If you’re in search of a yummy and adaptable calzone formula, your hunt ends here!
We will give you a step-by-step guide on preparing all necessary tools and ingredients as well as assembling and baking your very own homemade Calzone.
Table of Contents
Understanding Calzones
A calzone is an Italian dish that’s similar to pizza but offers a unique twist. It’s essentially a stuffed pizza dough that can be filled with various ingredients and is turnover. Some have commented on how it looks similar to a pie. There are endless options for your ingredients, so let your creativity shine.
Suggested reading: Stromboli vs Calzone – whats the difference?
Origin and Definition of Calzones
The word ‘calzone’ translates to ‘trouser’ or ‘stocking’ in Italian. This delightful dish originated from Naples, Italy and has since become popular worldwide due to its versatility and convenience. The fillings for calzones are placed on one half of circular shaped pizza dough, which is then folded over and sealed before being baked until golden brown.
Common Ingredients in a Calzone
- Cheese: Mozzarella cheese is commonly used as it melts well inside the hot oven.
- Sauce: A tasty tomato sauce adds moisture and flavor to the filling.
- Toppings: You can use any type of topping you’d usually put on a pizza such as pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers or olives.
More reading: Best types of cheese to use on pizza
The beauty of making calzones at home is that everyone can customize their own filling combination based on personal preferences. Whether you’re an ardent meat lover or prefer vegetarian options – there’s no limit when it comes to creating your perfect calzone.
How Are Calzones Sealed?
A calzone is a folded pizza sealed by crimping or rolling the edges together. This not only gives it its distinctive look but also ensures that none of those tasty fillings escape during baking.
How to Make Delicious Homemade Calzone
If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, then making your own homemade calzone is a must-try experience. It’s easy and totally worth it. Let’s get started.
Prepare the Ingredients and Tools
First things first, gather all the necessary ingredients and tools. Gather up the components for a classic calzone – pizza dough (either pre-made or homemade), mozzarella, tomato sauce, and whatever other fillings you desire such as pepperoni, mushrooms, or spinach. As for tools, you’ll need a rolling pin to flatten the dough and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Learn how to make your very own pizza dough at home
Assemble and Bake the Perfect Calzone
To assemble your calzone, preheat the oven to 475°F. Roll out the pizza dough into circles about ¼-inch thick. Add half of each ingredient on one side of the circle, leaving some space around the edges for sealing later on. Fold over the empty half of the dough onto the filled side, forming a semi-circle shape. Crimp the edges together using a fork to seal well.
Bake the calzones in the preheated oven until golden brown, which usually takes around 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them because every oven can be different.
Note:
- If desired, brush the tops with olive oil before baking for extra shine and flavor.
- For an extra burst of flavor, you can top your calzones with parmesan cheese or garlic powder before baking.
Congratulations. Now sit back and enjoy warm, tasty homemade calzones right from the comfort of your own kitchen without having to order takeout again.
Making Your Own Pizza Dough for Calzone
When it comes to creating the perfect calzone, your choice of dough is crucial. Creating your own pizza dough for calzones from scratch can bring them to a whole new level.
Choosing Store-Bought vs Homemade Pizza Dough
If you’re short on time or just starting out with baking, store-bought pizza dough might be a good option. It offers convenience and consistency. However, if you want more control over the texture and flavor of your crust, consider making homemade pizza dough. This allows you to adjust ingredients according to personal preference or dietary needs.
You can find various recipes online that cater to different tastes – from thin and crispy crusts to thick and chewy ones. Here’s an easy-to-follow homemade pizza dough recipe that you can try.
Achieving Ideal Thickness For Your Pizza Dough
The thickness of your pizza dough plays a significant role in how well it holds up against fillings when folded into a calzone. A ¼-inch thickness is generally ideal as it provides enough structure without being overly heavy or dense.
- Rolling Out The Dough: Use a rolling pin for evenness; start at the center then work towards edges maintaining uniformity throughout.
- Dough Relaxation: Allow the rolled-out dough some rest before filling; this helps prevent shrinkage during baking.
- Filling And Folding: Overfilling could lead to breakages while under-filling may result in excess breadiness; aim for balance.
Watch: How to knead pizza dough the Tonight We Pizza way
Remember, making your own pizza dough for calzone is not only fun but also allows you to customize your calzone to your liking. So, go ahead and give it a try.
