Calzone for Dinner - ever made one? (Read 758 times)

[Kpatch]

I never made a calzone before, but I'm making one tonight. Here's my plan:

Publix prepared pizza dough
Ricotta
Pizza sauce
Mozzarella/Parmesan/Provolone
Sauteed onions
Sun-dried tomatoes
Sauteed mushrooms


How do YOU stuff a calzone? Any tips would be welcome.

[UhSir]

I've never made one but now I want too. I'm putting it on the menu for this week.

[fluffysmom]

It sounds tasty Kpatch. I'm getting inspired to try making calzones at home.

[Kpatch]

It came out pretty good, but it probably could have cooked a little longer. The fillings were perfect. Very tasty.

[UhSir]

What's the cooking process?

I forgot to say earlier that I'd put meat in it. Either pepperoni or seasoned, shredded steak. Is meat allowed? Also some bell peppers and onions.

[fluffysmom]

UhSir -many calzones I've seen on menus have meat in them.

[silvananoir1]

I use pork, mozzarella, tomatoes, pizza sauce, onions, salami (genoa not hard), and basil. Although I've seen recipes online that I plan on trying. One uses broccoli rabe.

[Kpatch]

What do you put the calzone in? How do you shape it and bake it? Because what I did is not traditional.

[silvananoir1]

If I have the time, then I make my own dough. If I'm feeling a bit on the lazy side then I use store bought pizza dough. Either way a great way to step up your calzone is to add "Italian" seasonings to it. I use oregano, garlic powder, and pepper though sometimes I switch it up and add garlic salt if I remember to buy it along with parsley. It add some great flavors.

For shaping it's the traditional fold and pinch method. Then you can cook it at anywhere from 350 to 400 degrees for about 35 to 40 minutes. Normally it's done at the 35 minute mark but you can do the fork test to make sure. These times really depend on the dough you use. 

[Kpatch]

Thanks for the info silvananoir. I made it one of these all0-in-one style rice cookers and there was a recipe for calzone in there, although I didn't like the fillings they used so I improvised. I like how you make it, as a pizza folded over. That sounds pretty straightforward. Do you flip it?

[silvananoir1]

Do you mean for an even color? You'll want to brush it with egg whites or olive oil for color before the bake. Though it depends on what you like in a crust. If you like something more on the crispy side then use olive oil, if you like something softer then use egg whites. I flip when it's about halfway done. By then it should baked enough that you can do it with the calzone falling apart. You're going to have to make a judgement call though with the eye test.

[Kpatch]

Those are good tips. Thank you silvananoir1.

Did you ever use pizza dough to make bread sticks? I think I will do that this weekend.

[silvananoir1]

You can. I do it when I have leftover dough. The easiest way to do it is to unroll the dough and brush it with butter. Sprinkle your seasonings and cheese (if that's what your using) on top and then slice into even pieces. Do this on a baking sheet for ease. You don't have to separate the strips if you don't want to. Bake at about 425 for 10-12 minutes or until they turn color to a golden brown. Do the fork test, if there's no dough then their basically done.

I make everything this way, dessert twists with apple cinnimon sugar, to regular garlic bread.

[UhSir]

silvananoir1 and Kpatch, This all sounds so good. I have go to the grocery so I can make it this weekend.

[silvananoir1]

If it's your first time then I highly recommend using premade pizza dough and spicing it up. Making dough for the first time can be a giant pain in the butt.