Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

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16
servings
1 quart

Whole milk ricotta cheese

1 lb

Whole milk mozzarella

shredded

1 cup

Parmesan cheese

shredded

1 cup

Romano cheese

shredded

1 bunch

Fresh basil

julienned

16 unit

Baby spinach leaves

cooked and drained

1 unit

Red bell pepper

roasted, seeded, peeled and diced

1 lb

Italian sausage

cooked, 1/4 dice

8 unit

Prosciutto ham

1/4 dice

32 unit

Pizza dough

recipe

32 unit

Pasta sauce

for dipping

Step 1
~3 min

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2
~3 min

In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, romano cheese, and julienned fresh basil.

Step 3
~3 min

Season the cheese mixture with black pepper to taste.

Step 4
~3 min

Cover the cheese mixture and refrigerate.

Step 5
~3 min

Squeeze as much liquid as possible out of the cooked baby spinach.

Step 6
~3 min

Chop the spinach roughly.

Step 7
~3 min

Combine the chopped spinach with diced roasted red bell pepper.

Step 8
~3 min

Cover the spinach and red pepper mixture and refrigerate.

Step 9
~3 min

Combine diced cooked Italian sausage and diced prosciutto ham.

Step 10
~3 min

Cover the meat mixture and refrigerate.

Step 11
~3 min

Divide the pizza dough into 16 equal portions.

Step 12
~3 min

Roll each portion into a thin 6-inch circle, adding flour to the work surface as needed to prevent sticking.

Step 13
~3 min

Place 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the cheese mixture in the center of each dough circle.

Step 14
~3 min

For vegetarian calzones, use only the cheese filling. Divide meat and spinach fillings to suit diners.

Key Technique: Filling
Step 15
~3 min

Bring the dough from opposite sides of each circle to meet over the centered filling, taking care not to tear the dough.

Key Technique: Filling
Step 16
~3 min

Seal the edges by folding or pinching.

Step 17
~3 min

Repeat until all calzones are closed.

Step 18
~3 min

Distribute the calzones onto baking sheets covered in parchment paper, ensuring they do not touch.

Key Technique: Baking
Step 19
~3 min

Prick the tops of each calzone to vent steam.

Step 20
~3 min

Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 21
~3 min

Serve the calzones with pasta sauce for dipping.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

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.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

15 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Calzones can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side salad

Serve with garlic bread

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Caprese Salad
Garlic Bread

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Italy

Cultural Significance

A popular Italian street food and family meal.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Casual Gatherings
Family Dinners

Occasion Tags

Dinner
Party
Family Meal

Popularity Score

65/100

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