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Let it rise: Place the dough in a bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest for 1 hour. It should double in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Fillings
While your dough is rising, it’s time to prep the ingredients for the calzone filling.
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Cook your proteins: If you’re using cooked meats like sausage, chicken, or pepperoni, make sure they’re chopped and ready to go. For a vegetarian version, sauté your vegetables (like mushrooms or spinach) lightly.
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Prepare the cheese and sauce: Mix your shredded mozzarella, ricotta (optional), and Parmesan cheeses in a bowl. Add a light sprinkle of Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Calzones
Now comes the fun part—assembling the calzones!
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Divide the dough: After the dough has risen, divide it into 4-6 equal portions, depending on how big you want your calzones.
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Roll out the dough: Roll each portion into a circle about 8 inches wide. Don’t make it too thin; you want the dough to hold your filling without tearing.
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Add the filling: On one-half of the dough circle, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Add a spoonful or two of the cheese mixture, followed by your meat and veggie toppings.
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Seal the calzone: Fold the empty half of the dough over the filled side to create a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges tightly to seal. You can press the edges with a fork for a nice design.
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Egg wash (optional): Brush the top of each calzone with beaten egg. This makes it look golden and appetizing after baking.
Step 4: Bake the Calzones
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place your calzones on the baking sheet, making sure there’s space between each one.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Step 5: Enjoy Your Homemade Calzones!
Now the moment you’ve been waiting for—digging into your delicious homemade calzones! Serve them hot with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Pair them with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Experiment with flavors: Don’t be afraid to try new fillings. You could make BBQ chicken calzones or veggie-packed ones.
- Save time: If you’re short on time, use store-bought pizza dough, but homemade makes it extra special.
- Make them ahead: You can prepare calzones and freeze them before baking. When you’re ready, pop them straight into the oven.
Making homemade calzones is a fun and rewarding experience. You get to use fresh ingredients, customize your fillings, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating your own delicious dish. Invite your family or friends to join you in the kitchen—it’s a great opportunity to bond while creating something amazing. Happy cooking!