Creating Perfect Filling Combinations for Your Tasty Calzone
Customizing your calzone filling is the best part of making them at home. You can stick to the classics or get creative with new flavors. The possibilities are endless.
Classic Fillings for a Traditional Taste
For a classic Italian flavor, try mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, ham, salami, and spinach fillings. These ingredients offer a familiar yet delicious taste that never disappoints. Don’t forget to add some homemade marinara sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Fuel your creativity by making your own garlic sauce for your calzone!
Creative Combos to Excite Your Palate
For those who love experimenting in the kitchen, try combos like chicken and pesto or goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. Vegetarians can opt for mixtures like roasted vegetables and feta or mushrooms and truffle oil. Combining distinct tastes to make a harmonious dish is essential; neither should dominate the other. Need more inspiration? Check out these ideas.
Remember, quality matters. Always use fresh ingredients whenever possible – it really does make a difference in terms of taste.
Don’t forget about seasoning. Adding just the right amount of salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and basil will help bring out all the wonderful flavors inside these delightful pockets of goodness.
Storing and Reheating Tips for Fresh-Tasting Leftover Calzoni
Calzones can be enjoyed multiple times, providing a tasty meal each time they are reheated. Whether you’ve made too many or want to prepare them in advance, freezing and reheating your homemade calzoni can ensure a fresh-tasting meal whenever you desire.
Further reading: Is Taco Bell gluten-free?
Freezing Raw or Cooked Calzones Correctly
To freeze raw calzones, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pop them into the freezer until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight bag or vacuum-sealed container. This method prevents any fillings from leaking out during storage.
If you have cooked leftovers, let them cool completely before wrapping each piece individually in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Then store these wrapped pieces inside a large zip-top bag for up to three months.
Thawing and Reheating Frozen Calzoni for Best Results
For a quicker thaw, use the microwave’s defrost function, but be wary of overcooking to prevent sogginess. If time is of the essence, defrosting in a microwave can be done but with caution to avoid making the dough soggy.
You can reheat leftover calzoni using either an oven or toaster oven set at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes until heated through. Microwaving is another option, although this might result in softer crusts compared to oven-reheated ones. Here’s an excellent guide on how best to reheat pizza-like dishes such as our beloved calzone.
Remember: The key here is patience – rushing may ruin all that hard work put into making those perfect homemade calzones.
Love Taco Bell pizza? Follow this delicious guide to recreate Taco Bell Mexican pizza at home
FAQs in Relation to Calzone Recipe
Is calzone dough different from pizza dough?
No, calzone dough is essentially the same as pizza dough, just shaped and filled differently.
What is calzone dough made of?
Calzone dough is made with flour, yeast, water, salt, and olive oil – simple and delicious.
What makes a calzone?
A calzone is made by folding a flat round of pizza-like dough over a filling typically consisting of cheese, meat, or vegetables – a pizza pocket, if you will.
Is a calzone healthier than a pizza?
It depends on the ingredients used, but generally speaking, they can be equally healthy if prepared with fresh ingredients and consumed in moderation – sorry to burst your bubble.
What are some tasty calzone fillings?
Some delicious calzone fillings include classic pepperoni and mozzarella, spinach and feta, or even a breakfast calzone with eggs, bacon, and cheese – the possibilities are endless.
Can you freeze calzones?
Absolutely. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing to keep them fresh.
Suggested reading: How to freeze and thaw pizza dough easily
What’s the best way to reheat a calzone?
The best way to reheat a calzone is in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through – trust us, it’s worth the wait.
Where did calzones originate?
Calzones are said to have originated in Naples, Italy – grazie mille, Napoli.
What’s the difference between a calzone and a stromboli?
A calzone is folded over and sealed, while a stromboli is rolled up and sliced – either way, they’re both delicious.
Conclusion
If you’re a foodie, homemaker, or pizza fanatic, this calzone recipe is a must-try!
In this post, we’ll cover everything from what calzones are (not to be confused with stromboli) to creating the perfect filling combinations and step-by-step instructions for making delicious homemade calzones.
Whether you choose store-bought or homemade pizza dough and classic or creative fillings, our tips will help you achieve the ideal thickness and seal your calzone perfectly. Plus, we’ve included storage and reheating tips so your leftover calzones taste just as fresh as when they were first made.
Impress your family and friends with your culinary skills by trying out this mouth-watering calzone recipe today!
