Description
These Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones are a delicious, easy-to-make Italian-inspired dish featuring a crispy golden crust filled with melted mozzarella, savory pepperoni, creamy ricotta, and seasoned marinara sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, they bake quickly in the oven and come with extra marinara for dipping.
Ingredients
Scale
Calzone Dough
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Filling
- 1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (optional, for creaminess)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Topping
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Divide the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, divide the pizza dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle about 6-8 inches in diameter.
- Fill the Calzones: Spread 2 to 3 tablespoons of marinara sauce on one half of each dough circle, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. Then layer half a cup of shredded mozzarella, a quarter cup of pepperoni slices, and a dollop of ricotta cheese if using. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder evenly over the filling for enhanced flavor.
- Fold & Seal: Carefully fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Firmly press the edges together, then crimp with the tines of a fork to seal the calzones fully and prevent any filling from leaking out during baking.
- Brush & Top: Place the sealed calzones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops generously with olive oil to promote golden browning. Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the tops for an extra cheesy crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the calzones turn a beautiful golden brown and the crust is crispy to the touch. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Use store-bought pizza dough for a quick option or homemade dough for a fresher taste.
- Ricotta cheese is optional but adds a creamy texture that complements the mozzarella and pepperoni.
- You can customize fillings by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
- Make sure to seal the edges well to avoid leakage during baking.
- Serve calzones warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
