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easy calzones

Easy Calzones

These calzones are made with a soft, easy homemade dough that comes together with simple pantry ingredients and bakes up beautifully golden in the oven. They’re cozy, filling, and honestly feel a little like pizza night—but even better.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rise Time for Dough 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: dinner, lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough:
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2¼ tsp instant yeast 1 packet
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1½ tsp salt
  • 1½ cups warm water
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
Filling Ideas:
Classic Calzone Filling
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Pizza sauce
  • Pepperoni or cooked sausage
  • Cooked mushrooms peppers, and onions
Other Delicious Filling Ideas:
  • Chicken + ranch + cheese
  • Ham + cheese
  • Spinach + ricotta
  • BBQ chicken
  • Taco meat + cheddar

Method
 

Step 1: Make the Dough
  1. 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.
  2. Add the olive oil, salt, and flour. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  3. 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.
Step 2: Prepare the Calzones
  1. Divide the dough into 4–6 pieces depending on how large you want your calzones.
  2. Roll each piece into a circle. Add fillings to one half of the dough, leaving a border around the edge.
  3. 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.
Step 3: Bake
  1. Bake at 425°F / 220°C for about 15–20 minutes, or until the calzones are deep golden brown.
Before baking, brush the tops with:
  1. Olive oil or melted butter
Optional garlic powder and Italian seasoning for extra pizza-shop flavor
    Serve warm with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.

      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