Folded Pizza Delight: Mouth-Watering Pepperoni Calzones Recipe
If you’ve been craving something truly satisfying, then these pepperoni calzones are sure to hit the spot. Picture biting into a golden, crispy crust filled with hot mozzarella cheese, savory pepperoni, and the perfect combination of Italian spices.
Whether you’re having a family dinner, throwing a pizza party, or just want something to treat yourself, this recipe will become a regular in your meal rotation.
What’s even better? You can make this folded pizza delight quickly, with simple ingredients you likely already have at home. It's an easy-to-make dish that brings the full pizza experience in a neat, hand-held form.
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Why You’ll Love These Pepperoni Calzones
These calzones are everything you love about pizza, but in a portable, easy-to-eat format. Imagine biting into a warm calzone with cheese that stretches and the savory pepperoni that brings the flavor.
The crispy golden crust provides a perfect contrast to the soft, melty interior, making each bite satisfying. Plus, the best part of this dish is how customizable it is! You can switch out the ingredients based on what you have in the fridge or your personal taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 ¼ tsp)
- ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
For the Dipping Sauce:
- Your favorite pizza sauce or marinara sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
While you’re waiting for the yeast, in a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the dry ingredients, add the olive oil, and stir to combine.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. Once kneaded, cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, it’s time to prepare the calzone filling. In a medium bowl, mix the pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and garlic powder.
Toss everything together to ensure that the filling is evenly mixed. Set this mixture aside, and get ready to assemble your calzones.
3. Assemble the Calzones
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into four equal portions. Roll each piece of dough into a circle about 6 inches in diameter. If you want larger calzones, you can make fewer, larger portions.
Spoon a generous amount of the pepperoni and cheese mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border along the edge. Be sure not to overstuff them, as this can cause the dough to break while baking.
Carefully fold the dough over to cover the filling and form a half-moon shape. Press the edges of the dough together to seal, making sure no filling escapes during baking. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a neat finish.
4. Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the calzones on the prepared sheet, making sure they don’t touch each other. Beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the calzones for a beautiful golden finish once baked.
Bake the calzones for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. The filling will be bubbling and the cheese melted inside. Once they’re done, let them cool for a few minutes before slicing into them.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Cut the calzones into halves or quarters, depending on your preference. Serve with a side of pizza sauce or marinara sauce for dipping. You can also pair them with a light salad or some roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Variations to Try
This recipe is incredibly flexible, and you can easily customize the fillings to suit your taste. Here are a few tasty variations to get creative with:
- Vegetarian Calzones: Replace the pepperoni with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Add a generous amount of feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
- BBQ Chicken Calzones: Swap the pepperoni for grilled chicken and drizzle with some tangy BBQ sauce. This variation adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor to the classic recipe.
- Meat Lovers’ Calzones: For those who can’t get enough protein, add extra sausage, bacon, and extra pepperoni to satisfy your meat cravings.
- Cheese Lover’s Calzones: If you love cheese, fill your calzone with extra layers of mozzarella, cheddar, and ricotta cheese for a rich, cheesy delight.
Tips for the Perfect Calzone
- Use a Pizza Stone for Extra Crispiness: If you have a pizza stone, use it to bake your calzones. Preheat the stone in the oven, then carefully transfer the calzones onto the hot stone for an extra-crispy crust.
- Seal the Edges Well: If you’re having trouble with your calzone opening during baking, try sealing the edges more tightly or using a bit of water to dampen the dough before pressing the edges together. This ensures a better seal.
- Rest the Dough: If you find that the dough is tough to roll out, let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to shape without it springing back.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 30g
- Protein: 15g
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient choices and portion sizes.
Why You Should Make It Today
These pepperoni calzones are more than just a meal; they’re an experience. They combine the comfort of pizza with the fun of hand-held food, making them perfect for any occasion.
Whether you stick with the classic version or try a new filling, these calzones are sure to become a favorite in your home. And the best part? You can make them ahead of time and freeze them for a later meal!
A Fun, Flavorful, and Customizable Meal
These pepperoni calzones are the perfect blend of pizza and comfort food. With a golden, crispy crust and gooey melted cheese, they’re sure to please everyone at your table.
Plus, the variations allow you to tailor the recipe to your tastes, ensuring there’s a calzone for everyone.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and enjoy these delicious folded pizza delights with your loved ones today. We’d love to see how you make them your own—be sure to share your calzone creations on social media!
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Source: Food Wishes
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