Classic Italian Calzone: Pizza's Delicious, Portable Cousin

Pizza's cousin! My calzone recipe is warm, cheesy & comforting, inspired by Neapolitan techniques. A family favorite that is a surefire hit. Get the recipe!

June 7, 2025
By Zelia Thorne.

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Alright, buckle up buttercups! ever find yourself craving pizza but needing something more ? something, dare i say, portable ? then listen up because this calzone recipe is about to rock your world.

Think pizza's cooler, more sophisticated cousin, the one who travels.

Pizza's Portable Pal: The Calzone Unveiled

So, what is a calzone anyway? well, it's basically a pizza that's been folded in half and baked. originating from naples, italy, it's a street food staple.

This particular recipe is easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for a saturday night in. we are talking 2 calzones of pure bliss, in under 2 hours.

Forget frozen pizzas, people. we're making italian dishes to make at home !

Classic Italian Calzone: Pizza's Delicious, Portable Cousin Recipe Card

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Preparation time:90 Mins

Cooking time:25 Mins

Servings:2 large calzones

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (7 grams) active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 teaspoon (6 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 ½ cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon (6 grams) salt
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, plus more for greasing
• 1 cup (225 grams) whole milk ricotta cheese, drained
• ½ cup (50 grams) grated mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup (240 ml) marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Optional fillings: pepperoni slices, cooked Italian sausage, sautéed mushrooms, spinach
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon milk or water

Instructions:

• Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
• In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
• In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Punch down the dough and divide it in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each half into a 12-inch circle.
• Spread ½ cup of marinara sauce over half of each dough circle, leaving a ½-inch border. Top with the ricotta mixture and any optional fillings.
• Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges to seal tightly, and crimp with a fork.
• Brush the tops of the calzones with egg wash for a golden-brown crust.
• Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. This is a tasty calzone recipe.
• Let the calzones cool slightly before slicing and serving. Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Why This Calzone is the Bomb

Honestly, who doesn't love a bit of cheesy comfort food? this calzone recipe is packed with ricotta, mozzarella, and your favorite toppings.

Hello pepperoni! but it’s not just about the taste; it's about the experience. you also can try the italian christmas pizza version that are popular in some areas.

We're talking about an antipasto roll like something special. plus, with all that cheese, you're getting a good dose of calcium.

It's perfect for a relaxed gathering with friends, or a cozy night in.

Gather Your Arsenal (aka Ingredients)

Okay, so let's talk ingredients. we're going to dive headfirst in this italian cold cut calzone recipe using: water, yeast, sugar, flour, salt, and a bit of olive oil for the dough.

For the filling? ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan (the holy trinity!), an egg, oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and some marinara sauce.

You can even add cooked sausage. don't forget, that stromboli pictures can inspire you about what fillings to use. ready? let's do this!

Alright, let's talk ingredients for the ultimate calzone recipe ! Think of it as pizza's cooler, more portable cousin. I'm sharing everything so you can get started on Italian dishes to make at home !

Ingredients: The Calzone Dream Team

We will check out the key players for this dish!

Main Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to build your masterpiece. Precise measurements are key, people!

• Warm Water: 1 cup (240 ml) . Aim for 105- 115° F (40- 46° C) . Too hot, and you'll kill the yeast. Too cold, and it won't activate.
• Active Dry Yeast: 2 ¼ teaspoons (7 grams) – one packet. Make sure it's fresh, okay? Nobody wants a flat calzone.
• Granulated Sugar: 1 teaspoon (6 grams) . Just a touch to feed the yeast and get it going.
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 ½ cups (300 grams) , plus more for dusting. Quality all-purpose flour is great, but bread flour gives a chewier crust.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (6 grams) . Seasoning is KEY.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) , plus more for greasing. Adds flavour and richness to the dough.

For the filling, you will need the following:

• Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese: 1 cup (225 grams) , drained. This is crucial! Soggy ricotta equals a soggy calzone. Place it in a cheesecloth and be sure it is dry.
• Grated Mozzarella Cheese: ½ cup (50 grams) . Use low moisture mozzarella.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup (25 grams) . That salty, nutty goodness.
• Large Egg: 1, lightly beaten.
• Dried Oregano: ½ teaspoon .
• Garlic Powder: ¼ teaspoon .
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, obviously.
• Marinara Sauce: 1 cup (240 ml) . Store-bought is fine, but homemade is chef's kiss .
• Optional Fillings: Pepperoni slices, cooked Italian sausage, sautéed mushrooms, spinach. Go wild.
• Egg Wash (Optional): 1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon milk or water.

Seasoning Notes: Level Up Your Flavors

Let's get the flavor popping!

• Essential Spice Combo: Oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper are your base. Don't skimp.
• Flavor Enhancers: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the ricotta mixture adds a nice kick. I add this to my Italian christmas pizza as well!
• Substitution Options: Don't have oregano? Try Italian seasoning. No garlic powder? Fresh minced garlic (sautéed first!) will do the trick.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

No need for fancy gadgets here.

• Large Mixing Bowl: For dough-making.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision, remember?
• Baking Sheet: The vessel for your Italian calzones
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking.
• Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough.
• Pizza Cutter or Sharp Knife: To slice and serve.
• Pastry Brush (optional): For the egg wash.

Craving more italian dishes appetizers or dreaming of stromboli pictures ? this calzone recipe is a fantastic starting point! if you prefer stromboli sandwiches over these, then make it longer and cut it into pieces!.

I have even seen some variations such as antipasto roll .

Honestly, this italian cold cut calzone recipe (though we're not doing cold cuts here, the concept is similar) is so versatile.

