Delicious Homemade Pizza Calzone Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

### DescriptionAre you craving a scrumptious meal that combines the best of both worlds—pizza and calzones? Look no further! This **pizza calzone recipe** i……

### Description

Are you craving a scrumptious meal that combines the best of both worlds—pizza and calzones? Look no further! This **pizza calzone recipe** is designed to satisfy your hunger while being easy to prepare in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you're hosting a gathering, enjoying a family night, or simply indulging in some self-care, this recipe will surely impress everyone at the table.

#### What is a Calzone?

A calzone is an Italian dish that resembles a folded pizza. It typically consists of a pizza dough filled with various ingredients, including cheese, meats, vegetables, and sauces. The beauty of a calzone lies in its versatility; you can customize it according to your taste preferences. The dough is sealed, creating a pocket of flavors that are baked to golden perfection. When you take that first bite, the warm, gooey cheese and savory fillings will tantalize your taste buds.

#### Ingredients You’ll Need

To create an irresistible pizza calzone, gather the following ingredients:

- **For the Dough:**

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 teaspoon sugar

- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast

- ¾ cup warm water

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

- **For the Filling:**

- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

- ½ cup ricotta cheese

- ½ cup pepperoni slices (or any protein of your choice)

- ½ cup bell peppers, diced

- ¼ cup onions, chopped

- ½ teaspoon dried oregano

- ½ teaspoon garlic powder

- Marinara sauce for dipping

#### Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Prepare the Dough:**

- In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

- In a separate bowl, mix the flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is ready, add it to the flour along with the olive oil.

- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

2. **Prepare the Filling:**

- While the dough is rising, mix together the mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, oregano, and garlic powder in a bowl. This flavorful mixture will be the heart of your calzone.

3. **Assemble the Calzones:**

- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle about ¼ inch thick.

- Spoon the filling mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving about an inch of space around the edges. Fold the other half over the filling and seal the edges by pressing them together with your fingers or a fork.

4. **Bake the Calzones:**

- Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You can brush the tops with olive oil for a golden finish and sprinkle a little extra oregano if desired.

- Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and puffed up.

5. **Serve and Enjoy:**

- Once baked, let the calzones cool for a few minutes. Serve them with marinara sauce for dipping, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures.

#### Tips for the Perfect Calzone

- **Experiment with Fillings:** Don’t hesitate to get creative with your fillings. You can add spinach, mushrooms, or even different types of cheese.

- **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the dough and filling in advance. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat.

- **Store Leftovers:** If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

In conclusion, this **pizza calzone recipe** is not just a meal; it's an experience that brings everyone together. With its crispy exterior and flavorful filling, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a delicious masterpiece!