Making homemade calzones is simple and makes a delicious weeknight or weekend meal. They’re easy to personalize so each person can fill theirs with favorite pizza toppings. The result is a chewy crust encasing melted cheese, sausage, pepperoni, peppers and more.
If my kids could choose between making a pizza or a calzone, they’d pick the calzone almost every time. They’re fun to assemble and even more fun to eat — perfect finger food for casual family meals.
Calzones are packed with gooey cheese and fresh vegetables like mushrooms and peppers, plus any meats you love. Serve with pizza sauce for dipping for an irresistible combo.
How to Make Calzones
Start with a basic pizza dough recipe. Divide the dough into six balls so everyone can make an individual calzone; for two larger calzones, split the dough into two equal portions.
Roll each dough ball into a large circle. Add shredded cheese and your chosen toppings to one half of the circle — do not add sauce inside the calzone. Leave about a one-inch border around the edge so you can seal it.
Carefully fold the dough over the toppings, then twist and press the edges together from one end to the other to create a tight seal.
Brush the top of each calzone with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with garlic salt before baking to add flavor and encourage browning.
How to Cook a Calzone at Home
You can bake perfect calzones in a home oven. For best results, place a pizza stone in the oven — or use a baking sheet if you don’t have one — and preheat to 425ºF so the surface is hot when the calzones go in.
After assembling, transfer each calzone to the hot stone or baking sheet. Dust the bottom lightly with flour to prevent sticking, or lightly oil the baking sheet.
Bake for about 15–20 minutes, until the crust is golden and crisp and the filling is hot and melted. Let cool a few minutes, then serve with pizza sauce for dipping.
Homemade Calzone Recipe
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Homemade Calzone Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough recipe
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage
- 12 pepperoni slices
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 4 mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
Instructions
- Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven and preheat to 425ºF.
- Make pizza dough and divide into six equal portions; roll each into a circle.
- Place cheese and toppings on one half of each circle, leaving a one-inch border.
- Fold the dough over the toppings and twist the edges to seal. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic salt.
- Place on the heated pizza stone or greased baking sheet and bake 15–20 minutes, until golden and crisp.
Notes
- Customize each calzone with favorite pizza toppings and serve with pizza sauce for dipping.
Nutrition
Calzones are easy to customize so everyone can enjoy their favorite toppings. They deliver a satisfying chewy crust and a hot, cheesy filling that’s perfect for family meals and gatherings.