Easy Calzone Pizza Recipe - Happy Foods Tube (2024)

This easy calzone pizza recipe made with homemade pizza dough can be filled with anything you like! It’s a mess-free way to enjoy your pizza on the go, so why not take it to a picnic?

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Easy Calzone Pizza Recipe - Happy Foods Tube (1)

What is a calzone?

Calzones are crescent-shaped turnovers, usually stuffed with fresh ingredients. It’s essentially a pizza pocket.

Italian calzone is similar to Spanish Empanada (which is smaller in size and stuffed with paste-like fillings).

Easy Calzone Pizza Recipe - Happy Foods Tube (2)

Ideas for calzone fillings:

There is no recipe for the best calzone pizza filling as we all like different things. So as with pizzas, you can customize calzones to your preference. Here are some ideas for you:

  • Salami
  • Ham
  • Leftover chicken
  • Peperoni
  • Cheese – mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar, gouda, ricotta (typical for traditional Italian calzone)
  • Olives
  • Vegetables – onion, tomatoes, spinach, peppers, …
  • Cooked bacon
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How to make a calzone with pizza dough

Roll out the dough thin. Spread tomato sauce over, making sure to leave at least 1 inch around the edges free from the sauce. Then, top one half of the dough with anything you like – I used cheese, salami, sweetcorn, canned mushrooms and onion.

Fold the other half over the filling and press down to seal the edges. Then, to double seal them (this will ensure the filling won’t leak out), start folding the dough towards the middle and pressing it down again. For easy understanding, check the video!

Bake it in a preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the top turns nice brown.

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Tomato sauce for calzone pizza

I am using my Homemade Pizza Sauce that only takes 3 minutes to make and there is no cooking required whatsoever!

If you don’t want to try mine, feel free to use any pizza sauce you like – either store-bought or made from scratch!

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Calzone dough recipe

Calzone is made with pizza dough. I have a recipe for Homemade Pizza Dough that I’ve been using for years. You can knead it by hand or in a hand mixer – either will work. You can also use a store-bought pizza dough.

After proofing, it will turn into a nice stretchy dough. A full batch will yield 6 medium or 4 large calzones or 4 large pizzas (have you tried Tuna Pizza yet? It’s perfect when you want to use up pantry ingredients!).

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Tips for making calzone pizza from scratch

  • If you want to make only a few calzones, instead of halving the recipe, simply make a full batch, let it proof and divide into individual portions (balls). Use only as many as you like and freeze the rest for later! First on a tray leaving space between them, then throw the frozen balls into a Ziploc bag. When ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge (wrapped in plastic wrap) and bring to room temperature before rolling it out (note it will take longer to roll).
  • They can also be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days (each piece of dough separately in a ziploc bag as they will continue to grow).
  • You should not need a lot of flour for dusting. In fact, when the calzone dough sticks to the surface, it is easier to roll it out. If sticking to a rolling pin, dust the surface of the dough with flour.
  • Brushing calzone with olive oil before baking is completely optional!

The classic calzone pockets are also filled with eggs, but I have not tried making these yet. If you tried yourself, please do let us know!

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If you are looking for more easy dinner ideas, you might like some of these dinner recipes:

  • Salmon in Puff Pastry
  • BBQ Meatloaf
  • Homemade Beef Koftas
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs

Want to see how to make Calzone Pizza? Watch the video!

Easy Calzone Pizza Recipe - Happy Foods Tube (8)

Print Pin

4.75 from 8 votes

Calzone Pizza

This easy calzone pizza recipe made with homemade pizza dough can be filled with anything you like!

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Total Time25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 Large Calzones (See note 1)

Calories: 315

Author: Julia

Ingredients

  • Homemade Pizza Dough , see note 1
  • Flour for Dusting

Calzone Fillings (See note 2):

  • Pizza Sauce , see note 3
  • Cheese , shredded or sliced, anything you like
  • Salami
  • Onion
  • Olives
  • Canned Mushrooms

For Brushing:

  • olive oil (optional)

Instructions

  • Divide your pizza dough into as many pieces as you like (the more pieces, the smaller the calzones. See note 1 & 4). Roll each piece into a ball and each ball into a thin crust, preferably round-shaped. Sprinkle some flour on the dough for easier rolling, if needed (you should not need much).

  • Spread some pizza sauce over, making sure to leave edges free from the sauce.

  • Then, top one side of the pizza dough with cheese, salami, onion, or anything you like. Close the pocket and with your finger press down around the edges to seal them.

  • To double-seal them, take the dough with your hand, and fold it towards the filled part, press down (check video for better understanding).

  • Transfer it carefully onto a baking tray lined with baking parchment. Brush with olive oil (optional) and repeat the whole process until you have as many calzone pizzas as you like.

  • Bake at 400° Fahrenheit/200° Celsius for 15 minutes or until the top and bottom turn brown.

  • Enjoy!

Video

Notes

  1. My recipe for homemade pizza dough will be enough for 4 large calzone pizzas or 6 medium ones. Any leftover dough can be divided into balls and kept in the fridge or freezer for later use (either for pizzas or calzones). You will find more detailed information in the pizza dough post. Store-bought pizza dough can also be used.
  2. Use anything you like – see more ideas in the post above this recipe card.
  3. Count with 1-2 tablespoons of sauce per calzone. You can use any pizza sauce you like. Our homemade pizza sauce only takes 3 minutes to make so why not try it?
  4. One large calzone will feed two people.
  5. To save some calories, feel free to omit brushing the calzone pizza with olive oil.
  6. The prep can be divided into 2 days: prepare the fillings and dough the night before and roll, fill and bake right before serving.

