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Pizza Calzone Tips and Delicious Variations Recipe

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4.8 from 60 reviews

This recipe guides you through making delicious homemade pizza calzones filled with a flavorful Italian sausage tomato sauce and a blend of mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan cheeses, and fresh basil. The dough is soft and chewy, perfectly complementing the savory filling. Baked to golden perfection, these calzones make a satisfying meal or party treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (105-115°F)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing

Filling Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cheese and Toppings

  • 1 1/2 cups (about 6 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar and yeast in the warm water. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy to activate the yeast.
  2. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add olive oil to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour and salt while mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Adjust flour or water as needed to achieve the right consistency.
  4. First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil, place the dough inside and turn to coat. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
  5. Cook the Sausage: While dough rises, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for about 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
  6. Brown the Sausage: Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease.
  7. Simmer the Sauce: Stir in oregano and red pepper flakes (if using). Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
  8. Cool the Filling: Remove skillet from heat and let the sausage tomato filling cool slightly.
  9. Combine the Cheeses: In a medium bowl, mix mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan cheeses, and chopped fresh basil thoroughly.
  10. Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  11. Divide the Dough: Punch down risen dough to release air, then divide into 4 equal pieces.
  12. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a 10-12 inch circle.
  13. Add the Filling: Spread about 1 cup of sausage mixture over half of each dough circle, leaving a 1-inch border. Top with about 1 cup of cheese mixture.
  14. Fold and Seal: Fold dough over filling to form a half-moon shape. Pinch edges tightly to seal, optionally crimping with a fork for decoration and better sealing.
  15. Egg Wash and Vent: Brush calzone tops with beaten egg. Cut a few small slits in each to allow steam to escape during baking.
  16. Bake: Place calzones on baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and filling is hot.
  17. Cool Slightly: Let calzones rest a few minutes before serving to cool and set.

Notes

  • Use warm water between 105-115°F to properly activate yeast.
  • Do not overfill the calzones to avoid leakage during baking.
  • Egg wash gives the calzones a beautiful golden, shiny crust.
  • The filling can be customized with vegetables or different meats if desired.
  • Leftover calzones reheat well in an oven or toaster oven to maintain crispness.

Keywords: pizza calzone, Italian calzone, homemade calzone recipe, sausage calzone, cheese calzone, baked calzone

Find it online: https://stirringwithstella.com/pizza-calzone-tips-and-delicious-variations-recipe-2/