Golden

Why make calzones instead of pizza? Sometimes you just want all the pizza vibes without the mess . Calzones are like little pizza presents, warm, cheesy, and you get to make them your way!

Overhead shot of beautifully baked homemade calzones on parchment paper on a baking sheet, with a small cup of marinara dipping sauce. - 1

Why This Calzone Recipe Always Delivers

Customizable to the Max: Fill it with your favorite meats, veggies, and sauces for a combo that’s all your own.
Freezer-Friendly: Make extras and freeze for a quick, satisfying meal anytime.
No Soggy Bottoms Here: Baked to crispy perfection with just the right amount of crunch!

Calzone Ingredients

Overhead shot of labeled ingredients. - 2

Dough: I prefer to use my Homemade Pizza Dough recipe because it’s just so easy (and good!). But you can get store-bought pizza dough if you prefer. Be sure to thaw the dough if you buy it frozen.
Additional Fillings: Add any favorite pizza fillings! Sliced olives, diced bell pepper, diced red onion, mushrooms, or anything else you like.
Dipping Sauce: Try marinara sauce or Alfredo sauce to dip!

How to Make Homemade Calzone

My homemade calzone recipe is easier than you think! In no time, you’ll have golden, bubbly pockets of cheesy, savory goodness fresh from the oven. If you love handheld, stuffed pastries, be sure to try my homemade empanada and runzas .

Brown Meat: Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. In a small skillet over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the Italian sausage until it is evenly browned and fully cooked.
Prep the Dough: Cut the Homemade Pizza Dough into 4 equal pieces and roll each piece into an 8-inch round.
Add Ricotta: Divide the ricotta cheese and spread it evenly on one half of each calzone, leaving a ¼-inch border of dough exposed.
Assemble: Lay the sliced pepperoni on top of the ricotta. Sprinkle with the cooked sausage and mozzarella cheese. Add any additional fillings to the calzone at this point.
Seal the Dough: Fold the calzones in half, folding the dough over the fillings. Pinch and fold the edges together to seal the calzone tightly. Place the assembled calzones on the prepared baking sheet.
Make the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk the egg and water together to make an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over each calzone.
Add Cheese and Seasoning: Sprinkle the parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning evenly on each calzone and cut 3 slits in the top of each.
Bake: Place in the oven and bake the calzones for 15-18 minutes until they are golden brown and baked through. Let rest for a few minutes before enjoying with a dunk in pizza sauce .

Alyssa’s Pro Tip

Using canned veggies or pineapple? Make sure you drain well and gently squeeze out the extra liquid first. This keeps the crust crisp and golden.

Stack of calzones, with one cut in half. - 4

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the calzone without the egg wash and toppings, cover them, and store them in the fridge for up to 2 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, add the egg wash, topping, and cut 3 slits in each calzone.
Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Let them cool completely, then wrap each calzone tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F for 25–30 minutes, or until heated through and crispy on the outside.

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Ingredients1x2x3x

▢ 8 ounces mild Italian sausage
▢ 1 cup sliced pepperoni
▢ 1 Homemade Pizza Dough or store bought
▢ ½ cup ricotta cheese
▢ 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
▢ 1 egg
▢ 1 tablespoon water
▢ 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
▢ 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
In a small skillet over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the 8 ounces mild Italian sausage until it is evenly browned and fully cooked.
Cut the 1 Homemade Pizza Dough into 4 equal pieces and roll each piece into an 8-inch round.
Divide the ½ cup ricotta cheese and spread it evenly on one half of each calzone, leaving a ¼-inch border of dough exposed.
Lay the 1 cup sliced pepperoni on top of the ricotta and sprinkle with the cooked sausage and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese . Add any additional fillings to the calzone at this point.
Fold the calzones in half, folding the dough over the fillings. Pinch and fold the edges together to seal the calzone tightly. Place the assembled calzones on the prepared baking sheet.
In a small bowl, whisk the 1 egg and 1 tablespoon water together to make an egg wash, and brush the egg wash over each calzone.
Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese and 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning evenly on each calzone and cut 3 slits in the top of each.
Bake the calzones for 15-18 minutes until the calzones are golden brown and baked through. Let the calzones rest for a few minutes before enjoying.

Video

Notes

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

More Fun & Tasty Pizza Recipes

If you love pizza, you’re sure to fall head over heels for this homemade calzone. For more pizza-like dishes, try my Skillet Pizza , Easy Grilled Pizza , and Pizza Stuffed Crescent Rolls !

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Homemade Calzones