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To make the best calzone, you need simple yet key ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon active dry yeast - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon sugar - 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni - 1/4 cup ricotta cheese - 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Marinara sauce for dipping (optional) These ingredients create a tasty calzone that is soft and cheesy. The dough needs flour, yeast, and water to rise. The filling combines cheese and pepperoni for a delicious bite. If you want to add more taste, try these optional ingredients: - Fresh basil leaves - Sliced olives - Bell peppers - Mushrooms - Spinach These add-ons bring new flavors and textures. You can mix and match as you like. Be creative and make the calzone your own! Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference. Here are my tips: - Flour: Use high-quality all-purpose flour for the best dough texture. - Cheese: Buy fresh mozzarella for a gooey filling. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it may not melt well. - Pepperoni: Look for thick slices of pepperoni for a bold flavor. - Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for a richer taste. - Fresh Herbs: If using fresh herbs like basil, choose vibrant green leaves. These tips help ensure your calzone tastes great. Quality ingredients lead to a better meal. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To start, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar in a small bowl. Wait about 5 minutes until it looks frothy. This means the yeast is ready! In a bigger bowl, whisk flour and salt together. Then, add the frothy yeast mix and olive oil. Stir until it starts to look like dough. Next, knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes. You want it to feel smooth and elastic. This step is key for a great texture! Shape the dough into a ball and put it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour. It should double in size. While the dough is rising, make the filling. Grab a mixing bowl and combine shredded mozzarella, ricotta, sliced pepperoni, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you want some spice. Mix it well. This cheesy mix will make your calzone super tasty! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Once the dough is ready, gently punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface until it’s about 12 inches wide. On one side of the dough, spoon your cheesy filling. Be sure to leave about an inch around the edge. This helps prevent spills! Fold the other half of the dough over the filling. Pinch the edges together tightly to seal it. You can also crimp the edges for a nice look. Now, place the calzone on a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until it’s golden and puffed up. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy it with warm marinara sauce for dipping! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To get the right dough texture, start with warm water. It should feel cozy, like a warm hug. This helps the yeast bloom. Blooming means the yeast comes alive and makes your dough rise. Knead the dough until it feels smooth and elastic, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. If the dough sticks to your hands, add a little more flour. But not too much! You want it soft and supple, not dry. A soggy calzone ruins the fun, right? To prevent this, always bake your calzone on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This keeps it crispy. Also, make sure not to overfill it with sauce or cheese. Leave some space at the edges when filling. This will help seal it better, keeping the inside cozy and the outside crisp. Serving your calzone can be a blast! Try cutting it into wedges for easy sharing. You can even serve it on a wooden board for a rustic touch. Add a small bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping. If you want to impress, sprinkle fresh basil on top. This adds color and makes it pop! You can also pair it with a light salad or some roasted veggies for a complete meal. Check the Full Recipe for more ideas! {{image_4}} You can easily make a vegetarian calzone. Just swap the pepperoni for fresh veggies. I love using spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers. They add great flavor and color. You can also try different cheeses like feta or goat cheese. These options make a tasty and healthy dish. If you crave spice, add more red pepper flakes to the filling. You can also include jalapeños or banana peppers. These ingredients kick up the heat and add nice flavor. Adjust the spice level to what you enjoy. This spicy twist makes the calzone exciting and unique. Cheese is key to a great calzone. While mozzarella is classic, you can mix in other cheeses. Try provolone for a sharp taste or cheddar for a rich flavor. For a creamy touch, add some cream cheese or ricotta. Experimenting with cheeses gives your calzone a personal touch. Each blend brings a new taste experience to the table. To keep your leftover calzones fresh, let them cool first. Wrap each calzone in plastic wrap or foil. You can also place them in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and prevents them from drying out. Store the wrapped calzones in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to enjoy your calzone again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Unwrap the calzone and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. This will make the crust crisp and warm the filling. If you prefer a microwave, heat it for about 1-2 minutes. However, the crust won’t be as crispy. To freeze calzones, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. To cook, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat in the oven as mentioned above. This way, you can enjoy your cheesy goodness anytime! You can tell your calzone is baked when it looks golden brown. It should puff up nicely. To check, tap the top; it should sound hollow. If it’s not golden yet, give it a few more minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. Yes, you can use store-bought dough! It saves time and is still tasty. Just roll it out and fill it as you would with homemade dough. This is a great option if you want a quick meal. Calzones pair well with many sides. You can try garlic butter for dipping. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch. Also, consider serving pickled vegetables for a tangy bite. These sides enhance the meal and make it more fun! You now have all you need to make cheesy pepperoni calzones at home. We've covered the key ingredients, the step-by-step process, and helpful tips to ensure your calzones are perfect. I also shared variations and storage options, so you can enjoy them later. Remember, fresh ingredients lead to the best flavor. Don’t hesitate to experiment with fillings. Cooking is fun, so make it your own! Enjoy your delicious creations and impress your friends and family.

Ultimate Cheesy Pepperoni Calzone

Indulge in the ultimate cheesy pepperoni calzone that will take your pizza cravings to the next level! With a golden crust and a gooey filling of mozzarella, ricotta, and savory pepperoni, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Follow our simple steps to create this delicious dish from scratch, and impress your family and friends. Click through for the full recipe and get ready to bake a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon active dry yeast

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon sugar

3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup sliced pepperoni

1/4 cup ricotta cheese

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

Marinara sauce for dipping (optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Allow this mixture to sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is activated.

    Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually pour in the frothy yeast mixture along with the olive oil. Stir until the ingredients start to combine.

      Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for approximately 5-7 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. This helps develop the gluten for a perfect texture!

        Rise the Dough: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl, covering it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

          Prepare the Filling: While the dough rises, gather a separate mixing bowl. Combine the shredded mozzarella, ricotta, sliced pepperoni, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if you’re opting for some heat). Mix until evenly combined.

            Shape the Calzone: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a large circle, approximately 12 inches in diameter.

              Fill the Calzone: On one half of the dough circle, spoon the cheesy pepperoni mixture, being careful to leave a border (about an inch) around the edge to prevent any filling from spilling out.

                Seal the Calzone: Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, ensuring the edges align. Pinch the edges together firmly to seal, then create a decorative crimp, if desired, for added flair.

                  Bake: Transfer the calzone to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the calzone is golden brown and puffed up.

                    Serve: Once baked, allow the calzone to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping if you like!

                      Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 2-3

                        - Presentation Tips: For an attractive presentation, sprinkle some fresh basil on top and serve the calzone on a wooden board alongside a small bowl of marinara sauce for an appetizing touch!