A calzone is a delicious Italian dish described as a folded pizza. It consists of a pizza dough filled with various ingredients such as cheese, meats, vegetables, and sauce. The word “calzone” means “trouser leg” in Italian, which refers to the shape of this delectable treat.
The history of calzones can be traced back to Naples, Italy. It is believed that they were created as a portable meal for workers in the 18th century. These workers needed something easy to carry and eat during their lunch breaks, so the idea of folding pizza dough around fillings was born.
Key Takeaways
- A calzone is a folded pizza that is filled with various ingredients.
- To make a calzone, you need pizza dough, filling ingredients, and baking equipment.
- Making pizza dough from scratch involves mixing flour, yeast, salt, and water and letting it rise.
- Preparing the filling involves cooking and seasoning ingredients such as meats, vegetables, and cheese.
- To fold the calzone, place the filling on one half of the dough, fold the other half over, and seal the edges. Bake until golden brown, and enjoy!
Contents
Ingredients You Will Need
You will need several key ingredients for the pizza dough and filling to make your own homemade calzones.
For the pizza dough:
- 1 ¼ cup warm water (105-110°F)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley
Recipe for Making the Pizza Dough from Scratch
Instructions:
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, honey, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-8 minutes until foamy and activated.
- Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together flour and salt in a large bowl.
- Incorporate liquids: Pour the yeast mixture and 1 tablespoon of olive oil into the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, adding more flour as needed to achieve a smooth and elastic dough.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Punch down and shape: Punch down the dough and divide it into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 6-8 inch circle on a lightly floured surface.
Preparing the Filling
One of the best things about making calzones is getting creative with your fillings. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Classic Pepperoni and Cheese: Spread tomato sauce on half of the rolled-out dough, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and top with pepperoni slices.
- Veggie Delight: Sautee some mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and spinach in olive oil until tender. Spread tomato sauce on half the dough, add the sauteed vegetables, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- BBQ Chicken: Cook some chicken breast pieces in barbecue sauce until fully cooked. Spread barbecue sauce on one half of the dough, then add cooked chicken pieces and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Rolling Out the Dough
Rolling out pizza dough can be tricky if you’re not used to using yeast-based doughs. Here are some tips to help you achieve success:
- Start by lightly flouring your work surface to prevent sticking.
- Divide your risen pizza dough into equal portions depending on how many calzones you want to make.
- Take one portion at a time and use your hands or a rolling pin to flatten it into a circle shape.
- Roll from the center outward using gentle pressure, rotating as needed to maintain an even thickness.
Adding the Filling to the Dough
Once you have rolled out your pizza dough into circles, it’s time to add your delicious fillings!
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread filling: Place half of the filling on one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge.
- Seal the calzone: Brush the edges of the dough with water. Fold the empty dough half over the filling and crimp the edges tightly using a fork or your fingers.
- Brush with egg wash (optional): For a golden brown crust, brush the tops of the calzones with a beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of water.
Folding the Calzone
Folding a calzone properly is essential to ensure that it stays sealed during baking. Here’s how you can do it:
- Fold the empty half of the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape.
- Press down on the edges of the dough to seal them together.
- Use your fingers or a fork to crimp and seal the edges further.
Baking the Calzone
Now that your calzones are folded and sealed, it’s time to bake them!
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) while you prepare your calzones for baking.
Place your assembled calzones onto a greased baking sheet or pizza stone, leaving some space between each one for even cooking.
Bake in preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on top.
Tips for Perfectly Baked Calzones
To ensure that your homemade calzones turn out perfectly every time, here are some tips:
- Avoid soggy calzones by not overloading them with sauce or wet ingredients.
- Prevent filling leakage by sealing all edges tightly before baking.
- For an extra crispy crust, brush melted butter or olive oil on top of each calzone before placing them in the oven.
- Feel free to experiment with different fillings! You can use any combination of your favorite pizza toppings.
- For extra flavor, add an extra sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the filling before folding.
- If you prefer a thinner crust, roll out the dough circles a little thinner.
- To prevent the calzone from bursting, make sure to seal the edges tightly and create a small vent in the top of each calzone with a knife to allow steam to escape.
- You can also bake the calzones on a preheated pizza stone for an even crispier crust.
Serving Suggestions
Once your homemade calzones are baked to perfection, it’s time to enjoy them! Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
- Pair with a fresh green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette.
- Enjoy alongside a glass of red wine for an authentic Italian experience.
Enjoy Your Homemade Calzone!
In conclusion, making homemade calzones is easier than you might think! With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends.
Remember to take your time when making the pizza dough from scratch, as this is the foundation of a great calzone. Experiment with different fillings to find your favorite combination, and don’t forget to seal the edges tightly before baking.
So why not give it a try? Roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary adventure in the comfort of your own kitchen. Enjoy the process of creating something delicious from scratch, and savor every bite of your homemade calzone!
FAQs
What is a calzone?
A calzone is a type of Italian oven-baked folded pizza that is stuffed with various fillings such as cheese, meats, vegetables, and sauce.
What ingredients do I need to make a calzone?
To make a calzone, you will need pizza dough, pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and your choice of fillings such as cooked sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers.
How do I make pizza dough?
To make pizza dough, you will need flour, yeast, salt, sugar, olive oil, and warm water. Mix the dry ingredients together, add the wet ingredients, and knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. Let the dough rise for an hour before using it.
How do I assemble a calzone?
Roll out the pizza dough into a circle, spread pizza sauce on one half of the dough, leaving a border around the edge. Add your desired fillings on top of the sauce, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Fold the other half of the dough over the fillings and crimp the edges to seal the calzone.
How do I bake a calzone?
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the calzone on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush the top with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Can I freeze a calzone?
Yes, you can freeze a calzone. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. To reheat, thaw the calzone in the refrigerator overnight and then bake it in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
