Name: Homemade Calzones
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 1 h 43 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour (375 g); 1 teaspoon salt (6 g); 1 cup water (240 g); 1 teaspoon instant yeast (3 g); 1 teaspoon sugar (4 g); 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 g); ½ cup pizza sauce; 12 slices salami or pepperoni (about 4 oz.); 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes classic pizza flavors and turns them into a fun, portable dish. The homemade dough bakes into a soft yet chewy crust, while the filling of salami, mozzarella, ricotta, and sauce creates a cheesy, flavorful center. You can easily swap out fillings to suit your taste, making it a versatile dish for the whole family. Plus, calzones are freezer-friendly, so you can make extra to enjoy later.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3 cups all-purpose flour (375 grams)
1 teaspoon salt (6 grams)
1 cup water (240 grams)
1 teaspoon instant yeast (3 grams)
1 teaspoon sugar (4 grams)
1 tablespoon olive oil (15 grams)
½ cup pizza sauce
12 slices salami or pepperoni (about 4 oz.)
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Directions

In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, yeast, and sugar. Add water and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
Knead on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Punch down the dough and divide into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle, about 7–8 inches wide.
Spread a spoonful of pizza sauce on half of each circle, leaving a border around the edges.
Layer salami or pepperoni slices, then sprinkle mozzarella and spoon ricotta over the top.
Fold the dough over to enclose the filling, forming a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly with your fingers or a fork to seal.
Transfer calzones to the prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden crust.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 calzones.
Preparation time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour rising time)
Cooking time: 18 minutes
Cooling time: 5 minutes

Variations

Use cooked sausage, chicken in place of salami or pepperoni.
Add vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor.
Substitute pesto or Alfredo sauce for the pizza sauce.
Try different cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or feta.
Make mini calzones for appetizers or snacks.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes, or microwave for 1–2 minutes (oven reheating keeps the crust crispier). To freeze, wrap cooled calzones tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven until hot.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it until ready to use.

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Absolutely. Store-bought dough makes the recipe quicker and still delicious.

Do calzones need sauce inside or on the side?

Traditionally, sauce is served on the side for dipping, but including some inside adds extra flavor.

Can I freeze unbaked calzones?

Yes, assemble them and freeze on a baking sheet until solid. Then transfer to a bag and bake from frozen when ready.

How do I prevent calzones from leaking?

Avoid overfilling and be sure to seal the edges tightly. Brushing with egg wash before sealing helps.

Can I cook calzones in an air fryer?

Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes until golden and cooked through.

What’s the difference between a calzone and a stromboli?

Calzones are folded into a half-moon shape and usually served individually, while stromboli is rolled up and sliced.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Yes, just skip the meat and fill with vegetables and cheese instead.

How can I tell when calzones are done?

They should be golden brown on the outside and sound hollow when tapped lightly.

Can I use whole wheat flour for the dough?

Yes, replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a nuttier, healthier crust.

Conclusion

Homemade Calzones are a fun, versatile twist on pizza night. With their cheesy filling, savory meats, and perfectly baked crust, they’re satisfying enough for dinner yet easy to customize to your liking. Whether you serve them fresh from the oven or reheat them later, these calzones are sure to become a family favorite.