These homemade Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones bring the authentic taste of Italian street food right to your kitchen. A perfect blend of crispy golden crust enveloping gooey cheese and savory pepperoni, these pocket-sized delights are essentially a folded pizza that seals all the delicious flavors inside. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, these calzones deliver restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for make-ahead meals and freezes beautifully for quick weeknight dinners
• Customizable with endless filling variations to suit any preference
• Kid-friendly and great for packing in lunchboxes
• More portable than traditional pizza, making it ideal for picnics or on-the-go meals
• Impressive enough for entertaining but simple enough for weeknight cooking

Ingredients

• Pizza Dough: Use store-bought for convenience or homemade for that extra special touch. The dough should be at room temperature for easier handling.
• Pepperoni Slices: Classic pepperoni adds a spicy, savory kick. Look for thinly sliced pepperoni that will cook perfectly inside the calzone.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella provides that essential stretchy, melty texture. For extra flavor, consider using a combination of mozzarella and provolone.
• Pizza Sauce: Keep it simple with a high-quality store-bought sauce, or make your own with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs.
• Olive Oil: Used for brushing the tops of your calzones to achieve that beautiful golden crust. Extra virgin olive oil adds the best flavor.
• Flour: Just enough for dusting your work surface to prevent sticking while rolling out the dough.

Variations

Veggie Lover’s Calzone

Transform this recipe into a vegetarian delight by replacing pepperoni with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, and olives. Add a sprinkle of dried oregano and a bit of ricotta cheese for a creamy texture that complements the vegetables perfectly.

Meat Lover’s Calzone

For those who crave more protein, add cooked Italian sausage, ham, and bacon alongside the pepperoni. Mix in some caramelized onions for sweetness that balances the savory meats, and consider using a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.

Breakfast Calzone

Create a morning version by filling your calzone with scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage or bacon, and cheddar cheese. Add some sautéed peppers and onions for extra flavor and nutrition. Serve with a side of salsa or hot sauce for dipping.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dough

Preheat your oven to a hot 210°C (410°F) with fan bake for optimal crispiness. Line your baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Divide your pizza dough into four equal portions and shape them into balls, letting them rest for a few minutes to make rolling easier.

Step 2: Shape and Fill

On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough ball into a circle approximately 20 cm (8 inches) in diameter. Keep the thickness even for consistent baking. Spread pizza sauce on one half of each circle, leaving a border around the edge for sealing. Layer pepperoni slices over the sauce, then top generously with shredded mozzarella.

Step 3: Fold and Bake

Fold the empty half of dough over your toppings to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal, then fold and twist for an attractive finish that prevents filling leakage. Transfer to your prepared baking tray, cut small vents in the top of each calzone to release steam, brush with olive oil for a golden finish, and bake for 20-25 minutes until beautifully browned and crisp.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Let your dough come to room temperature before working with it – cold dough is harder to roll and more likely to tear
• Don’t overfill your calzones or they may burst during baking
• Seal the edges thoroughly by pressing with a fork or twisting the dough to prevent filling from leaking
• The small vents in the top are crucial – they allow steam to escape and prevent your calzones from becoming soggy inside
• For extra flavor, sprinkle the tops with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or grated Parmesan before baking
• Allow calzones to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the filling set and avoid burning your mouth

How to Serve

Serve these calzones while still warm with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping. A simple green salad with Italian dressing makes the perfect accompaniment to balance the richness of the calzones. For a complete meal, add a side of garlic knots or breadsticks and finish with a light dessert like Italian lemon sorbet. These calzones are perfect for casual family dinners, game nights, or anytime you’re craving comfort food with Italian flair.

Make Ahead

These calzones are perfect for make-ahead meal planning. You can prepare the calzones completely, then refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours. Simply cover them tightly with plastic wrap and bake when ready. For longer storage, freeze the assembled but unbaked calzones on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to freezer bags where they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding about 5-10 minutes to the baking time. Fully baked calzones can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a 180°C oven for 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use no-cook pizza sauce?

Yes, no-cook pizza sauce works perfectly in this recipe. Since the calzones bake for over 20 minutes, the sauce will heat through completely and blend with the other flavors.

How do I know when my calzones are done?

Your calzones are done when the crust is golden brown and firm to the touch. If you’re unsure, you can use a food thermometer—the internal temperature should reach at least 74°C (165°F).

Can I make mini calzones for appetizers?

Absolutely! Divide the dough into 8-12 smaller portions instead of 4. Reduce the filling proportionally and check them after about 15 minutes of baking as they’ll cook faster than larger calzones.

My calzones leaked during baking. What did I do wrong?

Leaking usually happens when the edges aren’t sealed properly or when there’s too much filling. Make sure to leave a generous border around the edge, don’t overfill, and firmly press and fold the edges to create a good seal.

Conclusion

These Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones bring together the best elements of pizza in a convenient, handheld package that’s perfect for any occasion. With their golden crust and flavorful filling, they’re sure to become a family favorite that everyone will request again and again. Whether you stick with the classic pepperoni and cheese or experiment with the suggested variations, these calzones offer endless possibilities for delicious meals. Give this recipe a try for your next family dinner or gathering, and watch how quickly they disappear!

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