Description
Delicious homemade calzones filled with Italian sausage, pepperoni, vegetables, and gooey mozzarella cheese, baked to golden perfection. This easy recipe uses store-bought or homemade pizza dough and is perfect for a comforting meal or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling Ingredients
- 8 oz. Italian sausage, cooked into crumbles
- ½ cup pepperoni, sliced
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Dough and Assembly
- 2 lbs. pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp water
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the calzones evenly and getting a nice golden brown crust.
- Divide dough: Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball. This will make it easier to roll out and fill.
- Roll dough: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out each dough ball into a circular shape, about 8 inches in diameter.
- Add sauce and fillings: Spoon the pizza sauce onto half of each dough circle, spreading it evenly but leaving some space at the edges. Add cooked Italian sausage crumbles, pepperoni, chopped onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
- Moisten dough edges: Dip your finger into water and run it along the edges of the dough on the sauce side. This helps to seal the calzone when folded.
- Fold dough: Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together and pinch to seal completely, preventing leaks during baking.
- Cut slits: Use a sharp knife to cut two small slits on the top of each calzone to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Make egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water until smooth.
- Brush egg wash: Brush each calzone with the egg wash to promote a glossy, golden crust.
- Bake: Place the calzones on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
Notes
- You can customize the fillings according to your preference, adding or substituting vegetables or meats.
- For a crispier crust, bake calzones on a preheated pizza stone if available.
- The egg wash gives a nice shine, but you can omit it for a more rustic look.
- Ensure the calzone edges are well sealed to prevent filling leakage.
- Leftover calzones can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: calzones, Italian sausage calzone, pizza dough, baked calzones, Italian recipe, stuffed pizza pockets
