Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones

Introduction

Calzones are a delicious, handheld alternative to traditional pizza, featuring a crispy golden crust filled with gooey melted cheese, savory pepperoni, and flavorful sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner, a snack, or even meal prepping, these homemade calzones are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.

Making calzones at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients, ensuring fresh, homemade dough and flavorful fillings. They can be baked to perfection with a crispy, golden-brown crust while keeping the inside cheesy and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a pizza night, packing lunch, or freezing them for later, this recipe is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Customizable – Swap out fillings for your favorite meats, cheeses, and veggies.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Ideal for dinner, parties, or meal prepping.
• Kid-Friendly – A fun meal that the whole family will love.
• Freezer-Friendly – Make a batch ahead of time and freeze them for a quick and easy meal option.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Pizza cutter or sharp knife
• Pastry brush
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small whisk or fork

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• ¾ cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Filling:

• 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup ricotta cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
• ½ cup pepperoni slices
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

Egg Wash Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
3. Add olive oil and the yeast mixture to the flour and mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Fillings

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a small bowl, mix the mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.

3. Assemble the Calzones

1. Divide the dough into four equal portions and roll each into an 8-inch circle.
2. Spread a spoonful of marinara sauce onto one half of each circle, leaving a ½-inch border.
3. Add a generous amount of the cheese mixture and place pepperoni slices on top.
4. Fold the dough over the filling, pressing the edges to seal.
5. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a secure seal.
6. Use a knife to make a couple of small slits on top to allow steam to escape.

4. Bake the Calzones

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash.
2. Brush the tops of the calzones with the egg wash and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
3. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
• Pair with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Add extra toppings like olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers for variety.
• Enjoy with a side of garlic butter or ranch dressing for extra flavor.

Tips for the Best Calzones

• Seal the edges well to prevent filling from leaking out during baking.
• Use a pizza stone for an extra crispy crust.
• Don’t overfill the calzones, as too much filling can cause them to burst.
• Make ahead – Prepare the calzones and freeze them before baking for a quick meal later.
• Brush with olive oil instead of egg wash if you want a dairy-free option.
• Try different cheeses like provolone or cheddar for a unique twist.

Variations

• Vegetarian Calzones – Swap the pepperoni for mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers.
• Meat Lovers’ Calzones – Add cooked sausage, ham, or bacon for an extra meaty bite.
• Buffalo Chicken Calzones – Use shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles.
• BBQ Chicken Calzones – Replace marinara sauce with BBQ sauce and add shredded chicken and red onions.
• Supreme Calzones – Add bell peppers, onions, black olives, and Italian sausage for a loaded flavor.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes! Store-bought dough works great if you’re short on time.

Can I make these calzones vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the pepperoni for mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

Can I freeze calzones?
Yes! Freeze unbaked calzones on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes.

Can I air-fry calzones?
Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.

Conclusion

Homemade pepperoni and cheese calzones are a fun and delicious alternative to pizza. With a crispy crust, gooey cheese, and flavorful pepperoni, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, game night, or meal prep, this recipe is easy, tasty, and versatile. Try this recipe today and enjoy a homemade meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make!