The Ultimate Guide to Easy Homemade Calzones
Family-friendly savory pockets with endless customization for every mealtime craving.
Easy Homemade Calzones: Savory Pockets for Every Occasion
Few dishes capture the heart of Italian home cooking like the calzone—a golden, crusty pocket enveloping a rich blend of cheese, meat, and seasonings. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned home cook, this guide will walk you through creating calzones that are both easy to make and absolutely delicious.
Enjoy a modern, approachable recipe that’s fun for families, perfect for gatherings, and customizable to every taste.
Why You’ll Love This Calzone Recipe
- Minimal prep time thanks to store-bought dough
- Classic Italian flavors: sausage, ricotta, mozzarella, and herbs
- Golden, flaky crust with a cheesy, savory filling
- Customizable with your favorite ingredients
- Perfect for freezing and reheating
Ingredients Overview
This calzone recipe keeps things simple and flexible. Using frozen dinner rolls saves time, while a combination of three cheeses and sausage packs every bite with flavor.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen un-risen dinner rolls | 16 | Rhodes or similar; can use frozen bread loaves for larger calzones |
| Butter | 1 Tbsp | For sautéing |
| Medium onion | 1 | Finely diced |
| Breakfast or Italian sausage | 1 lb | Removed from casing |
| Italian seasoning | 1/2 tsp | Dry, or use fresh herbs |
| Red pepper flakes | 1/4 tsp | Optional, for heat |
| Ricotta cheese | 15 oz | Whole milk recommended |
| Mozzarella cheese | 1 1/2 cups | Shredded |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup | Grated |
| Fresh parsley | 2 Tbsp | Chopped |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp | Or to taste |
| Black pepper | To taste | |
| Eggs | 2 (plus 1 for egg wash) | |
| All-purpose flour | as needed | For dusting |
| Marinara sauce | for serving | See recipe below |
Step-by-Step Preparation Directions
- Thaw and Rise the Dough:
Arrange 16 frozen dinner rolls on two baking sheets. Cover with greased plastic wrap and let thaw and rise for 2–3 hours, until puffed and soft.
Tip: For larger calzones, substitute with pieces of thawed frozen bread loaf. - Prep the Filling:
In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add the diced onion, cooking for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Crumble in the sausage and brown thoroughly, breaking it apart as it cooks. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
Transfer to a plate and allow to cool slightly. - Mix the Cheese Blend:
In a large bowl, combine ricotta, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, two eggs, salt, chopped parsley, and black pepper. Stir until creamy and smooth. Set aside. - Roll Out the Dough:
Once the dough has thawed and risen, lightly flour your work surface. Roll each ball into a thin oval shape, about 5 inches long and paper thin. - Assemble the Calzones:
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of cheese filling onto one half of each dough oval. Top with a tablespoon of sausage mixture. - Seal the Edges:
In a small bowl, whisk the third egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush the egg wash around the edges of the dough. Fold over and press edges to seal; use a fork to crimp. - Bake:
Arrange the calzones on parchment-lined baking sheets about 1 inch apart. Brush the tops with remaining egg wash. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–13 minutes, or until deeply golden brown. - Serve:
Let cool slightly. Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe
No calzone is complete without a vibrant marinara for dipping. Here’s a simple sauce you can make from scratch:
- Olive oil – for sautéing
- Garlic and onion – for depth
- Red or white wine (optional) – for richness
- Crushed tomatoes
- Salt, black pepper, and pinch of sugar
- Chopped parsley and basil – stirred in at the end for freshness
Saute garlic and onions until soft in a bit of olive oil. Add wine to deglaze, then reduce by half. Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and sugar. Simmer 30 minutes. To finish, add chopped parsley and basil, then serve warm with your calzones.
Customization Ideas: Make Calzones Your Way
Calzones are incredibly versatile. Here are some popular variations and ideas for inspiration:
- Vegetarian Calzone: Substitute sausage with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted peppers.
- Cheesy Calzone: Add extra mozzarella or provolone for a stretchier, cheesier filling.
- Mini Calzones for Parties: Use smaller dough pieces and a teaspoon of filling—great for appetizers or kids’ snacks.
- Breakfast Calzones: Replace sausage with scrambled eggs and breakfast meats.
- Dipping Sauces: Try pesto, garlic butter, or a spicy arrabbiata as a side.
Tips for Calzone Success
- Seal Edges Tightly: Prevent filling leaks by firmly crimping with a fork.
- Don’t Overfill: Too much filling makes it hard to seal and can cause bursting.
- Use Parchment Paper: For easy removal and crisp bottoms.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Achieves that gorgeous, shiny golden crust.
- Serve Fresh and Warm: The cheese and filling are best hot and melty.
- Freeze Extra Calzones: Cool completely, then wrap tightly. Reheat at 350°F until hot in the center.
What others are reading
Make-Ahead and Storage
Calzones can easily be made ahead, frozen, and reheated—making them a lifesaver for busy weeknights and casual gatherings. Prepare as you would up to the baking step, then freeze unbaked on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 15–18 minutes, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Fresh Side Salad: A simple green salad or antipasto is the perfect accompaniment.
- As a Party Appetizer: Serve smaller calzones with a trio of dipping sauces.
- For a Family Dinner: Pair with roasted vegetables or a light soup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use pizza dough instead of frozen rolls?
A: Absolutely. Pizza dough works very well for calzones. Cut the dough into portions and proceed as directed, adjusting the size as needed for mini or full-sized calzones.
Q: What are some good filling alternatives?
A: Fillings can include sautéed mushrooms, onions, peppers, spinach, cooked bacon, ham, or leftover cooked chicken. Just avoid using ingredients that are too moist.
Q: How do I keep calzones from getting soggy inside?
A: Let cooked vegetables or meats cool and drain; avoid wet fillings. Bake calzones on a preheated baking stone or tray for a crisper crust.
Q: How do you reheat leftover calzones?
A: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes, or until hot throughout. Avoid microwaving for best texture—a toaster oven works well for crispiness!
Pro Tips for Perfect Calzones
- Experiment with herbs: Fresh basil, oregano, or thyme can elevate the flavor profile.
- Make it spicy: Add hot Italian sausage or extra red pepper flakes if you love heat.
- Vary the cheese: Smoked cheeses or goat cheese add a unique twist.
- Kid-friendly option: Fill with just cheese and mild marinara.
- For an adult version: Try fillings like roasted garlic and salami, or top the baked calzones with arugula and shaved Parmesan.
Troubleshooting: Common Calzone Issues
- Leaking or burst calzones? Roll out the dough evenly, don’t overfill, and seal the edges tightly with egg wash.
- Undercooked dough? Bake at a high temperature and check the bottoms; calzones should be deeply golden brown and crisp.
- Too much moisture? Make sure fillings are not watery. Drain ingredients before filling.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Mini Calzone)
| Calories | Protein | Carbohydrates | Fat | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 | 13g | 32g | 14g | 2g |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and vary by filling choices and dough brand.
Final Thoughts: Calzones for All
Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining friends, or just looking for a fun kitchen project, calzones offer a world of possibilities in a handy, delicious package. They’re endlessly adaptable and always satisfy. Combine convenience with classic flavor and you’ll have a go-to recipe everyone will request again and again.
Share Your Calzone Creations
Did you try this calzone recipe? Share your fillings and baking tips! Tag your creations with #HomemadeCalzone and inspire others.
References
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
