Introduction
Welcome to this delicious recipe for Easy Baked Pepperoni and Cheese Calzone. If you’re a fan of pizza and all things cheesy, then this recipe is a must-try. Calzones are a popular Italian dish that is essentially a folded pizza, filled with a variety of ingredients. In this recipe, we’ll be focusing on a classic combination of pepperoni and cheese, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons why you’ll fall in love with this Easy Baked Pepperoni and Cheese Calzone recipe. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to make, making it a perfect option for a quick weeknight meal or a lazy weekend dinner. The combination of crispy golden crust, gooey cheese, and savory pepperoni is simply irresistible. Plus, you can customize the filling to include your favorite ingredients, making it a versatile dish that everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients
For the dough:
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon instant yeast
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Additional flour for dusting
For the filling:
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup sliced pepperoni
– ½ cup marinara sauce
– Optional: additional toppings of your choice (such as onions, bell peppers, mushrooms)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar. Mix well.
2. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the warm water and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 4 equal portions. Roll out each portion into a circle, about 8 inches in diameter.
7. Spread marinara sauce on one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
8. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, and then layer the pepperoni slices on top.
9. Fold the empty half of the dough over the filling and press the edges together to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork to create a decorative pattern.
10. Transfer the calzones to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
11. Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Expert Tips for Success
– Make sure to use warm water for the dough, as it helps activate the yeast and allows the dough to rise properly.
– Kneading the dough for a sufficient amount of time is crucial for developing gluten, which gives the calzones a nice chewy texture.
– Feel free to experiment with different fillings and toppings. You can add vegetables, different types of cheese, or even cooked meats like sausage or bacon.
– If you prefer a crispier crust, brush the calzones with olive oil before baking.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can easily customize it to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are a few ideas:
– Vegetarian Calzone: Omit the pepperoni and add a variety of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions.
– Gluten-Free Calzone: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour.
– Vegan Calzone: Use dairy-free cheese and skip the pepperoni. Load up on your favorite vegetables for a delicious plant-based option.
Serving Suggestions
These Easy Baked Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones are a complete meal on their own, but you can enhance the dining experience with a few simple additions. Serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, or pair them with a fresh green salad for a lighter meal. You can also serve them with a side of garlic butter for extra flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
Q: Can I freeze the calzones?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked calzones for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Baked Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones are a delightful twist on traditional pizza. With their crispy crust, gooey cheese, and flavorful pepperoni, they are sure to satisfy your pizza cravings. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea or a fun recipe to make with friends and family, this calzone recipe is a winner. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious homemade meal that will transport you straight to Italy!
Easy Baked Pepperoni and Cheese Calzone
Enjoy this delicious recipe for Easy Baked Pepperoni and Cheese Calzone, a folded pizza filled with a classic combination of pepperoni and cheese. Crispy golden crust, gooey cheese, and savory pepperoni make this a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Additional flour for dusting
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- Optional: additional toppings of your choice (such as onions, bell peppers, mushrooms)
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar. Mix well.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the warm water and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 4 equal portions. Roll out each portion into a circle, about 8 inches in diameter.
- Spread marinara sauce on one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, and then layer the pepperoni slices on top.
- Fold the empty half of the dough over the filling and press the edges together to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork to create a decorative pattern.
- Transfer the calzones to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
