Follow these steps for perfect results
Whole milk ricotta cheese
Whole milk mozzarella
shredded
Parmesan cheese
shredded
Romano cheese
shredded
Fresh basil
julienned
Baby spinach leaves
cooked and drained
Red bell pepper
roasted, seeded, peeled and diced
Italian sausage
cooked, 1/4 dice
Prosciutto ham
1/4 dice
Pizza dough
recipe
Pasta sauce
for dipping
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, romano cheese, and julienned fresh basil.
Season the cheese mixture with black pepper to taste.
Cover the cheese mixture and refrigerate.
Squeeze as much liquid as possible out of the cooked baby spinach.
Chop the spinach roughly.
Combine the chopped spinach with diced roasted red bell pepper.
Cover the spinach and red pepper mixture and refrigerate.
Combine diced cooked Italian sausage and diced prosciutto ham.
Cover the meat mixture and refrigerate.
Divide the pizza dough into 16 equal portions.
Roll each portion into a thin 6-inch circle, adding flour to the work surface as needed to prevent sticking.
Place 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the cheese mixture in the center of each dough circle.
For vegetarian calzones, use only the cheese filling. Divide meat and spinach fillings to suit diners.
Bring the dough from opposite sides of each circle to meet over the centered filling, taking care not to tear the dough.
Seal the edges by folding or pinching.
Repeat until all calzones are closed.
Distribute the calzones onto baking sheets covered in parchment paper, ensuring they do not touch.
Prick the tops of each calzone to vent steam.
Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Serve the calzones with pasta sauce for dipping.
Expert advice for the best results
Brush the calzones with olive oil before baking for a golden crust.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.
Everything you need to know before you start
15 minutes
Calzones can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
Serve warm on a plate with a side of pasta sauce for dipping. Garnish with fresh basil.
Serve with a side salad
Serve with garlic bread
Pairs well with Italian flavors.
A light and refreshing complement.
Discover the story behind this recipe
A popular Italian street food and family meal.
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