Real Italian Calzones Recipe

Pizza dough: The base of your calzone, providing the structure and texture. You can make it at home or buy it pre-made.

Mozzarella cheese: Shredded cheese that melts beautifully, giving a gooey and delicious filling.

Ham: Diced ham adds a savory and slightly salty flavor to the filling.

Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms contribute an earthy taste and a bit of texture.

Tomato sauce: A thin layer of sauce adds moisture and a tangy flavor to the calzone.

Dried oregano: This herb adds a classic Italian flavor to the filling.

Dried basil: Another essential herb that enhances the overall taste of the calzone.

Olive oil: Brushed on top of the calzones to help them achieve a golden brown color while baking.

When preparing the pizza dough for your calzones, ensure that it is rolled out to an even thickness to avoid any uneven cooking. A thickness of about ¼ inch is ideal. Additionally, when sealing the edges, you can use a fork to press down and create a decorative crimp, which also helps to ensure that the filling stays securely inside during baking.

• pizza dough - Substitute with whole wheat pizza dough: Provides a healthier option with more fiber and nutrients.

• pizza dough - Substitute with gluten-free pizza dough: Suitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

• shredded mozzarella cheese - Substitute with shredded provolone cheese: Offers a similar melt and flavor profile.

• shredded mozzarella cheese - Substitute with vegan mozzarella cheese: Ideal for a dairy-free or vegan diet.

• diced ham - Substitute with diced turkey: A leaner meat option with less fat.

• diced ham - Substitute with diced tofu: A vegetarian alternative that still provides protein.

• sliced mushrooms - Substitute with sliced bell peppers: Adds a different texture and a sweet flavor.

• sliced mushrooms - Substitute with sliced zucchini: Offers a similar texture with a mild taste.

• tomato sauce - Substitute with pesto sauce: Provides a different flavor profile with basil and pine nuts.

• tomato sauce - Substitute with alfredo sauce: Adds a creamy texture and rich flavor.

• dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Offers a slightly different but complementary herbal flavor.

• dried oregano - Substitute with Italian seasoning: A blend that includes oregano along with other herbs.

• dried basil - Substitute with fresh basil: Provides a more vibrant and aromatic flavor.

• dried basil - Substitute with dried parsley: Adds a mild herbal note without overpowering the dish.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Has a similar smoke point and health benefits.

• olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Adds a subtle coconut flavor and is good for high-heat cooking.

• Allow the calzones to cool completely at room temperature before storing or freezing. This prevents condensation, which can make the dough soggy.

• For short-term storage, wrap each calzone individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• For longer storage, follow these steps to freeze the calzones:

  1. Wrap each calzone tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring there are no exposed areas.
  2. Place the wrapped calzones in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours. This initial freezing step helps maintain their shape.
  3. Once frozen, transfer the calzones to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
  4. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

• When ready to enjoy, reheat the calzones using one of these methods:

  1. Oven Reheating: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the frozen calzones on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the dough is crispy.
  2. Microwave Reheating: For a quicker option, unwrap the calzone and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through.

• To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid reheating calzones multiple times. Reheat only the amount you plan to consume immediately.

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the leftover calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the crust from becoming too hard. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the mozzarella cheese inside is melted and the calzones are heated through.

• For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place the calzones on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are heating evenly. Be cautious as this method can make the crust a bit soggy.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 160°C (320°F). Place the calzones in the basket, making sure they are not touching each other. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This method helps maintain a crispy crust while ensuring the ham and mozzarella cheese inside are perfectly reheated.

• On the stovetop, use a skillet over medium-low heat. Place the calzones in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the mozzarella cheese is melted and the calzones are warmed through. This method can help keep the crust crispy while ensuring even heating.

• Oven: Used to preheat and bake the calzones at the specified temperature.

• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the pizza dough into even circles.

• Baking sheet: Needed to place the calzones on for baking.

• Pastry brush: Used to brush olive oil on the tops of the calzones.

• Knife: Handy for dicing the ham and slicing the mushrooms.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the ham and mushrooms.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring out the oregano, basil, and olive oil.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure the tomato sauce.

• Mixing bowl: Useful for combining and mixing the filling ingredients if needed.

• Spatula: Helps in spreading the tomato sauce evenly on the dough circles.

• Fork: Can be used to crimp the edges of the calzones to seal them properly.

Prepare the filling: Dice the ham and slice the mushrooms in advance to save time during assembly.

Pre-made dough: Use store-bought pizza dough to cut down on preparation time.

Batch cooking: Make multiple calzones at once and freeze extras for quick meals later.

Efficient rolling: Roll out all dough circles at once to streamline the process.

Preheat oven early: Start preheating the oven before you begin assembling the calzones to ensure it's ready when you are.