Italian Calzone
A golden, crispy pocket of dough stuffed with savory ricotta, mozzarella, and herbs, baked to perfection for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredients
- •1 lb (450g) store-bought or homemade pizza dough
- •1 cup (250g) whole milk ricotta cheese, drained
- •1.5 cups (150g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- •1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
- •1/2 cup (120ml) marinara sauce (for serving)
- •1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- •1 teaspoon dried oregano
- •1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- •1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- •1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up.
- 2
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
- 3
Divide the pizza dough into four equal pieces and roll each piece out on a floured surface into a 7-inch circle.
- 4
Spoon a generous portion of the cheese mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge.
- 5
Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and crimp the edges tightly with a fork to seal.
- 6
Cut two small slits on the top of each calzone to allow steam to escape during baking.
- 7
Brush the tops of the calzones with the beaten egg wash for a golden finish.
- 8
Transfer the calzones to the preheated baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and puffed.
- 9
Serve hot with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping.
💡 Chef tips
- Ensure the ricotta is well-drained using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to prevent the calzones from becoming soggy.
- You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time; keep the filled, unbaked calzones in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before baking.
- For a crispy bottom crust, place the calzones directly onto a preheated pizza stone dusted with a little cornmeal.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished calzone should have a blistered, golden-brown crust that yields to a warm, gooey, and aromatic cheese center with a fragrant herbal finish.