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Calzone Pizza Recipe

Nutrition Facts

Calzone Pizza

Serving Size

1 large calzone dough with sauce

Amount per Serving

Calories

315

% Daily Value*

Fat

4

g

6

%

Saturated Fat

1

g

6

%

Potassium

99

mg

3

%

Carbohydrates

61

g

20

%

Fiber

2

g

8

%

Sugar

9

g

10

%

Protein

10

g

20

%

Vitamin A

130

IU

3

%

Vitamin C

2

mg

2

%

Calcium

4

mg

%

Iron

4

mg

22

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

** As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tried this recipe?Follow @happyfoodstube and tag #happyfoodstube

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Easy Calzone Pizza Recipe - Happy Foods Tube (2024)

FAQs

Is pizza dough the same as calzone dough? ›

Both are prepared with flour, water, salt, and yeast; that's the solution. In contrast, the eggs and olive oil used in most calzone dough give it a deeper flavor and a softer texture. Eggs and oil are not common ingredients in pizza dough, contributing to its crispiness and durability.

Is a stromboli the same as a calzone? ›

The major difference between a calzone and a stromboli is how they are folded and sealed before they are baked. Here's the best explanation I can find, courtesy of Bon Appétit: A calzone is a taco, while a stromboli is a burrito. Calzones and tacos are folded into a half moon shape. Stromboli and burritos are rolled.

Do calzones have sauce in them? ›

Calzones' fillings do not include sauce; marinara is served on the side for dipping. Stromboli portions can also be dipped, but they can also be baked with the sauce inside.

Is a calzone a pizza folded in half? ›

As a folded pizza, the calzone combines the best of both worlds. Its name comes from the Italian word for 'trouser-leg' or 'stocking', so called because it's stuffed full of good things.

What is calzone dough made of? ›

Combine 1 cup flour, undissolved yeast, sugar and salt in a large bowl. Add very warm water and oil; mix until well blended, about 1 minute. Gradually add enough remaining flour to make a soft dough. Dough should form a ball and will be slightly sticky.

Do calzones always have ricotta cheese? ›

Calzones use ricotta cheese, and stromboli does not. Stromboli is made with mozzarella cheese (preferably low-moisture) to keep moisture at a minimum. This helps the interior dough cook fully. Calzones usually use a blend of cheese that almost always incorporates ricotta.

Which is healthier calzone or stromboli? ›

A calzone is healthier because it has less cheese. While a stromboli contains cheese and pepperoni, a calzone has leaner meat and whole-wheat dough. The whole-wheat dough is lower in calories and contains more fiber. You should also avoid processed meats.

What is the English version of a calzone? ›

If you were to translate 'calzone' from Italian to English, it would mean 'pants leg. ' Pants leg refers to the Italians with the need for a pizza on the go!

What goes good in a calzone? ›

If you're looking for ideas, these are all of the different calzone combinations that I made for dinner that day:
  • Pepperoni + Black Olives.
  • Sausage + Broccoli.
  • Pepperoni.
  • Pepperoni + Sausage + Banana Peppers.
  • Pepperoni + Banana Peppers.
  • Pepperoni + Sausage + Peppers + Onions + Mushrooms.
  • Sausage + Mushrooms + Peppers.
Oct 19, 2016

Should a calzone have egg in it? ›

A typical calzone is made from salted bread dough, baked in an oven and stuffed with salami, ham or vegetables, mozzarella, ricotta and Parmesan or pecorino cheese, as well as an egg.

What is a calzone with sauce called? ›

Calzones and stromboli are both delicious treats made with dough, tomato sauce and cheese, and you'll likely come across these items at any casual Italian American restaurant that's worth visiting.

Should you flip a calzone? ›

Bake: Transfer calzones on parchment paper to the hot pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven then bake for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown. Air Fryer Calzones: Spray the pan and place 2-3 calzones in a single layer. Cook for 5-6 minutes, then flip, and cook for 2-3 more minutes.

Why do you cut slits in calzone? ›

Cut slits for steam to escape. Repeat for the second pizza dough. Bake 30 minutes until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.

Why is my calzone soggy? ›

Possible causes of soggy calzones and their fixes. The oven is too hot. It seems counter-intuitive, but this browns the crust to golden perfection before the internal temp of the stuffing reaches an ideal point. It won't get hot enough for long enough to steam out the sauce and ingredients.

What's the difference between pizza crust and calzone crust? ›

Calzones stand out from pizza because they have a softer dough with a higher water content. Instead of containing a thick rim, calzone dough should be thinner around the edges and thicker in the middle so that it will reach around the toppings and seal.

What is the difference between pizza and calzone? ›

The basic difference between a pizza and a calzone is that a pizza is served on flat open bread, while a calzone is a closed dough dish that basically can have similar ingredients. Pizza, unlike the calzones, needs no introduction. It is known and eaten in almost every part of the world.

What is the difference between a calzone and a pizza roll? ›

Calzones are basically folded pizzas, made from pizza dough and stuffed with the same ingredients as pizza - almost always tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese, usually ricotta, often pepperoni and maybe some other cheese and cured meats - and then folded over like an omelette. Stromboli are more like pizza rolls.

Are calzones similar to pizza? ›

In simple terms, the pizza is a flatbread, whereas the calzone is more akin to a sandwich. While the ingredients are virtually identical, the presentation is comparable to night and day.

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