You can pack it with anything! one time, i even tried adding some leftover roast chicken... it was surprisingly good.

Give it a go! enjoy your pillsbury stromboli or italian calzones .

Cooking Method: Let's Make Calzones!

Alright, let's ditch the usual Italian Dishes Appetizers and dive into something proper comforting. We're making calzones! Forget about ordering in.

Think of a calzone as pizza's toasty, hand-held, and extra comforting cousin. Ready to get stuck in? Here's how to make an awesome Italian Cold Cut Calzone Recipe at home.

Prep Steps: Mise en Place and Mayhem (the good kind!)

Right, first things first, prep is key. It's all about that mise en place , innit?

Essential mise en place means having everything ready. chop your optional fillings , like pepperoni, mushrooms or cooked italian sausage , and measure out the cheeses.

This'll stop you from flapping later. seriously.

Save time by grabbing pre-grated mozzarella. Honestly, nobody has time to grate cheese all day! Also check your yeast is active, no point in following a calzone recipe with dead yeast!

Step-by-Step: Calzone Creation Station!

Right then, let's get cracking!

1. Yeast Activation: Mix 1 cup of warm water (105- 115° F / 40- 46° C) with 2 ¼ teaspoons of yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5- 10 minutes until it's nice and foamy.
2. Dough Time: In a big bowl, whack in 2 ½ cups of flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Pour in that foamy yeast mix and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix it all up until it's a bit shaggy.
3. Kneading is Key: Tip the dough onto a floured surface. Knead it for 5- 7 minutes . It should feel smooth and springy, like a baby's bum.
4. Rise and Shine: Pop the dough in a greased bowl, give it a turn to coat, then cover. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour , or until it's doubled in size. You know, like you after a Italian Christmas Pizza feast.
5. Filling Frenzy: In another bowl, mix 1 cup of drained ricotta, ½ cup of mozzarella, ¼ cup of Parmesan, 1 beaten egg, ½ teaspoon of oregano, ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder, salt and pepper. It's gonna smell amazing!
6. Shape Up: Punch down the dough (take out your frustrations!). Divide it in half and roll each bit into a 12-inch circle .
7. Assemble!: Spread ½ cup of marinara (store-bought is fine, don't judge!) on half of each circle, leaving a border. Top with the ricotta mix and your chosen fillings.
8. Fold and Seal: Fold the dough over, making a half-moon. Pinch the edges tight! Then, crimp with a fork to seal. We don't want Stromboli Pictures of exploded calzones, do we?
9. Bake : stick into the oven, let cook and then Bake at 400° F ( 200° C) for 20- 25 minutes until is golden brown.

Pro Tips: Secrets from a Lazy Pro

Honestly, draining the ricotta is essential. Nobody wants a soggy bottom, not even on a Italian Calzones . Also, don't overfill them!

Avoid this and instead use Pillsbury Stromboli if you are really lazy and do not want to waste your time on Italian Dishes To Make At Home.

Oh my gosh, and here's a tip. Make the dough ahead of time. It keeps in the fridge for a day or two. Boom! Instant antipasto roll , anytime. You know?

So, go on, get baking! This calzone recipe is proper good. You'll be making Stromboli Sandwiches in your sleep! Honestly!

Recipe Notes

So, you're about to tackle this calzone recipe ? ace! before you dive in, here are a few extra bits and bobs i've picked up along the way.

Honestly, making these is easier than ordering delivery once you get the hang of it.

Serving Suggestions: Show Off Your Italian Dishes Appetizers !

Presentation is key, innit? i reckon slicing each italian calzone in half and arranging them artfully on a wooden board looks proper fancy.

Sprinkle some fresh basil over the top. boom! instant chef's kiss . for sides, how about a simple salad with a light vinaigrette? or, go full-on antipasto roll style with olives, cured meats, and cheeses.

Feeling thirsty? a chilled italian white wine or even a refreshing peroni goes down a treat. think of it as the perfect excuse to try italian dishes to make at home .

Storage Tips: Keeping That Italian Cold Cut Calzone Recipe Fresh

Right, leftover calzone! if you're not polishing it off straight away which, let's be honest, is unlikely, cool it completely.

Wrap it tightly in cling film or bung it in an airtight container. into the fridge it goes! it'll keep for about 3 days.

Reheating? the microwave will do in a pinch, but for a crispy crust, whack it in the oven at 350° f ( 175° c) for about 10- 15 minutes.

Freezing? absolutely! wrap individual slices well, they'll keep for up to 2 months. defrost thoroughly before reheating.

Variations: Mix It Up, Mate!

Fancy a change? ditch the meat and load it up with roasted veggies like peppers, courgettes, and aubergine for a veggie version.

Boom! or, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta mix for a spicy kick. if you're feeling really adventurous, how about a stromboli sandwiches spin? use provolone cheese instead of mozzarella and add some ham for a right treat.

Or try swapping out the ingredients for a delicious italian christmas pizza , using seasonal ingredients! thinking of using pillsbury stromboli dough for the crust? that's totally viable!

Nutrition Basics: Knowledge is Power!

Okay, i'm no nutritionist, but roughly speaking, each calzone clocks in at around 800-900 calories. it's a hearty meal, let's be honest.

You're getting a good whack of protein from the cheese and fillings, plus carbs from the dough for energy. just remember, it's all about balance, darling! it's important to look at stromboli pictures to have an idea of the expected outcome and remember nutrition can change!

So there you have it! a few extra tips to make your calzone recipe adventure a success. don't be afraid to experiment, have a laugh, and most importantly, enjoy the process.

You've got this!