Irresistible Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting mouthwatering pepperoni and cheese calzones can turn an ordinary evening into a delightful culinary adventure.

Stuffed pockets of golden dough promise pure comfort and satisfaction.

Crisp edges and melted cheese create an irresistible combination that beckons everyone to the table.

Homemade versions beat store-bought options by miles, delivering fresh flavors and personal touches.

Simple ingredients come together quickly, making these calzones perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals.

Packed with savory pepperoni and gooey cheese, each bite delivers a burst of classic Italian-inspired goodness.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and create something deliciously memorable that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones Special

• Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Transform simple ingredients into a delicious meal that everyone will love, perfect for satisfying hungry family members or friends.
• Master Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare these calzones with minimal prep work, making them an ideal option for busy cooks who want a delightful homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Easily swap ingredients or add personal favorite toppings to make these calzones uniquely yours, allowing endless flavor combinations and creativity.
• Bring Restaurant-Style Excitement Home: Enjoy a restaurant-quality dish right from your own oven, creating a fun and interactive meal that feels special without complicated techniques.

Ingredients Needed for Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones

• Pizza Dough: A versatile base that creates the perfect pocket for delicious fillings.

• Pepperoni Slices: Classic Italian-American meat that adds a spicy and savory flavor to the calzone.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A creamy, melty cheese that provides richness and stretchy texture.
• Pizza Sauce: A tangy tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional pizza flavor.

• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior on the calzone.
• Flour: Used for dusting the surface to prevent the dough from sticking.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking to the baking tray.

How to Prepare Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 210C (410F) using the fan bake setting. Grab a baking tray and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Shape the Dough

Take your pizza dough and divide it into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball.

On a surface lightly dusted with flour, roll out each ball into a perfect 20 cm (8-inch) circle.

Step 3: Layer Tasty Ingredients

Spread a delicious layer of pizza sauce on one half of each dough circle, making sure to leave a small border around the edges.

• Pepperoni slices
• Shredded mozzarella cheese

Step 4: Create Perfect Pockets

Fold the empty half of each dough circle over the toppings, creating a beautiful half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal in all the goodness.

For extra security, fold and twist the edges to create a tight seal.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Move your calzones to the prepared baking tray.

Using a sharp knife, cut two small vents on top of each calzone to allow steam to escape. Brush the tops with a light coating of olive oil.

Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and become beautifully crisp.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the calzones to cool for a brief 5 minutes.

This short rest helps the filling set and prevents burning your mouth. Serve hot and watch everyone dive in with excitement!

Tips to Perfect Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones

• Press down firmly on calzone edges to prevent filling from leaking during baking, creating a perfect seal with your fingertips or a fork.
• Use just a thin layer of pizza sauce to avoid making the dough soggy and ensure a crispy, golden-brown crust.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like provolone, parmesan, or a mix of cheeses to add extra flavor complexity to your calzones.
• Layer pepperoni evenly to guarantee each bite has a balanced mix of meat and cheese, preventing bland sections in the calzone.
• Use garlic-infused olive oil instead of plain olive oil to add an extra layer of aromatic richness to the calzone's exterior.

Flavor Variations of Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones

• Mediterranean Marvel: Replace pepperoni with chopped kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and diced sun-dried tomatoes for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Veggie Volcano: Swap pepperoni with roasted bell peppers, spinach, and ricotta cheese, creating a colorful and nutritious vegetarian alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Use chorizo sausage instead of pepperoni, add jalapeños, and sprinkle pepper jack cheese for a zesty, kick-up-the-heat version.
• Chicken Caprese Creation: Substitute pepperoni with grilled chicken, fresh basil leaves, sliced mozzarella, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elegant Italian-inspired calzone.

What to Serve With Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones

• Dip into Marinara Delight: Serve the calzones with a zesty marinara sauce for dipping, enhancing the pepperoni and cheese flavors with a tangy tomato kick.
• Sip Robust Red Wine Pairing: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, savory notes of the pepperoni and melted cheese.
• Crisp Side Salad Companion: Toss a light green salad with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the calzone's hearty texture and cut through its richness.
• Craft Beer Flavor Boost: Select an amber ale or hoppy IPA that can stand up to the bold pepperoni and cheese, creating a perfect casual dining experience.

Best Storage Tips for Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones

• Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each calzone individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Place cooled calzones in freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness. Separate each calzone with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Remove calzones from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Unwrap and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.

FAQs

• Can I use homemade pizza dough?

Yes, homemade pizza dough works perfectly. Just ensure it’s rolled out to the same thickness and size as specified in the recipe for consistent results.

• What if I don't have mozzarella cheese?

You can substitute with other melting cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses. The key is to use a cheese that melts well.

• Is it possible to make these calzones ahead of time?

You can prepare the calzones and refrigerate them before baking. Just add 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Pepperoni And Cheese Calzones Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering pepperoni and cheese calzones promise a delightful Italian-inspired culinary journey through crispy golden dough and melted cheese. Hearty fillings and perfect seasoning invite home cooks to savor each delicious bite of comfort and flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 500 grams (17.6 ounces) pizza dough
• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) pepperoni slices
• 160 grams (5.6 ounces) mozzarella cheese, shredded

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 4 tablespoons pizza sauce
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Dusting:

• Flour (for dusting work surface)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 210C (410F) with fan bake setting. Prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Separate pizza dough into four uniform portions, gently forming each into a smooth round ball. Using a floured work surface, roll each ball into a precise 20 cm circular shape.
3. Apply pizza sauce across one half of each dough circle, maintaining a clean 2 cm border around the outer edge. Strategically arrange pepperoni slices over the sauce, then generously distribute mozzarella cheese across the surface.
4. Carefully fold the uncovered dough half over the filling, creating a classic half-moon configuration. Press edges together firmly to create a tight seal, then artfully crimp and twist the border to ensure complete closure.
5. Delicately transfer assembled calzones onto the prepared baking tray. Create two small ventilation slits on top of each calzone using a sharp knife to allow steam escape. Lightly brush exposed surfaces with olive oil to promote golden browning.
6. Slide tray into preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the exterior transforms into a crisp, golden-brown shell. Remove from oven and allow calzones to rest for 5 minutes, permitting internal temperatures to stabilize before serving.

Notes

• Choose low-fat mozzarella or a dairy-free alternative to make the calzones lighter and more diet-friendly.
• Experiment with different protein fillings like chicken, ham, or vegetarian options like roasted vegetables for variety.
• Prevent soggy bottoms by preheating the baking tray and using a pizza stone for extra crispiness.
• Create a healthier version by using whole wheat pizza dough and adding spinach or arugula inside the calzone for extra nutrients.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg