If you are looking for a mouthwatering, comforting Italian-American treat to whip up for dinner or a gathering, this Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine pockets of golden, crispy dough filled with gooey mozzarella, creamy ricotta, zesty marinara, and just the right amount of spicy pepperoni. Each bite delivers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that feels like a warm embrace. These calzones are easy to make, customizable, and perfect for sharing with family and friends, making them a total winner in my book.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each playing a crucial role in building the perfect calzone. The balance of cheese, seasoned sauce, and pepperoni brings richness and a vibrant flavor balance, while the dough offers the perfect base texture and structure.
- 1 pound pizza dough: Whether store-bought or homemade, this forms the warm, chewy calzone casing that holds everything together.
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce: A tangy and herby spread that adds a luscious base and keeps the filling moist.
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The classic melty cheese that delivers gooey goodness in every bite.
- ½ cup ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and a subtle sweetness, balancing the sharper flavors perfectly.
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni: Provides a spicy, savory kick to the cheese blend, making the calzones irresistibly flavorful.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs that enhances the filling’s aromatic profile.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses subtle garlic notes without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Brushed on top to ensure a golden, crisp crust with a hint of richness.
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top before baking for added flavor and a delicate crispness.
How to Make Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, on a lightly floured surface, divide your pizza dough into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a beautiful 6 to 8-inch circle. This size is perfect for folding over and creating those classic half-moon shapes.
Step 2: Mix the Cheese Filling
In a bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, creamy ricotta, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. This mixture forms the cheesy heart of your calzones, delivering a rich and savory flavor that’s hard to resist.
Step 3: Assemble the Calzones
Spread a spoonful of marinara sauce on one half of each dough circle, keeping a small border around the edges so the sauce doesn’t escape during baking. Next, add a generous spoonful of your cheese mixture and lay down a few pepperoni slices on top. These layers will create a perfect harmony of flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Seal and Finish
Carefully fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and pinch the edges tightly to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges – this not only helps seal but also gives your calzones a charming, rustic look. Place them on your prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with olive oil to promote that golden crispness. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top for an extra touch of flavor. Don’t forget to cut a small slit on the top of each calzone to let steam escape and keep the crust from getting soggy.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your calzones for 15 to 18 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and are cooked through. Once out of the oven, let them cool slightly – this step helps the filling set so you don’t lose a flood of cheesy goodness when you bite in.
How to Serve Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley over the calzones just before serving brightens the dish with color and a little fresh herbal fragrance. You might also like a dusting of extra grated Parmesan on top for that perfect finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Serve these calzones alongside a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted vegetables or a light tomato soup can also make excellent accompaniments that keep the meal well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving calzones family-style on a large wooden board adds a rustic charm that invites everyone to dig in. Alternatively, cut them into halves or quarters for a party platter that’s easy to share. If you want to add fun, offer an array of dipping sauces like extra marinara, garlic butter, or even spicy ranch for a flavor adventure.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and tasty for 2 to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or snacks.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked calzones by shaping and sealing them as usual, then wrapping individually in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through and the crust is crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the crust chewy instead of crisp and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to try provolone, fontina, or even a sharp cheddar to mix things up. Just keep a balance so you maintain that creamy, melty texture.
Is it necessary to add Italian seasoning and garlic powder?
While you can skip them, these spices really boost flavor and give the filling a delicious herbaceous note that complements the cheese and pepperoni perfectly.
Can I make these calzones vegan or dairy-free?
Definitely! Swap out the cheeses for dairy-free alternatives and use vegan pizza dough, along with plant-based pepperoni or veggies. The fundamental steps stay the same, so you won’t miss out on the comfort factor.
Can I add other fillings to this Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones Recipe?
Yes! Mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or cooked sausage all make fantastic additions or substitutions to customize these calzones to your liking.
What’s the best way to get a crispier crust?
Preheating a baking stone or inverting a sheet pan inside the oven helps conduct heat evenly and crisps the bottom beautifully. Brushing the tops with olive oil also helps create that irresistible golden crust.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe this Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones Recipe is a delightful way to bring friends and family together around a table full of warmth and flavor. Easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and absolutely delicious, these calzones are sure to become a cherished favorite for any occasion. Give them a try—you may find yourself making them again and again!
Print
Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 4 calzones
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones are a delicious homemade Italian-American treat featuring a crispy, golden crust filled with a melty blend of mozzarella and ricotta cheeses, savory pepperoni, and Italian seasonings. Perfect for a hearty main course, they bake quickly to a golden brown and are ideal for serving with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Dough and Sauce
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce (plus more for dipping)
Cheese and Filling
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Toppings and Finishing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Roll Out Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and divide the pizza dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a 6 to 8-inch circle, creating the base for each calzone.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until well blended.
- Assemble Calzones: Spread about a spoonful of marinara sauce on one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges. Add a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture over the sauce, then top with a few slices of pepperoni.
- Fold and Seal: Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges firmly together and use a fork to crimp the edges, ensuring the filling is sealed inside.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the calzones to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops evenly with olive oil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and a golden crust.
- Vent and Bake: Cut a small slit on the top of each calzone to allow steam to escape during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the calzones to cool slightly after baking—this helps to set the filling and makes them easier to handle. Serve warm with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives for extra flavor and texture.
- For a crispier crust, preheat a baking stone or invert a sheet pan in the oven before placing the calzones to bake.
