Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something delicious, easy, and satisfying? Then look no further! This recipe transforms humble Pillsbury pizza dough into a wonderfully cheesy and flavorful calzone, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat. This easy recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, requiring minimal effort for maximum deliciousness. It's one of those best recipes that everyone will love!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Supplies
- 1 can (13.8 ounces) Pillsbury refrigerated pizza crust
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional fillings: pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers – whatever your heart desires!
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Calzone Dream a Reality
Get started: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet. This simple step ensures your calzone won't stick.
Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well. If using additional fillings like pepperoni or vegetables, add them to the mixture now.
Assemble the calzone: Unroll the Pillsbury pizza crust on a lightly floured surface. Spread half of the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Top with the ricotta cheese mixture and half of the mozzarella cheese.
Fold and seal: Fold the dough in half over the filling, pressing firmly along the edges to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork to create a decorative seal and prevent any filling from escaping during baking.
Bake to perfection: Place the calzone on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
The final touch: Remove the calzone from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking for extra cheesy goodness!
Tips for Calzone Success: Pro Tricks for Perfect Results
- Don't overfill: Too much filling can make your calzone difficult to seal and may cause it to burst during baking.
- Use a pizza cutter: For easy and clean slices, use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife once the calzone has cooled slightly.
- Get creative with fillings: Experiment with different cheeses, meats, and vegetables to create your own unique calzone combinations. This is a great way to use up leftover ingredients!
Variations: Beyond the Classic Calzone
- Spicy Calzone: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta cheese mixture for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Calzone: Load up on your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers.
- Meat Lovers Calzone: Combine pepperoni, sausage, ham, and bacon for an ultimate meat lover's delight.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving, based on a 4-serving calzone):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This easy and delicious Pillsbury pizza crust calzone recipe is a perfect addition to your quick dinner ideas repertoire. It's a healthy meal alternative that is both satisfying and flavorful. Enjoy this homemade cooking masterpiece!