Calzones are handheld, stuffed sandwiches, Italian-style.
Similar to a traditional pizza, a calzone features pizza sauce, cheese and a variety of toppings. But unlike a pizza, the calzone is folded over to form a pocket that encases the toppings inside. These handheld Italian sandwiches can be filled with nearly any type of meat, vegetable or cheese. Experiment with your favorite pizza toppings or try something completely new, such as ham, broccoli and cheese with a white sauce. Another popular serving method doesn't include the sauce inside the calzone, but instead is served with a side of marinara for dipping.
Instructions
Dough Instructions
1. Pour 1 cup of hot water into a large mixing bowl. Dissolve 1 tbsp. of sugar in the water.
2. Sprinkle 2 tbsp. of active dry yeast on top of the hot water. Leave it to sit until it begins to foam, usually within 10 minutes.
3. Stir 1 tbsp. of oil and 1 tsp. of salt into the yeast mixture. Add 2 cups of flour and mix to combine.
4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead up to 1 1/2 more cups of flour into the dough, adding flour until it's smooth and no longer sticky.
5. Coat a mixing bowl with oil. Place the dough ball in the bowl, cover with a cloth and allow it to rise until doubled in size.
6. Push the dough down, deflating it. Divide it into four equal-sized pieces and allow these to rise until nearly double in size.
Calzone Construction
7. Roll each dough ball out on a floured surface. Roll until the dough makes a rough 8-inch circle and is approximately 1/4-inch thick. Lay the dough circles on a greased baking sheet.
8. Place 2 tbsp. of pizza sauce on 1/2 of each circle. Spread the sauce over the half to within 1/2 an inch of the edge.
9. Layer your calzone filling on top of the sauce. Fill with cooked meats, such as pepperoni, sausage and ham, most vegetables and cheese. Use your favorite pizza toppings as inspiration.
10. Fold the untopped half of the calzone over, covering the filling. Fold the edges of the dough under, pinching them to seal in the filling.
11. Cut a slit in the top of so steam can escape while baking. Beat an egg in a small bowl, then brush the egg wash over the top of each calzone with a pastry brush. Sprinkle the tops with parmesan and parsley.
12. Place the calzones in a preheated 375 degree Fahrenheit oven. Bake for 20 minutes or until the dough is golden on top.
Tags: your favorite pizza, cups flour, dough ball, each calzone, favorite pizza, favorite pizza toppings