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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 210C (410F) with fan bake setting. Prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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