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
Scale
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.
