Calzone

Introduction

A Calzone is Italy’s answer to a portable pizza, a golden-baked turnover filled with cheese, sauce, and savory fillings. Hailing from Naples, calzones are beloved for their convenience and flavor, offering everything you love about pizza in a handheld form. My first experience with calzones was in a small Neapolitan bakery where they were sold piping hot straight from the oven.

History

Calzones originated in the 18th century in Naples as street food. Designed for on-the-go eating, they were easier to carry and less messy than pizza slices. Today, they are enjoyed worldwide, from street vendors to gourmet pizzerias.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Pizza dough is the foundation. Fillings typically include mozzarella, ricotta, and tomato sauce, with options like pepperoni, spinach, mushrooms, or sausage. You can substitute gluten-free dough or vegan cheeses for dietary preferences.

Tips

Do not overfill to prevent leaks. Seal edges tightly by crimping or folding. Brushing the calzone with olive oil gives a golden crust. A side of marinara sauce makes for perfect dipping.

Cultural Context

Calzones embody Italian ingenuity-turning pizza into a convenient meal that fits modern lifestyles. Whether enjoyed at a soccer game or on a family night, calzones always deliver comfort.

Print Recipe

Kid-Friendly

Calzone

Cooking Method: Baking Cuisine: Italian Courses: Main Course Recipe Keys: H handheld meal O oven-baked S stuffed

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 25 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 45 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 510

Dietary:

V Vegetarian

Description

A folded pizza pocket baked golden and filled with cheese and sauce.

Main Ingredients

Servings

• 1 lb pizza dough
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• ¹⁄₂ cup tomato sauce
• ¹⁄₂ cup pepperoni slices
• ¹⁄₄ cup parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp olive oil
• ¹⁄₂ tsp oregano

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Roll out pizza dough into circles.
3. Spread tomato sauce on one half of each circle.
4. Add ricotta, mozzarella, pepperoni, and parmesan.
5. Fold dough over and seal edges tightly.
6. Brush tops with olive oil and sprinkle oregano.
7. Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 510kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 22g34%

Total Carbohydrate 55g19%

Protein 24g48%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Serve with marinara dipping sauce.

Keywords: calzone recipe, Italian turnover, stuffed pizza bread, baked calzone, mozzarella calzone