These sausage calzones are like little pockets of joy! Stuffed with tasty sausage, gooey cheese, and your favorite veggies, they’re perfect for lunch, dinner, or a snack!
Making calzones at home is a blast! I love to let everyone pick their fillings, and then bake them to golden perfection. It’s a hit at every gathering—trust me!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: You can choose mild or spicy sausage depending on your taste. If you don’t have sausage, ground beef or turkey can work too! Just add some Italian seasoning for flavor.
Pizza Dough: Store-bought dough saves time, but homemade is fantastic if you have a favorite recipe. You can also use puff pastry for a flakier texture!
Cheeses: Mozzarella is a must for that gooey texture, but feel free to mix in other cheeses like provolone or cheddar. If you’re dairy-free, look for plant-based cheese alternatives.
Vegetables: Add chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. These are great additions if you want to sneak in more veggies!
What’s the Best Way to Assemble Calzones?
Assembling calzones might seem tricky, but it’s simple with a few tips! Start by rolling out your dough into circles. Make sure to leave enough border—about an inch—so they don’t burst when baked.
- After filling, fold the dough carefully over the filling. Press the edges together smoothly to avoid leaks.
- Crimp the edges with a fork for a secure seal and a decorative touch!
- Always brush the tops with egg wash for a beautiful golden finish.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have perfectly sealed calzones ready to bake!
How to Make Delicious Sausage Calzones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, as preferred)
- 1 package (about 1 lb) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking sausage and onion)
- Marinara sauce, for serving
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and about 25 minutes of baking, giving you a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish. You’ll be enjoying your delicious sausage calzones in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Filling
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until you can smell that delicious aroma.
Next, crumble the Italian sausage into the skillet. Cook it while breaking it up with a spoon until it’s browned and fully cooked through—this will take about 6-8 minutes. If needed, drain any excess fat, but remember to leave enough for flavor!
3. Combine Seasonings
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to cool slightly while you prepare the cheese mixture.
4. Make the Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, ricotta, and grated Parmesan cheeses. This mix is going to add that creamy texture to your calzones!
5. Assemble the Calzones
On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Cut it into four equal portions or rounds.
Take one portion of the dough and place a generous spoonful of the sausage mixture on one half, leaving about a one-inch border along the edges. Top the sausage with a spoonful of the cheese mixture.
6. Fold and Seal
Fold the dough over to cover the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly and crimp them with a fork to seal it well.
7. Prepare for Baking
Brush the tops of the calzones with the beaten egg to give them a golden, shiny crust. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. If you’d like, sprinkle a little dried herb or coarse salt on top for extra flavor.
8. Bake to Perfection
Bake the calzones in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown and puffed up. The smell will be irresistible!
9. Cool and Serve
Once they’re done baking, remove the calzones from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping, and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Enjoy your homemade sausage calzones, bursting with flavors and melting cheese! Perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself!
Can I Use Other Meats Instead of Sausage?
Absolutely! Ground beef, turkey, or chicken can be used as alternatives. Just make sure to season them well to keep the flavor profile similar to the original recipe.
Can I Freeze Calzones for Later?
Yes, you can freeze them! Once baked, let the calzones cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and placing them in the freezer. They can be stored for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, just bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
What Should I Serve with Calzones?
Calzones pair beautifully with marinara sauce for dipping! You can also serve them with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a healthier option, add some steamed vegetables on the side.
How Can I Make Vegetarian Calzones?
If you want to make vegetarian calzones, simply replace the sausage with a mix of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach. You can add some extra cheese to enhance the flavor, and you’ll have a delicious meatless option!
