Pepperoni Pizza Calzone Recipe: The Ultimate Guide to Making Mouthwatering Calzones at Home

#### Description:If you’re a fan of pizza and looking for a delicious twist on a classic dish, then the Pepperoni Pizza Calzone Recipe is exactly what you n……

#### Description:

If you’re a fan of pizza and looking for a delicious twist on a classic dish, then the Pepperoni Pizza Calzone Recipe is exactly what you need! This delectable Italian dish combines all the flavors of a traditional pepperoni pizza, but with a fun, portable twist. Perfect for family dinners, parties, or a cozy night in, calzones are not only easy to make but also allow for endless customization.

Calzones originated in Naples, Italy, and have since become a beloved dish worldwide. They are essentially pizza dough folded over a variety of fillings, creating a pocket of cheesy, savory goodness. The Pepperoni Pizza Calzone Recipe is particularly popular because it incorporates the classic flavors of pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, and marinara sauce, all wrapped up in a golden, flaky crust.

### Ingredients You Will Need

To create the perfect Pepperoni Pizza Calzone Recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

- **Pizza Dough**: You can either make your own from scratch or purchase pre-made dough from a grocery store.

- **Pepperoni**: Sliced into rounds; this is the star ingredient that gives your calzone its signature flavor.

- **Mozzarella Cheese**: Shredded mozzarella is the best choice for that gooey, melty texture.

- **Marinara Sauce**: Use your favorite store-bought sauce or make your own for dipping.

- **Olive Oil**: For brushing on top to achieve a golden finish.

- **Italian Seasoning**: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to enhance the flavor.

- **Parmesan Cheese**: Optional, but adds an extra layer of flavor.

### Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Prepare the Dough**: If you’re making your own pizza dough, make sure to let it rise as per the recipe instructions. If using store-bought dough, allow it to come to room temperature.

2. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to create a crispy crust.

3. **Roll Out the Dough**: On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a circle about ¼ inch thick. Aim for a diameter of around 10 inches.

4. **Add the Fillings**: On one half of the dough circle, layer your pepperoni slices, followed by a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese. If you like, sprinkle some Italian seasoning for added flavor.

5. **Seal the Calzone**: Carefully fold the other half of the dough over the fillings. Pinch the edges tightly to seal the calzone and prevent any cheese from leaking out during baking. You can also use a fork to crimp the edges for extra security.

6. **Brush with Olive Oil**: Transfer the calzone to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the top with olive oil, and sprinkle some Parmesan cheese if desired.

7. **Bake**: Place your calzone in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until it’s golden brown and puffed up.

8. **Serve with Marinara Sauce**: Once baked, let the calzone cool for a few minutes before slicing it in half. Serve it warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

### Tips for the Perfect Calzone

- **Don’t Overfill**: While it’s tempting to add lots of cheese and toppings, overfilling can cause the calzone to burst during baking.

- **Experiment with Fillings**: Feel free to customize your Pepperoni Pizza Calzone Recipe by adding other ingredients like bell peppers, onions, or olives.

- **Make Ahead**: You can prepare the calzones in advance and freeze them. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

In conclusion, the Pepperoni Pizza Calzone Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of pizza in a new form. With its crispy crust and gooey filling, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in this delicious homemade treat!