Make a restaurant-worthy Italian dinner in the comfort of your own kitchen with this top-rated calzone recipe.
What Is a Calzone?
A calzone is a savory Italian turnover. It traditionally consists of a cheesy filling in a leavened dough and is served with marinara sauce on the side. The calzone originated in Naples in the 18th-century.
Calzone vs. Stromboli
Although “calzone” and “stromboli” are often used interchangeably, the two dishes are actually quite different. Here’s how:
- Calzones have Italian origins and are sealed with a fork. The sauce is traditionally served on the side.
- Stromboli, meanwhile, originated in the U.S. and are rolled into a spiral. The sauce is usually included in the filling.
Learn more: What's the Difference Between a Calzone and a Stromboli?
How to Make Calzones
You’ll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make homemade calzones:
- Make the dough, knead, and let rise.
- Make the filling and chill in the fridge.
- Punch the dough down and divide into two pieces.
- Roll the dough out into circles and fill.
- Fold the dough and use a fork to seal.
- Brush with a beaten egg and bake until golden brown.
What to Serve With Calzones
Serve these calzones with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping. They will also pair well with a fresh Italian side salad.
How to Store Calzones
Store your leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for up to three months.
Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise
“The dough turned out delicious,” raves Elizabeth Currier. “Just the right amount of salt and crunch; it had everything you'd want in a crust.”
“This is a marvelous recipe,” according to ozarkdaisygirl. “I have made it twice and we love it! The first time I didn't have ricotta cheese but it was still great! The next time I did add it and it was wonderful!”
“By far my favorite calzone recipe,” says Camille Brandenburg. “It tastes better than the calzones in restaurants. We always add in olives, spinach, garlic and it’s one of our favorite midweek meals.”
Editorial contributions by Corey Williams
Ingredients
Dough:
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1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
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1 cup warm water
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon white sugar
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1 teaspoon salt
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
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1 teaspoon olive oil
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1 large egg, beaten
Filling:
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1 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese
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½ cup ricotta cheese
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½ cup diced pepperoni
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½ cup sliced fresh mushrooms
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1 tablespoon dried basil leaves
Directions
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Make dough: Dissolve yeast in warm water in a mixing bowl; let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon oil, sugar, and salt; mix in 1 cup flour until smooth. Gradually stir in remaining flour until dough is smooth and workable.
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Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead dough until it is elastic, about 5 minutes. Place 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large bowl; lay dough in the bowl and flip to coat with oil. Cover and let rise until almost doubled in size, about 40 minutes.
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
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Meanwhile, make the filling: Combine Cheddar cheese, ricotta cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, and basil leaves in a medium bowl. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate to chill.
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet.
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Punch down dough; divide into 2 equal pieces. Roll each piece out on a lightly floured surface into 1/8-inch-thick circles. Fill each circle with 1/2 of the cheese and meat filling.
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Fold dough over filling to make a semicircle. Press edges down with the tines of a fork to seal. Brush the top of each calzone with beaten egg and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
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Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 30 minutes. Serve hot.
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| 335 | Calories |
| 17g | Fat |
| 32g | Carbs |
| 14g | Protein |
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings Per Recipe 8 | |
| Calories 335 | |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Total Fat 17g | 21% |
| Saturated Fat 7g | 36% |
| Cholesterol 64mg | 21% |
| Sodium 667mg | 29% |
| Total Carbohydrate 32g | 11% |
| Dietary Fiber 2g | 6% |
| Total Sugars 1g | |
| Protein 14g | 28% |
| Vitamin C 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium 179mg | 14% |
| Iron 3mg | 15% |
| Potassium 161mg | 3% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
