Golden Baked Homemade Calzones

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of Golden Baked Homemade Calzones wafting through your kitchen! I remember the first time I made these delightful pockets of goodness. It was a chilly evening, and I wanted something comforting yet exciting. As I rolled out the dough and filled it with savory ingredients, I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me. This recipe has been a family favorite, bringing everyone together at the dinner table. Each bite of the calzone is like a warm hug, a delightful mix of flavors that remind me of cozy gatherings and laughter. I love serving them with a side of marinara for dipping, but they’re also fantastic on their own. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet night in, Golden Baked Homemade Calzones are sure to impress!

Golden Baked Homemade Calzones Ingredients

The ingredients for Golden Baked Homemade Calzones are a beautiful medley that brings together a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role in creating that irresistible taste and aroma.

• 8 ounces mild Italian sausage: This savory sausage is the star, adding richness and depth to the calzone.
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni: Classic and beloved, pepperoni brings a spicy zest to every bite.
• 1 Homemade Pizza Dough or store bought: The base of your calzone, tender and flaky, holding all the goodness inside.
• ½ cup ricotta cheese: Creamy and smooth, ricotta adds a lovely texture and mild flavor.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey, melty cheese that’s a must for any calzone!
• 1 egg: Used for the egg wash, giving the calzones a beautiful golden finish.
• 1 tablespoon water: Mix this with the egg for a shiny glaze.
• 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of this cheese on top elevates the flavor.
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds an aromatic touch.

Recipe Steps for Golden Baked Homemade Calzones

Making Golden Baked Homemade Calzones is a delightful process, and I promise it’s worth every step! Follow along, and soon you’ll have your very own golden pockets of perfection.

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is crucial for ensuring your calzones are perfectly baked.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup!
3. In a small skillet over medium-high heat, add 8 ounces mild Italian sausage. Cook and crumble it until it’s evenly browned and fully cooked. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s nice and golden.
4. Next, take 1 Homemade Pizza Dough (or store-bought) and cut it into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an 8-inch round. Aim for a thickness that will hold the fillings without tearing.
5. Divide ½ cup ricotta cheese among the rounds, spreading it evenly on one half of each calzone. Make sure to leave a ¼-inch border of dough exposed.
6. On top of the ricotta, lay 1 cup sliced pepperoni and sprinkle the cooked sausage. Then, add 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for that gooey goodness!
7. Now it’s time to fold the calzones! Fold them in half, covering the fillings. Pinch and fold the edges together to seal tightly. This ensures none of the deliciousness escapes during baking.
8. Place the assembled calzones on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure there’s enough space between them.
9. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon water to create an egg wash. Brush this egg wash over each calzone for that golden finish.
10. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese and 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning evenly on each calzone. This step adds an extra layer of flavor.
11. Finally, cut 3 slits in the top of each calzone. This allows steam to escape during baking.
12. Bake the calzones for 15 to 18 minutes until they are golden brown and beautifully baked through. The smell will drive you wild!
13. Once they’re done, let the calzones rest for a few minutes before enjoying. This step is essential to allow the cheese to set a bit.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Golden Baked Homemade Calzones turn out perfect every time, here are some essential tips:

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven for the best texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze uncooked calzones. Just assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze. Bake directly from frozen; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Pairing: These calzones go wonderfully with a side salad or marinara sauce for dipping.
• Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to add lots of ingredients, but too much can cause the calzones to burst. Stick to a moderate amount!
• Check for Doneness: The calzones should be golden brown on top and feel firm to the touch. If they’re undercooked, the dough will be soft.
• Experiment: Feel free to try different cheeses or vegetables. The beauty of calzones is their versatility!

How to Enjoy Golden Baked Homemade Calzones

Serving Golden Baked Homemade Calzones can be as fun as making them! Here are some ideas:

• Perfect for Parties: Serve them as finger food at parties. Cut them into smaller pieces for easy handling.
• Lunch or Dinner: They’re fantastic for both lunch and dinner. Pair with a green salad for a complete meal.
• Game Day Treat: Make a batch for game day gatherings. They’re crowd-pleasers!
• Storage Tips: Store any leftover calzones in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• Seasonal Pairing: In summer, fresh salads complement the calzones beautifully. During winter, a warm soup makes the perfect side.

FAQ

Conclusion

Golden Baked Homemade Calzones are the perfect blend of comfort and flavor, making them a must-try recipe for any occasion. These delightful pockets are sure to become a favorite in your household, whether for a cozy dinner or party snack. I encourage you to give them a try; they are so enjoyable to make and even better to eat!

Golden Baked Homemade Calzones

The ultimate comfort food, Golden Baked Homemade Calzones are savory pockets filled with a blend of melty cheeses and flavorful meats. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a fun party snack, they are sure to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy these easy-to-make calzones tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Whisk
• Oven
• Chef's Knife
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

• 8 ounces mild Italian sausage
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1 unit Homemade Pizza Dough or store bought
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 unit egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is crucial for ensuring your calzones are perfectly baked.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup!
• In a small skillet over medium-high heat, add 8 ounces mild Italian sausage. Cook and crumble it until it’s evenly browned and fully cooked. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s nice and golden.
• Next, take 1 Homemade Pizza Dough (or store-bought) and cut it into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an 8-inch round. Aim for a thickness that will hold the fillings without tearing.
• Divide ½ cup ricotta cheese among the rounds, spreading it evenly on one half of each calzone. Make sure to leave a ¼-inch border of dough exposed.
• On top of the ricotta, lay 1 cup sliced pepperoni and sprinkle the cooked sausage. Then, add 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for that gooey goodness!
• Now it’s time to fold the calzones! Fold them in half, covering the fillings. Pinch and fold the edges together to seal tightly. This ensures none of the deliciousness escapes during baking.
• Place the assembled calzones on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure there’s enough space between them.
• In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon water to create an egg wash. Brush this egg wash over each calzone for that golden finish.
• Sprinkle 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese and 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning evenly on each calzone. This step adds an extra layer of flavor.
• Finally, cut 3 slits in the top of each calzone. This allows steam to escape during baking.
• Bake the calzones for 15 to 18 minutes until they are golden brown and beautifully baked through. The smell will drive you wild!
• Once they’re done, let the calzones rest for a few minutes before enjoying. This step is essential to allow the cheese to set a bit.

Notes

• Make-Ahead: Assemble calzones (no egg wash or toppings), cover, and chill up to 2 hours. Add egg wash, toppings, and 3 slits right before baking.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.

Keyword Calzone Filling Ideas, Easy Calzone Recipe, Homemade Calzones, Italian Comfort Food

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Meet Elena Vance

I am passionate about the idea that we eat with our eyes first, so I strive to make food look just as good as it tastes. I work closely with the team to style and photograph our dishes, giving you a clear, beautiful guide on what to aim for. I had so much fun preparing this recipe, and I hope you find just as much joy in making it (and eating it!) as we did.