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Pepperoni Calzone: The Ultimate Guide to Making Delicious Homemade Calzones

Enjoy these homemade calzones filled with gooey mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and creamy ricotta, all wrapped in a golden, flaky dough. Perfect for a cozy dinner or as a fun party snack!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ¾ cup warm water
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup sliced pepperoni
  • ½ cup ricotta cheese
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Extra flour for dusting

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture along with the olive oil.
  3. Mix the ingredients until they form a rough dough.
  4. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
  5. Form the dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  6. In a medium bowl, combine the mozzarella, pepperoni, ricotta, oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  7. In a small saucepan, combine the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Heat over low until warmed through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Divide into 4 equal pieces.
  9. Roll one piece into a circle about 6-8 inches in diameter, keeping the edges slightly thicker.
  10. Spoon filling onto one half of the dough circle, leaving ½ inch space around the edge.
  11. Fold the other half over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press edges to seal, crimping with fingers or a fork.
  12. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
  13. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it.
  14. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water for the egg wash.
  15. Place calzones on the baking sheet and brush tops with egg wash.
  16. Make a few small slits on top of each calzone to allow steam to escape.
  17. Bake calzones in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Notes

  • Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients, such as vegetables or different cheeses.
  • Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.