Description
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Mix the ingredients until they form a rough dough.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Divide into 4 equal pieces.
- Roll one piece into a circle about 6-8 inches in diameter, keeping the edges slightly thicker.
- Spoon filling onto one half of the dough circle, leaving ½ inch space around the edge.
- Fold the other half over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press edges to seal, crimping with fingers or a fork.
- Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water for the egg wash.
- Place calzones on the baking sheet and brush tops with egg wash.
- Make a few small slits on top of each calzone to allow steam to escape.
- 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.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes