The Best Calzones

Get ready to indulge in "The Best Calzones," a homemade take on the classic Italian pocket that's bursting with flavor! These golden, perfectly crisp calzones feature a soft, made-from-scratch dough that’s delicately filled with a creamy, cheesy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, elevated with a pinch of Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Add a hearty layer of pepperoni slices and a spoonful of tangy marinara sauce for the ultimate savory filling. Each calzone is brushed with a glossy egg wash before baking to perfection in just 20 minutes, giving it that irresistible golden crust. Perfect for a family dinner, game night, or an impressive crowd-pleaser, these calzones are as customizable as they are delicious. Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping, and watch them disappear off the plate! Ideal keywords: homemade calzones, cheesy calzone recipe, easy Italian recipes, pepperoni calzones.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet instant yeast
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1.25 cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 cup pepperoni slices
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.

Step 2

Gradually add the warm water and olive oil, stirring until a dough forms.

Step 3

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 4

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 5

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by combining the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and pepperoni slices in a medium bowl. Mix well and set aside.

Step 6

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 7

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin circle about 8-10 inches in diameter.

Step 8

Spoon 1/4 cup of marinara sauce onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1-inch border along the edges.

Step 9

Add 1/4 of the cheese and pepperoni filling over the sauce on each circle.

Step 10

Fold the empty half of the dough over the filling, forming a semi-circle. Pinch the edges together to seal, then crimp with a fork for extra security.

Step 11

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of water to make the egg wash.

Step 12

Brush the tops of the calzones with the egg wash and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.

Step 13

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.

Step 14

Allow the calzones to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with additional marinara sauce for dipping!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1713.1 grams (1713.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3854

Total Fat 180.20g	231%
Saturated Fat 79.10g	395%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.40g
Cholesterol 675mg	225%
Sodium 7317mg	318%
Total Carbohydrate 374.10g	136%
Dietary Fiber 16.00g	57%
Total Sugars 19.00g
Protein 180.50g	361%

Vitamin D 48IU	240%
Calcium 3230mg	248%
Iron 25mg	138%
Potassium 1247mg	27%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.2%

Protein: 18.8%

Carbs: 39.0%