Delicious Homemade Calzone Recipe
Discover the joy of a homemade calzone recipe. Indulge in a flavorful Italian experience as you create golden-brown pockets of goodness filled with a delightful blend of cheeses, herbs, and your favorite toppings. Follow our step by step guide for a delicious culinary adventure right in your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3/4 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Filling
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- Your choice of additional fillings: diced bell peppers, sliced olives, cooked sausage, etc.
For Brushing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
Prepare the Filling
- In a bowl, mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in your choice of additional fillings.Assemble the Calzones:
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into four equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a 8–10 inch circle on a floured surface.
- Spoon a portion of the filling onto one half of each circle, leaving a border around the edges.
- Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a secure seal.
Bake
- Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, oregano, and garlic powder for brushing. Brush this mixture over the tops of the calzones.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown.
Serve Homemade Calzone
- Let the calzones cool for a few minutes before serving. They are delicious on their own or served with additional pizza sauce for dipping.
Enjoy your homemade calzones!
Tips And Tricks To Enhance Your Homemade Calzone
Quality Ingredients
- Use high-quality ingredients, especially for the cheese and pizza sauce. Fresh and flavorful components will elevate the taste of your calzones.
Dough Consistency
- Achieve a soft and elastic dough by kneading it thoroughly. This ensures a light and airy texture in the final calzone.
Proper Sealing
- Seal the edges of the calzone tightly to prevent the filling from leaking during baking. A well-sealed calzone ensures a clean and professional appearance.
Preventing Sogginess
- To avoid a soggy bottom, preheat your baking sheet or pizza stone. Placing the calzones on a hot surface helps them cook evenly and crisps up the bottom.
Customize Fillings
- Get creative with your fillings. Incorporate a variety of cheeses, vegetables, meats, or even a drizzle of pesto to tailor the calzones to your taste.
Ventilation
- Cut small slits or poke a few holes in the top of each calzone before baking. This allows steam to escape, preventing the calzones from becoming too doughy.
Brushing for Flavor
- The olive oil, oregano, and garlic powder mixture brushed on top adds a burst of flavor and a golden finish. Don’t skip this step for an extra tasty result.
Serve with Dipping Sauce
- Accompany your calzones with a side of marinara or pizza sauce for dipping. It enhances the overall experience and adds a saucy touch.
Experiment with Shapes
- While the traditional half-moon shape is classic, feel free to experiment with different shapes for a fun presentation. Circular, rectangular, or even braided calzones can be visually appealing.
Control Filling Moisture
- If using ingredients with high moisture content (like tomatoes), consider draining or patting them dry to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
Temperature Control
- Keep an eye on the oven temperature. A hot oven ensures a quick and even bake, resulting in a perfectly cooked calzone.
Make Ahead
- Prepare the dough and filling in advance for a quick assembly when you’re ready to bake. This is especially handy for busy days.
Enjoy making and savoring your delicious homemade calzones!
Nutrition Facts
The nutrition facts for calzones can vary based on specific ingredients and portions, but here’s a general overview based on the provided recipe for one serving (assuming the recipe makes 4 calzones):
Nutrition Facts Homemade Calzone (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 600–700 kcal
- Protein: 25–30 grams
- Carbohydrates: 60–70 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 3–5 grams
- Sugars: 2–4 grams
- Fat: 30–40 grams
- Saturated Fat: 12–15 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10–12 grams
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3–5 grams
- Cholesterol: 50–60 milligrams
- Sodium: 900–1100 milligrams
These values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. For a more accurate nutritional analysis, it’s recommended to use specific nutritional calculators or consult the packaging of the ingredients you use. Keep in mind that the nutritional content can also be influenced by any additional toppings or fillings you include in your calzones.
(FAQs) On How To Make Homemade Calzone
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for making calzones?
- Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough for convenience. Just follow the filling and assembly steps outlined in the recipe.
How do I prevent my calzones from getting soggy?
- Preheat your baking sheet or pizza stone and cut small slits in the calzone to allow steam to escape. This helps in preventing sogginess.
Can I freeze calzones for later?
- Absolutely! Once baked and cooled, wrap the calzones in plastic wrap and freeze. Reheat in the oven for a crispy texture.
What’s the best way to seal the edges of the calzone?
- Press the edges firmly together and use a fork to crimp for a secure seal. Ensure there are no gaps to prevent filling leakage.
Can I customize the fillings in the calzone?
- Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with fillings. Use different cheeses vegetables meats or sauces to suit your preferences.
How do I reheat leftover calzones?
- Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–12 minutes. This helps maintain the crust’s crispiness.
Can I make calzones ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time for quicker assembly later. Store them separately in the refrigerator.
What’s the recommended dipping sauce for calzones?
- Marinara or pizza sauce works well as a classic dipping sauce. Choose your favorite or experiment with different options.
Can I make smaller or larger calzones?
- Absolutely! Adjust the size based on your preference, but remember to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Can I make calzones without meat for a vegetarian option?
- Certainly! Customize the filling with your favorite vegetarian ingredients for a delicious meat-free alternative.
Feel free to experiment and enjoy the process of making these versatile and flavorful calzones!
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