Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones Recipe
These Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones are a perfect homemade twist on pizza, filled with melty cheese, savory pepperoni, and wrapped in soft pizza dough. They’re easy to make and perfect for lunch, dinner, or a party snack!
Ingredients:
- 1 package pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- ½ cup ricotta cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- Marinara sauce (for dipping, optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Dough:
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. You can use store-bought dough or make your own homemade dough.
- Cut the dough into 4 equal portions (or more if you want smaller calzones).
3. Fill the Calzones:
- In the center of each dough portion, place a 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, about 1/4 cup of sliced pepperoni, and a spoonful of ricotta cheese (if using).
- Sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
4. Fold and Seal:
- Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges together to seal tightly, ensuring the filling stays inside while baking.
- For extra sealing, you can use a fork to crimp the edges.
5. Egg Wash:
- Beat the egg and brush it over the top of the calzones. This gives them a nice golden color when baked.
- Optionally, brush the tops with olive oil to make them extra crispy.
6. Bake the Calzones:
- Place the calzones on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the calzones are golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve:
- Let the calzones cool for a couple of minutes before slicing.
- Serve with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips for Success:
- Add Veggies: You can customize the filling by adding sliced mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or any of your favorite pizza toppings.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the calzones ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Storage: Leftover calzones can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven to keep them crispy.
These Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones are a fun and delicious meal or snack that everyone will love. Perfectly golden on the outside and gooey on the inside, they’re sure to be a hit! 🍕🧀
