Easy Calzones
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. If using active dry yeast, let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. Instant yeast can simply be mixed straight in.
- Add the olive oil, salt, and flour. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Divide the dough into 4–6 pieces depending on how large you want your calzones.
- Roll each piece into a circle. Add fillings to one half of the dough, leaving a border around the edge.
- Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges tightly closed. Cut a small slit in the top so steam can escape while baking.
- Bake at 425°F / 220°C for about 15–20 minutes, or until the calzones are deep golden brown.
- Olive oil or melted butter
Notes
Tips for the Best Homemade Calzones
- Don’t overfill them or they may burst open while baking
- Pre-cook vegetables and meats before adding them
- Seal the edges tightly with your fingers or a fork
- Brush the tops before baking for a golden crust
- Leftovers reheat really well in the oven or air fryer
Emily’s Notes
These homemade calzones are one of my favorite meals to make because everyone gets to create their own. I simply set out the fillings, and each person builds the combination they love most before we wrap everything up in the soft homemade dough.
There’s something fun about turning dinner into an activity we do together. The kids love choosing their own ingredients, and I love that everyone ends up with a meal they’re excited to eat. It’s one of those recipes that feels a little special without being complicated.
The homemade dough is soft, flavorful, and worth the extra few minutes it takes to make. Once the calzones come out of the oven with their golden, crispy crust and warm, cheesy filling, they disappear fast around our table.
Whether you’re making these for a family pizza night, a cozy weekend dinner, or simply looking for a meal everyone can customize, I hope they become as much of a favorite in your home as they are in ours.
Pull Up a Chair
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Leave a comment below and let me know what you served it with. Some of our best dinner ideas have come from conversations around the table.
From Our Kitchen Notebook
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A Little About Me
I’m Emily — a wife, mom of three, and home cook who believes some of life’s best conversations happen around the table.
Our family moved back to Uganda after more than a decade away, and our kitchen has become a place where old favorites, new flavors, and everyday moments come together. Here, I share the recipes we actually make for our family—from homemade bread and simple weeknight dinners to treats worth baking again and again.
I’m so glad you stopped by. I hope you find something your family will love, too.
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Made with love,
Emily