Pepperoni Calzones are made with a pizza dough, Mozzarella cheese, zesty sauce, and pepperoni (or other toppings of your choice), then folded and baked to perfection.
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These delicious pepperoni calzones are incredibly easy to make. They are loaded with gooey cheese and savory pepperoni, making them a perfect choice for a quick and satisfying dinner that you can whip up in under 30 minutes.
This recipe features our easy-to-follow pizza dough recipe, guaranteeing you a tasty pizza crust. While you do have the option to use store-bought pizza dough, I highly recommend making your own for the best flavor. It’s quick and easy.
Calzones are also a fantastic option to make the most of leftover pasta sauce. You only need a small amount of sauce, around 1/3 cup, to make a calzone.
Ingredients Needed
- Pizza Dough – We like to make our own with this recipe.
- Pizza Sauce – You can also make your own with this recipe, or use store-bought.
- Sliced Pepperoni – I prefer to use Hormel pepperoni or some sliced salami. You can make a vegetarian version with just some veggies, if you’d like.
- Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese – This is the best cheese to get a melted, gooey interior.
- Olive Oil – Brushing the calzone with olive oil helps to achieve a golden and crispy crust.
- Italian Seasoning – Give the crust a little boost of flavor with Italian seasoning, or some oregano and sage, and thyme.
How to Make Pepperoni Calzones
Begin by preheating your oven to a temperature of 375° F. Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with either parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Once lined, set the baking sheet aside for later use.
Take your pizza dough and divide it into two equal parts. Roll out each portion of the dough into a circular shape.
Next, take half of the pizza sauce and spread it evenly over one half of each dough circle, making sure to avoid getting any sauce on the edges.
Arrange half of the pepperoni on each sauced section of the dough. Then, evenly sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top of the pepperoni.
Now it’s time to create your calzones. Fold the dough over the layered toppings, encapsulating them. To secure the contents, pinch the seams of the dough together. For additional security and a pleasing aesthetic, roll the pinched edges upwards and pinch them again.
Take a pastry brush and use it to gently brush olive oil onto the top surface of each calzone. After they are well-oiled, evenly sprinkle Italian seasoning over the top.
Carefully transfer your prepared calzones onto the previously set aside baking sheet.
To prevent the calzones from browning too quickly, create a loose tent over the baking sheet using aluminum foil. Place the tented baking sheet in the preheated oven and allow the calzones to bake for 15 minutes. After this initial baking period, remove the foil and bake the calzones for another 15 minutes. This additional time will allow the crust to become golden and crispy.
Once they’re cooked to a golden finish, remove the calzones from the oven. For the best taste and texture, serve your calzones while they’re still hot.
Additional Helpful Tips
- If using store-bought pizza dough, follow the instructions on the packaging for any necessary pre-baking or proofing.
- Customize your calzone by adding other toppings such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or black olives. Just make sure not to overstuff it, as it may be challenging to seal.
- Don’t overload the calzone with sauce and toppings, as it may make the dough soggy. Aim for a moderate amount of each ingredient.
- Prick the top of the calzone with a fork a few times to create steam vents. This prevents it from bursting or becoming too puffy during baking.
How to Store
Refrigerator: If you have leftover calzones, allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in the refrigerator, where they can stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Calzones can also be frozen for longer-term storage. After they have cooled completely, wrap each calzone individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then place them in a sealable freezer bag or airtight container. Properly stored, they can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
How to Reheat
Whether you prefer the crisp crust of the air fryer or the accessibility of the microwave, we’ve got you covered with the perfect way to reheat calzones.
Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the calzones on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. This method will help retain the crispness of the crust.
Microwave: This method is convenient for quick reheating. Place the calzone on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for about 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Note that the crust may not retain its crispness as well with this method.
Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the calzones in the air fryer basket and reheat for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through. This method can help maintain a crispy crust.
Frequently Asked Questions
What other toppings can I add to the calzones besides pepperoni?
You can add a variety of toppings such as cooked sausage, sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, black olives, or even fresh basil leaves. Get creative and customize the calzones to your taste!
How do I seal the calzones to prevent them from opening during baking?
To seal the calzones, press the edges together firmly and fold them over, creating a tight seal. You can also use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
Can I make mini calzones instead of one large calzone?
Yes, you can make mini calzones by dividing the dough into smaller portions and adjusting the amount of filling accordingly. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly as well.
Can I serve the calzones with dipping sauce?
Absolutely! Serve the calzones with additional pizza sauce, marinara sauce, or even a side of ranch dressing for dipping. It adds extra flavor and enhances the overall enjoyment of the calzones.
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Easy Pepperoni Calzone
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough
- 1/3 cup (79 ml) pizza sauce
- 4 ounces (113 g) sliced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup (56 g) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375° F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set aside.
- Split the pizza dough into 2 and roll out each into a circle.
- Spread half the pizza sauce onto one half of the dough, avoiding the edges.
- Place half the pepperoni on each and sprinkle the mozzarella on top.
- Fold the dough over the top of the toppings and pinch the seams together. Roll the pinched edges up and pinch again.
- Use a pastry brush to brush the olive oil onto the tops of each calzone. Sprinkle with the Italian seasoning.
- Transfer the calzones to the baking sheet.
- Loosely tent the baking sheet with foil. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 15 minutes, until the crust is golden.
- Serve hot.
Nutrition
