If you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and packed with bold Italian flavors, the Cheesy Italian Sausage and Pepperoni Calzones Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine biting into a golden, crispy calzone bursting with juicy Italian sausage, zesty pepperoni, fresh veggies, and melty mozzarella all folded inside a soft, chewy crust. This recipe brings together classic pizza ingredients in a convenient handheld form that’s perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or anytime you want a comforting meal with a little pizzazz. It’s a dish that satisfies every craving and delivers a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and cheesy goodness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each component plays a vital role in building the irresistible flavors and textures you want in your calzones. From the spicy Italian sausage to the fresh veggies and gooey mozzarella, every ingredient shines and complements the others perfectly.
- 8 oz. Italian sausage: Cooked into crumbles, it adds hearty, spiced meatiness that’s the soul of this calzone.
- 2 lbs. pizza dough: Use store-bought or homemade—this forms the soft, chewy pocket that holds all your fillings.
- 1 cup pizza sauce: Provides a tangy, herby base that moistens and flavors every bite.
- ½ cup pepperoni: Adds a smoky, slightly spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the sausage.
- ½ cup chopped onion: Brings subtle sweetness and crunch for dimension.
- 1 green bell pepper: Chopped, it brings fresh, crisp texture and a mild peppery note.
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms: Offers earthiness and moisture that balance the rich meat and cheese.
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella: The star cheese that melts into luscious gooeyness inside the calzone.
- 1 egg + 2 tsp water: Combined for an egg wash that creates a golden, shiny crust.
How to Make Cheesy Italian Sausage and Pepperoni Calzones Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F to get it ready for baking those perfect golden calzones. While the oven warms up, divide your pizza dough into four equal pieces and shape each piece into a smooth ball. This chunking is crucial so each calzone has the perfect portion of dough to hold all the delicious fillings inside without bursting.
Step 2: Roll and Fill
On a lightly floured surface, roll out each dough ball into a flat circle, about 8 inches in diameter. The dough should be thin enough to fold over easily but thick enough to hold your hefty fillings. Spoon the pizza sauce onto just half of each dough circle—that way, you create a built-in barrier against sogginess while adding that tangy tomato punch. Next, layer on your cooked Italian sausage crumbles, pepperoni slices, chopped onions, green peppers, mushrooms, and a generous blanket of shredded mozzarella. Each ingredient adds a unique flavor and texture that makes this calzone sing.
Step 3: Seal and Vent
To prevent the calzones from opening during baking, dip your pointer finger into water and run it along the edge of the dough. This little trick helps pinch the dough edges tightly together, creating an airtight seal around your tasty filling. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and press firmly to seal. Then, carefully cut two small slits on the top of each calzone—this step allows steam to escape for a perfectly crispy crust without soggy insides.
Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake
Whisk your egg and water together to make an egg wash, then brush it evenly over the tops of the calzones. This will give your calzones that irresistible golden-brown shine once baked. Place them on a baking sheet and slide them into your preheated oven. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the tops are a gorgeous golden brown and the filling is bubbling inside. Trust me, the aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water!
How to Serve Cheesy Italian Sausage and Pepperoni Calzones Recipe
Garnishes
To make your calzones look as good as they taste, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or chopped fresh basil right after baking adds a burst of flavor and vibrant color. Some crushed red pepper flakes on the side give a nice little kick for those who like heat. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also add a silky, flavorful finish.
Side Dishes
Pair your calzones with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or a simple Caesar salad to cut through the richness. Roasted or garlic sautéed vegetables like broccoli or zucchini also make a delicious complement. And don’t forget a side of marinara or ranch dressing for dipping every cheesy bite!
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to elevate your Cheesy Italian Sausage and Pepperoni Calzones Recipe for a party or family gathering, slice them into smaller wedges for easy sharing. You can also turn them into a fun buffet station with assorted dipping sauces like spicy arrabbiata or creamy garlic aioli. Individual calzones wrapped like little parcels with colorful parchment paper add a charming rustic touch that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover calzones can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They stay flavorful and moist if you reheat them gently. Wrap them in foil or place them on a baking sheet for best texture during reheating.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze uncooked calzones on a parchment-lined sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. You can freeze cooked calzones too but expect a slight difference in texture. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheating your calzones in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F ensures the crust stays crisp and the inside heats evenly. Avoid microwaving if possible as it can make the dough rubbery. Cover the calzones loosely with foil to prevent over-browning if reheating for longer periods.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked sausage for this calzones recipe?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked sausage works great and even saves you time. Just crumble it evenly over the dough with the other fillings before folding.
What type of pizza dough is best for calzones?
Either store-bought or homemade pizza dough works beautifully. Look for dough that’s pliable but sturdy enough to hold fillings without tearing.
Can I substitute mozzarella with another cheese?
Yes, you can use provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses to get different flavors and melting textures, but mozzarella is the classic choice for its creamy melt.
How do I prevent the calzones from getting soggy?
Make sure to spread sauce only on half the dough and don’t overload fillings. Also, cutting those vent slits allows steam to escape and keeps the crust crisp.
Can I make these calzones vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the sausage and pepperoni, and load up on veggies and extra cheese. You can also add ingredients like spinach, olives, or artichokes for extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to impress with a comforting, flavorful, and fun recipe, don’t hesitate to try the Cheesy Italian Sausage and Pepperoni Calzones Recipe. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy all the best parts of pizza wrapped up in a golden, crunchy package that’s perfect for sharing or savoring solo. Once you make these, they’ll quickly become one of your go-to family favorites for any day of the week.
Print
Cheesy Italian Sausage and Pepperoni Calzones Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 calzones (serves 4)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Delicious homemade calzones filled with Italian sausage, pepperoni, fresh vegetables, and melted mozzarella cheese, baked to golden perfection. These handheld pizza pockets are perfect for a satisfying meal or snack.
Ingredients
Filling
- 8 oz. Italian sausage, cooked into crumbles
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- ½ cup pepperoni
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Dough
- 2 lbs. pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the calzones.
- Divide Dough: Cut the pizza dough into 4 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball for easy rolling.
- Roll Dough: On a floured surface, roll out each dough ball into a flat circle suitable for folding over the filling.
- Add Filling: Spread pizza sauce on half of each dough circle. Then layer on cooked Italian sausage, pepperoni, chopped onion, green bell pepper, sliced mushrooms, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Seal Edges: Dip your finger in water and run it along the edges of the dough to help seal. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, then pinch the edges firmly to seal completely.
- Vent Calzones: Using a sharp knife, cut 2 small slits on top of each calzone to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Whisk together the egg and water, then brush this egg wash evenly over the tops of the calzones for a golden, shiny finish.
- Bake: Place the calzones on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the tops turn golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
Notes
- You can customize the filling with your favorite pizza toppings such as olives, sausage, or different cheeses.
- For extra crispiness, bake calzones on a preheated pizza stone or baking steel.
- Make sure to seal the edges tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out while baking.
- If using store-bought dough, allow it to come to room temperature for easier handling.
