Hey foodies! It’s Jacob Allen from Beyond the Bayou Blog, your go-to for delicious global cuisine. Today, let’s talk about a mouthwatering dish: Tropical Calzones.
As I collect the ingredients for these calzones, memories of my tropical adventures come back. I thought about exploring vibrant markets, running on sandy beaches, and enjoying their local food.
One memory stands out sharply. I stopped upon a cozy pizzeria on the Maui island. I smelled the fresh dough and wanted to try their famous calzones. They were golden, cheesy, and tasted amazing, reminding me of my trip with every bite.
Difference Between Calzones And Stromboli
Calzones are like empanadas, with a sealed outer layer, good for eating on the go. Stromboli is rolled up and sliced for sharing. They have similar ingredients but different ways of serving.
Overview: How to Make Calzones Recipe?
Calzones are like folded pizzas, but with a fun twist! Instead of a flat pizza shape, calzones are folded over into a pocket, making them super tasty and easy to eat with your hands.
To make calzones, we start with pizza dough as the base. Then, we add all sorts of yummy fillings, like gooey mozzarella cheese and tasty marinara sauce. You can even customize your calzones with your favorite toppings, like pepperoni, sausage, or veggies – whatever you like on your pizza!
Once we’ve stuffed the calzones with all the good stuff, we bake them in the oven until the crust is golden and crispy on the outside, with a warm, cheesy center. It’s a simple but super satisfying dish that everyone will love, even picky eaters!
Calzones are perfect for a quick and easy dinner or a fun twist on pizza night. They’re so yummy and easy to make, they’ll sure to become a new family favorite in no time. So, let’s get baking and enjoy some tasty calzones together!
Calzone Recipe
Equipment
- Rolling Pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup cooked sausage crumbles
- 1/2 cup chopped vegetables
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into individual circles, about 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) in diameter.
- Spoon a generous amount of pizza sauce onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then add your desired fillings, such as pepperoni, cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, or a combination of ingredients.
- Carefully fold the other half of the dough over the fillings to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together to seal, then crimp with a fork to ensure they are tightly closed.
- Transfer the calzones to the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
- Optional: Brush the tops of the calzones with beaten egg for a shiny finish and extra flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
- Enjoy your homemade calzones hot out of the oven, either on their own or with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Buon appetito!
Notes
- Ensure to properly seal the edges of the calzone to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
- You can customize the fillings according to your preference, such as adding extra cheese, different meats, or additional vegetables.
Nutrition
Time For My Personal Tips!
Tip 1: I always pre-cook any raw vegetables before adding them as fillings. This ensures they release less moisture during baking, stopped the calzone from becoming soggy.
Tip 2: To get a beautifully golden and crispy crust, I brush the top of each calzone with a beaten egg wash before baking. It adds a lovely shine and extra flavor to the dough.
Tip 3: Don’t overload your calzones with fillings. It’s tempting to stuff them to the brim, but too much filling can cause them to burst open while baking. Stick to a normal amount for the good balance of everything.
Baking Calzones in Your Home Oven
First, I set my oven rack in the middle position and preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Then, I line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Next, I shape my calzone and carefully place it on the prepared baking sheet. Into the oven it goes for about 10 minutes.
After the initial 10 minutes, I lower the oven temperature to 400°F (204°C), rotate the pan 180°, and continue baking. I keep an eye on it until the exterior crust turns a beautiful deep golden brown, which usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes more.
And there you have it—freshly baked calzones right out of my home oven!
What to Serve With Calzone Recipe?
Variations:
For this recipe, I’ve filled my calzone with a simple mix of onions, tomatoes, capsicum, and cheese. However, feel free to get creative with your fillings! You can use other vegetables like zucchini, sweet corn, or broccoli to customize your calzone to your liking.
As for the sauce, a basic tomato sauce is essential. I typically use my homemade pasta sauce with basil as a pizza sauce for added flavor. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different sauces or add extra herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.
Storing Calzones:
Freezing: After preparing your calzones, you have the option to freeze them whether they are raw or cooked. Let distribute them on a baking sheet in a single layer and allow them to freeze completely. Once frozen, put them to an airtight container or a freezer-safe plastic bag for storage.
Reheating: To reheat frozen calzones, put them in the refrigerator for approx 3 hours. If you’re heating from frozen, adjust the cooking time according to that. For raw calzones, bake them with the recipe instructions. If reheating cooked calzones, bake them for half the original time or until heated through. Now thanks me later and Enjoy your calzones again with minimal effort!
Can I Make the Calzone Dough from Scratch?
Making calzone dough from scratch is a good option if you prefer homemade dough. You’ll need basic ingredients like flour, yeast, water, salt, and a bit of olive oil. There are many simple recipes available online to guide you through the process.
Can I Make Mini Calzones for Appetizers or Parties?
Mini calzones are the perfect appetizer or party food! You can easily make them by dividing the dough into smaller pieces and stuffing them with your favorite toppings. Bake them until they’re nice and golden brown, then serve them warm with some marinara sauce or another tasty dipping sauce. Your guests are gonna love these little pockets of cheesy goodness!