Are you constantly reaching for the delivery menu whenever a pizza craving hits? Well, it's time to put those delivery apps aside and embark on a culinary adventure right in your own kitchen. Calzones are the perfect solution to satisfy your pizza desires while adding a fun and customizable twist. These folded pockets of deliciousness are stuffed with a variety of mouth - watering ingredients, making them a versatile and exciting meal option.
Let's start with the basics. A calzone is essentially a folded pizza. Instead of spreading your toppings on a flat pizza crust, you encase them inside a circular piece of dough, creating a handheld, portable meal. The beauty of calzones lies in their flexibility. You can use any ingredients you love, whether it's classic Italian flavors or more adventurous combinations.
One of the most popular calzone fillings is roasted vegetables. Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and intensifies their flavors. To make a roasted vegetable calzone, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Chop up your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and mushrooms. Toss them in olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a bit of dried herbs like rosemary and thyme. Roast them in the oven for about 20 - 25 minutes until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
While the vegetables are roasting, prepare your pizza dough. You can use store - bought dough or make your own from scratch. Roll the dough into a large circle on a floured surface. Once the vegetables are ready, let them cool slightly and then spread them over half of the dough circle. Add a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the vegetables. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, pressing the edges together firmly to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure the calzone doesn't open up during baking.
Brush the top of the calzone with a bit of egg wash (a mixture of one egg and a tablespoon of water) for a golden, crispy crust. Bake the calzone in the preheated oven for about 20 - 25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into it. The roasted vegetables, combined with the gooey cheese and the crispy crust, create a symphony of flavors in every bite.
If you're a fan of spicy flavors, a Buffalo chicken calzone is a must - try. Start by cooking some chicken breasts in a skillet with a bit of olive oil until they are cooked through. Shred the chicken and toss it in a bowl with your favorite Buffalo sauce. You can adjust the amount of sauce depending on how spicy you like it. Prepare your pizza dough as before and roll it into a circle. Spread a layer of ranch or blue cheese dressing on half of the dough, followed by the Buffalo chicken, shredded mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of chopped celery.
Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges. Brush the top with egg wash and bake in the oven for 20 - 25 minutes. The combination of the spicy Buffalo chicken, the cool ranch dressing, and the melted cheese is simply irresistible. It's like having a spicy chicken pizza in a convenient, handheld form.
Another classic calzone filling is ham and cheese. This is a simple yet delicious option that never fails to please. Start by slicing some ham into thin strips. Roll out your pizza dough and spread a layer of tomato sauce on half of the dough. Add the ham strips and a generous amount of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese. You can also add a few slices of tomato or some fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor.
Fold the dough over the filling, seal the edges, and brush with egg wash. Bake in the oven for the same amount of time as the other calzones. The salty ham, the tangy tomato sauce, and the melted cheese create a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for any time of the day.
Calzones are not only delicious but also a great way to get creative in the kitchen. You can experiment with different fillings, such as seafood, vegetarian options, or even sweet fillings for a dessert calzone. So, the next time you're craving pizza, skip the delivery and try making one of these easy calzone recipes. You'll be amazed at how simple and rewarding it is to create your own personalized calzones right at home.
Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, calzones are a crowd - pleaser. They are easy to make, customizable, and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic butter. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the calzone - making fun begin!