Craving pizza but want something a little different? This Pepperoni Pizza Calzone recipe is the perfect solution! It combines all the deliciousness of your favorite pepperoni pizza into a warm, comforting, and surprisingly easy-to-make handheld package. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun family activity, or even a satisfying lunch. Get ready to experience the ultimate cheesy, saucy, and meaty goodness!
Ingredients:
This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Feel free to adjust the amounts according to your preference and the size of your calzone.
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For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
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For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Dried oregano, to taste
- Dried basil, to taste
Instructions:
Making this calzone is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps for a delicious homemade treat.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This is a crucial step to ensure your dough rises properly. If it doesn't foam, your yeast might be old; try a fresh batch.
Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
Step 2: First Rise
Lightly oil a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. A warm oven (turned off) is a great place for this!
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a medium bowl, combine pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, Parmesan cheese (if using), oregano, and basil. Mix well.
Step 4: Assemble the Calzone
Punch down the risen dough and divide it in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll each half into a 8-inch circle. Spoon half of the filling onto one half of each circle, leaving a 1-inch border. Fold the other half of the circle over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges tightly to seal in the filling. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish.
Step 5: Bake
Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Let the calzones cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade pepperoni pizza calzones! They are great on their own, or paired with a simple side salad.
Cooking Tips:
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of garlic powder or red pepper flakes to the dough or filling.
- If you don’t have fresh herbs, feel free to use dried herbs instead.
- Make sure to seal the edges of the calzone well to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
- Leftover calzones can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Calzone: Omit the pepperoni and add your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, and spinach.
- Supreme Calzone: Add other meats such as sausage or bacon along with the pepperoni.
- Spicy Calzone: Add some jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the ingredients you use. This is an estimate for a single calzone made with the ingredients listed above.
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-60g
This Pepperoni Pizza Calzone recipe is a simple, delicious, and customizable recipe perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and let us know what you think!