Dive into the ultimate comfort food with our Cheesy Calzones, a handheld version of your favorite pizza. These deliciously stuffed pockets are loaded with gooey mozzarella, savory meats, and zesty pizza sauce, all wrapped in a perfectly golden crust. Ideal for a family dinner, a casual gathering, or even a fun cooking project with the kids, these calzones are sure to please everyone at the table.
In our home, calzone night has become a beloved tradition. My husband and kids can’t wait for these cheesy delights, often sneaking into the kitchen to catch a whiff of the baking dough and bubbling cheese. The first time I made them, it was a spontaneous experiment that turned into an instant favorite. Now, it’s a go-to recipe for when we crave something warm, hearty, and undeniably comforting. Sharing these calzones brings us together, with laughter and the joy of good food filling the air.
Why These Cheesy Calzones
- Packed with Flavor: Each calzone is filled with a perfect mix of mozzarella, ham, pepperoni, and sausage, making every bite a flavor explosion.
- Customizable: Easily swap out ingredients to suit your preferences or use up what you have on hand.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a fun party treat, these calzones fit the bill.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can whip up these tasty pockets.
Ingredients:
- Calzone Dough:
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade), about 900g (2 lbs)
- Filling:
- 1 cup (240mL) pizza sauce
- 2 cups (200g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup (75g) Canadian bacon or ham, diced
- ½ cup (60g) pepperoni slices
- ½ cup (100g) sausage, cooked and crumbled
- Topping:
- 2 tablespoons (30g) butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon (5g) chopped parsley
Directions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray and set aside.
- Divide and Roll Dough: Divide the pizza dough into four equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, shape each piece into a ball, then roll into ¼-inch thick ovals.
- Add the Filling: Spoon pizza sauce onto one side of each oval. Top with shredded mozzarella, diced Canadian bacon, pepperoni slices, and crumbled sausage.
- Seal the Calzones: Fold the dough in half over the filling. Dampen the seams with water and pinch them together, then crimp the edges all around to seal.
- Brush and Vent: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and chopped parsley. Brush this mixture over the tops of the calzones. Using a serrated knife, cut 2-3 small slits in the tops to create steam vents.
- Bake: Transfer the calzones to the prepared baking sheet. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 15-17 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the calzones cool for about 5 minutes before cutting open. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes:
- Substitutions: Feel free to swap the meats for your favorites or add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a veggie version.
- Cooking Tips: Ensure the dough edges are well-sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. If you prefer a crispier crust, bake a few extra minutes until the desired doneness is achieved.
- Nutritional Information: These calzones are rich and filling. To make them lighter, consider using reduced-fat cheese and leaner meats or increasing the vegetable content.
