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
Scale
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.