If you’re craving an irresistible, cheesy, and golden-baked comfort food, Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones are the answer! These pizza-inspired pockets envelop gooey melted cheese, spicy pepperoni, and a burst of classic Italian seasoning within a tender, flavorful dough. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or as an indulgent treat, these calzones offer all the joy of pizza in a neat, hand-held package. Trust me, this recipe will become a family favorite from the very first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones lies in their simple, high-impact ingredients. Each item adds flavor, body, and a delightful contrast, ensuring every bite has that perfect ratio of crust to cheesy filling to savory pepperoni.
- Pizza Dough: The foundational base; use fresh store-bought or homemade dough for best results and a chewy, golden crust.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Brings that essential stretchy melt and classic pizza cheese pull everyone loves.
- Ricotta Cheese: Adds a creamy, dreamy interior that balances the sharper flavors.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Delivers a salty, nutty punch and depth of flavor to the filling.
- Sliced Pepperoni: Infuses every calzone with bold, spicy, meaty bites that are unmistakably satisfying.
- Italian Seasoning: A fragrant blend that conjures up those cozy, old-school pizzeria vibes.
- Garlic Powder: Nudges the flavor over the top with an irresistibly savory note.
- Egg (beaten): The secret to a beautifully lacquered, golden-brown crust.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps create a crispy exterior.
- Marinara or Pizza Sauce: For dunking or drizzling, a must-have finishing touch for that classic calzone experience.
How to Make Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by getting your oven nice and hot—preheat to 425°F, which ensures a golden, perfectly cooked crust. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. This quick prep step gets you primed for calzone success.
Step 2: Shape the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, divide your pizza dough into four equal pieces. Roll each one into a 6- to 8-inch circle, aiming for even thickness throughout. This will help the calzones bake up crisp on the outside and fluffy inside, while stuffing them is a cinch.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, sliced pepperoni, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix just until everything is evenly distributed—this ensures every bite of your Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones delivers melty cheese, zesty meat, and herby flavor.
Step 4: Fill and Seal the Calzones
Spoon the cheesy filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving about a 1-inch border to prevent spillage. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, press the edges firmly, and crimp them with a fork—this not only seals in all the goodness but gives that signature calzone look.
Step 5: Top and Vent
Arrange the stuffed calzones on your prepared baking sheet. Brush each one generously with beaten egg for color and a hint of sheen, then finish with a drizzle or brush of olive oil for extra crispiness. Don’t forget to cut a small slit or two in the top of each calzone to let the steam escape—no soggy middles here!
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes. You’re looking for that magical moment when the crust is deeply golden and crisp. Let the calzones cool for a few minutes out of the oven, then serve warm alongside plenty of marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
How to Serve Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones
Garnishes
A final flourish can take Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones from tasty to totally memorable. Sprinkle a bit of fresh chopped basil or parsley over the calzones before serving for a pop of color and fresh aroma, or a dusting of extra Parmesan for that extra “wow” factor.
Side Dishes
Turn your calzone feast into a well-rounded meal! These pockets pair beautifully with a crisp Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or classic garlic knots. For something lighter, a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the rich flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful! Slice your Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones in half and arrange them on a wooden board with tiny bowls of marinara and ranch. Mini calzones work well for parties, or serve whole ones picnic-style wrapped in parchment. For kids, offer a “dip-your-own” station with various sauces.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones will keep delicously in the fridge for up to three days. Just let them cool completely before tucking them into an airtight container or wrapping tightly in foil—they’ll stay tender and flavorful.
Freezing
To freeze, let the calzones cool, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, you can bake them straight from the freezer— just allow a few extra minutes to ensure they’re heated through.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the crust regains its crispness, about 10-12 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the dough soft instead of delightfully crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough is a huge time-saver and turns out delicious. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling so it’s easier to shape and fill.
What can I use instead of pepperoni?
Feel free to swap in cooked crumbled sausage, chopped ham, or even some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a meatless version that still packs a ton of flavor.
How do I prevent my calzones from leaking?
The key is not to overfill, and to really press and crimp the edges tightly with a fork. Cutting a small slit on top helps steam escape, so the filling stays put.
Can I make Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones in advance?
Yes! Assemble them and store unbaked calzones in the fridge for up to 24 hours, or freeze before baking for make-ahead convenience. Just bake straight from the fridge or freezer, adding a few extra minutes as needed.
Is it necessary to use an egg wash?
While it’s not strictly required, the egg wash gives those Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones their signature glossy, golden color and helps the crust crisp up beautifully—it’s a finishing touch worth the tiny extra step!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never experienced the warm, cheesy bliss of homemade Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones, I can’t encourage you enough to give it a try. Accessible ingredients, simple steps, and crowd-pleasing results make this a comfort food classic you’ll come back to again and again. Gather your favorite people, whip up a batch, and get ready to enjoy every gooey, golden bite!
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Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones Recipe
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 4 calzones 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy delicious homemade Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones with this easy recipe. These golden-brown calzones are filled with gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and flavorful Italian seasoning, making them a perfect meal for both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Filling:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Additional:
- 1 large egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- olive oil for brushing
- marinara or pizza sauce for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dough: Divide the pizza dough into 4 portions and roll each into a 6–8 inch circle on a floured surface.
- Make the filling: Mix mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, pepperoni, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder in a bowl.
- Fill and shape: Spoon filling onto half of each dough circle, fold over, seal edges, and crimp with a fork.
- Bake: Transfer calzones to the baking sheet, brush with egg wash and olive oil, cut slits, then bake for 15–18 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Let cool slightly and serve with marinara or pizza sauce.
Notes
- You can swap pepperoni for cooked sausage or add chopped veggies like bell peppers or spinach to the filling.
- For a crispier crust, bake on a pizza stone if available.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
