Calzone

A calzone is an irresistible Italian delight, often described as a folded pizza, but it’s much more than that. It features a golden, crispy crust filled with gooey cheese, savory meats, and fresh vegetables. This versatile dish can be customized to suit your favorite flavors, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it as a hearty lunch, dinner, or a crowd-pleasing party snack, calzones are sure to satisfy your cravings for a warm, cheesy meal. Serve with marinara sauce on the side for dipping, and you’re in for a real treat!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni, sausage, or cooked ham (optional)
• 1/2 cup sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach (optional)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Marinara sauce, for dipping

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, and your choice of fillings like pepperoni, ham, or vegetables.
3. Roll the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, divide the pizza dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle, about 8 inches in diameter.
4. Fill the Calzone: Place 1/4 of the filling mixture on one side of each dough circle, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
5. Seal the Edges: Press the edges of the dough together and crimp them with a fork to seal. Brush the top of each calzone with the beaten egg for a golden crust.
6. Bake: Place the calzones on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve: Let the calzones cool for a few minutes, then serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Enjoy your homemade calzones—crispy on the outside, cheesy and delicious on the inside!