Ingredients
Dough
- 1 lb pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- All-purpose flour (as needed for rolling)
Cheese Filling
- 1 cup (250g) fresh ricotta
- 4 ounces (113.4g) fresh mozzarella, grated
- 2 ounces (56.7g / ½ cup) Parmesan, grated
- 3 tablespoons (3.9g) chopped basil
- 1 teaspoon (1.8g) Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other Fillings
- ⅔ to 1 cup pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 6 oz (170g) cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup (70g) sliced mushrooms
- ½ to 1 cup (92.5g to 185g) sliced green bell pepper
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the calzones to a golden crisp.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ricotta, grated mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful cheese filling.
- Prepare Dough: Let the pizza dough rest at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes to relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out.
- Roll Dough Circles: On a floured surface, roll the dough into 4 or 5 individual circles of even thickness to form the calzone bases.
- Assemble Calzones: Spread pizza sauce on half of each dough circle, then layer cooked chicken, sliced mushrooms, green bell peppers, and the cheese mixture over the sauce.
- Seal Calzones: Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and press the edges together firmly to seal. Brush the tops with beaten egg to achieve a glossy, golden finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the calzones on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the calzones to cool slightly before serving to let the filling settle and avoid burns.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked chicken for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the amount of pizza sauce and fillings to your preference for moisture and taste.
- Make sure to seal the edges tightly to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- If desired, add red pepper flakes or garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Calzones can be reheated in the oven for a crisp finish or microwave for quick warming.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian