Pepperoni and Ricotta Calzone
A classic pizzeria favorite made right at home! These calzones are stuffed with spicy pepperoni, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, then baked to golden-brown perfection. Perfect for a fun family dinner.
For 4 servings
7 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)
- a.Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Let your pizza dough rest at room temperature while you prepare the filling.
- 2
Step 2
- a.In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, sliced pepperoni, 1 large egg, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
- 3
Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal portions
- a.On a lightly floured surface, roll one portion of dough into an 8-inch circle, about 1/4-inch thick. Spoon one-quarter of the cheese and pepperoni filling onto one half of the dough circle, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge.
- 4
Fold the empty half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape
- a.Press the edges together firmly. To seal, you can either crimp the edges with a fork or fold the edge over itself to create a rope-like seal. Repeat this process for the remaining 3 calzones.
- 5
Carefully transfer the assembled calzones to the prepared baking sheet
- a.In a small bowl, whisk the remaining large egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of each calzone with the egg wash. Using a sharp knife, cut two or three small slits in the top of each calzone to allow steam to escape during baking.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is a deep golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C).
- 7
Step 7
- a.Remove the calzones from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheesy filling to set slightly and prevents burns. Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a crispier bottom crust, preheat your baking sheet or a pizza stone in the oven before placing the calzones on it.
- 2Don't overfill the calzones. It's tempting, but it's the most common reason they burst open while baking.
- 3Ensure the edges are sealed very tightly to prevent the cheesy filling from leaking out.
- 4If your ricotta cheese seems very watery, strain it through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve for 30 minutes to an hour before using.
- 5Using room temperature dough is crucial; it's much more pliable and easier to roll out without shrinking back.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the pepperoni with 1 cup of sautéed spinach (squeezed dry) and 8 oz of sliced, sautéed mushrooms.
Meat Lover'sMeat Lover's
Add 1/2 cup of cooked and crumbled Italian sausage and 4 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon to the pepperoni filling.
SpicySpicy
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the filling for an extra kick of heat.
White CalzoneWhite Calzone
Omit the pepperoni and add 1 clove of minced fresh garlic and 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley to the cheese filling. Serve with a side of garlic butter or alfredo sauce instead of marinara.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The combination of cheese (ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan) and pepperoni provides a significant amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Calcium
Dairy products like ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese are packed with calcium, a vital mineral for maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as supporting nerve and muscle function.
Frequently asked questions
A single calzone made according to this recipe contains approximately 750-850 calories, depending on the specific brands of dough, cheese, and pepperoni used. This does not include the marinara dipping sauce.