Homemade Calzones - pizza dough filled with the classic toppings of a pizza. Make these full size or divide the dough into portions to make individual ones filled with each family members favorite toppings. Don't forget the homemade marina sauce or our favorite pizza dipping sauces to serve on the side. Let me show you how to make these pizza pockets that taste just like you ordered them from a pizzeria.
When my husband and I were first married we discovered calzones at the local pizzeria in our neighborhood in Queens, NY.
At first we only order then plain...filled with ricotta cheese, however, after a few weeks we started experimenting with different flavors. Our favorites are made with pepperoni, Italian sausage, peppers, mushrooms...the list goes on as to what you can add to homemade calzones.
Homemade Calzones Recipe
You can make a full size calzone using the full loaf of pizza dough. Or you can divide the dough into two or four pieces to make individual sizes.
You can customize the calzones to what each member of your family likes. Add a tossed salad and dinner is done and everyone is happy. Really, everyone loves calzones...it's like pizza folded into a pocket.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
- Parchment Baking Sheets - you should know by now how much I love using these!
- Baking Trays
- Rolling Pin
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What type of Pizza Dough to use?
This is a very basic recipe. I like to make them individual sized so we can customize them. My husband loves sausage and I love pepperoni. You can use homemade pizza dough or purchase pizza dough from your favorite local pizzeria.
Our local grocery store has a great pizza dough in their bakery section. Walmart even sells pizza dough for under $1.00 and it freezes well also.
Ingredients:
Here's a quick overview of the ingredients for this recipe. Find the exact amounts and click the Instacart button to easily add them to your cart – all in the printable recipe card below!
- 1 pound or loaf of pizza dough
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- Sliced pepperoni
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 - 2 cups of your favorite marinara sauce for dipping
Baking Tip: You can bake one large calzone, or divide the pizza dough in two or four pieces. I divided the dough in half for this recipe.
Directions:
Step 1: Roll out the Pizza Dough
For this recipe, you can make one whole calzone or individual calzones. I decided to make two individual calzones.
On a lightly flour surface, divide the pizza dough in half and roll out each half into a flat rectangle.
Step 2: Add the Fillings
Spread the ricotta and mozzeralla cheese down the middle and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top. Then add your favorite ingredients. For this calzone, I chose pepperoni.
Step 3: How to Fold the Calzone
Fold one end of the pizza dough over the filling.
Now fold one side over and then bring the other side up and tuck in the ends.
Place the calzones on a tray that is lined with parchment paper and allow them to rise for 30 minutes. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasonings.
Step 4: Baking Instructions
Bake in a preheated 425°F oven until they are golden brown; about 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 5: Serving Tips
Allow the calzones to cool for a few minutes. Serve with Homemade Tomato Sauce on the side.
Tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments and don't forget to rate it!
Ready for More Easy Pizza Dough Recipes?
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📖 Recipe Card
Homemade Calzones
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Using a rolling pin, roll out the pizza dough into a long rectangle shape.
- Spread the ricotta cheese down the center of the pizza dough.Spread the mozzarella cheese on top.
- Then sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top.
- Place a layer of sliced pepperoni on top of the ricotta cheese.
- Fold one side of the pizza dough over the center of the calzone and then fold the other side over tucking the ends in.
- Cover the calzone with a clean dish towel and allow to rise for about 30 minutes.
- Place the calzone on a baking tray that is lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the calzone with the olive oil and sprinkle the Italian seasoning on top.
- Bake in a hot 425°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the dough is fully cooked and the calzone is golden brown.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!This recipe has been updated since it first appeared in 2013 with new photos and a new printable recipe card that includes nutritional information. I hope you enjoy the updates as much as I enjoyed working on them!
Donna @ Modern on Monticello says
I not only pinned this recipe but put it on my menu plan as well. This would be a nice change of meals for a week night. Thanks so much for sharing it. #HomeMattersParty
celeb networth says
This looks so good! I'll definitely try this out! Thank you for the nice recipe!
Lois says
Thank you for visiting!
Mary says
Do you leave the calzones sit out on the counter for the 30 minutes until the dough rises with the ricotta in it? Or should I put it in the refrigerator? I've made them before and didn't do that step, but wondering if they come out crispier if I try that.
Lois says
I allow the calzones to rise on the counter for 30 minutes. If any longer, or if it's a particularly warm day, you can place them in the refrigerator.
Andi Gleeson says
Oh wow, these look delicious and so pretty! I am going to try this very soon. Found you on Yesterfood. Thanks for the recipe!
Joanne DiPalo says
These look delicious. Everyone in my family loves calzones especially with the pepperoni.
Joanne/Winelady Cooks
fromcalculustocupcakes says
These look delicious. I am going to have to make these for my daughter. She loves calzones. Thanks for sharing on Foodie Friends Friday.
Vee says
I have no questions after all. They were delicious!
Swathi Iyer says
It is hard to stop eating with one. Looks so delicious.
Vee says
They were on the docket. I now have questions, but will wait until we've eaten. I'm getting hungry!
Debra Hawkins says
These look amazing! Yum!
Joy says
These are on my Superbowl Menu NOW!! 🙂 Thank you!
~Joy @ Yesterfood
Vee says
Hmmm...this may be on the docket today as I have sausage that needs using and sauce. Thanks!
Beth says
Looks delicious!
Cranberry Morning says
Looks yummy!