If you're craving comfort food, calzones are where it's at. They're basically pizza's cooler cousin, stuffed with all sorts of deliciousness. Imagine biting into a warm, cheesy calzone with your favorite fillings—yum! Whether you're into classic pepperoni or something more adventurous like buffalo cauliflower, there's a calzone for everyone. So, what are the top five recipes you need to try? Let's get into it and find out!
Classic Pepperoni and Cheese Calzone
Classic Pepperoni and Cheese Calzone is a delightful Italian dish that embodies the perfect combination of flavors and textures. This savory pastry is filled with gooey mozzarella cheese, spicy pepperoni, and a hint of Italian herbs, all encased in a golden, flaky crust. Ideal for serving as a satisfying meal or a fun snack, calzones are versatile and can be easily customized with your favorite fillings.
Let's explore making this delicious classic that will surely impress your family and friends!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Olive oil (for brushing)
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large circle, about 1/4 inch thick.
In a mixing bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Spoon the filling onto one half of the dough, leaving a border around the edge.
Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges to seal tightly. Use a fork to crimp the edges for an added decorative touch.
Place the calzone on a greased baking sheet, brush the top with olive oil, and make a few slits on top for steam to escape. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving with marinara sauce.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, let your pizza dough rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out, as this makes it easier to work with.
Feel free to customize your calzone by adding vegetables, different cheeses, or other meats to the filling. If you want a more robust flavor, try adding fresh basil or spinach.
Remember to keep an eye on the calzone while it bakes, as oven times may vary; you want a beautifully golden crust without burning. Enjoy your homemade calzone fresh out of the oven for the best taste!
Spinach and Ricotta Calzone

Spinach and Ricotta Calzones are a delicious and satisfying option for a meal or snack, combining the earthy flavors of fresh spinach with the creamy richness of ricotta cheese.
These hand-held pockets are perfect for a quick dinner, and they can easily be customized with additional ingredients like garlic or herbs. Whether baked or fried, they make for a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Marinara sauce for serving
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and cut it into circles, about 6 inches in diameter. Place a generous spoonful of the spinach and cheese mixture in the center of each circle, then fold the dough over and crimp the edges to seal.
Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake the calzones for about 20-25 minutes or until they're golden brown.
Extra Tips:
For a more flavorful filling, consider adding some sautéed onions, herbs like basil or oregano, or even some red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
If you prefer a crispier texture, you can fry the calzones in hot oil instead of baking them. Additionally, be sure to let the calzones cool for a few minutes after baking, as the filling will be very hot.
Serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, and enjoy this tasty homemade treat!
BBQ Chicken Calzone
BBQ Chicken Calzone is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the smoky flavors of barbecue chicken with gooey cheese and a crispy crust. This recipe is perfect for a casual dinner, game day snacks, or even a fun family cooking night.
With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a calzone that's guaranteed to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Olive oil, for brushing
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Flour, for dusting
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce, mixing well to verify the chicken is evenly coated.
On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large circle, about 12 inches in diameter. Divide the BBQ chicken mixture evenly across half of the dough circle, then sprinkle mozzarella cheese, red onion, and cilantro on top.
Carefully fold the other half of the dough over the filling, sealing the edges by pressing them together with your fingers or a fork. Transfer the calzone to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and brush the top with olive oil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Extra Tips:
For a crispier crust, consider using a pizza stone if you have one. Preheat the stone in the oven for at least 30 minutes before baking the calzone.
Feel free to customize the filling by adding other ingredients like bell peppers, jalapeños, or different types of cheese. If you like a bit of heat, try adding some chili powder or hot sauce to the BBQ chicken mixture.
To verify the calzone is cooked through, make a small slit on top before baking to allow steam to escape. Enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Calzone!
Mediterranean Veggie Calzone

Mediterranean Veggie Calzone is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings together a variety of fresh vegetables and savory flavors, all wrapped in a golden, flaky crust. This calzone is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend cooking project, and it can easily be customized to suit your taste preferences.
With a delightful filling of spinach, olives, artichokes, and feta cheese, this calzone isn't only hearty but also packed with nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach, artichokes, black olives, feta cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic, oregano, olive oil, salt, and pepper, mixing until well combined.
Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a large circle. Cut the circle in half to create two semi-circles.
Spoon the veggie filling onto one half of each semi-circle, leaving about an inch of space around the edges.
Fold the other half over the filling and press the edges to seal, crimping with a fork for a decorative touch.
Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown.
Extra Tips:
For an even more flavorful calzone, consider adding fresh herbs such as basil or parsley to the filling.
You can also experiment with different cheeses or vegetables based on what you have on hand.
If you prefer a crispier crust, bake the calzones directly on a pizza stone.
Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping to elevate the Mediterranean flavors.
Enjoy your homemade Mediterranean Veggie Calzone!
Buffalo Cauliflower Calzone
Buffalo Cauliflower Calzone is a deliciously spicy twist on the classic Italian dish. This vegetarian-friendly calzone features roasted cauliflower coated in a tangy buffalo sauce, enveloped in a golden-brown crust that's both crispy and chewy. Perfect for game day or a cozy night in, these calzones are sure to impress with their bold flavors and satisfying texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 package pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon flour (for dusting)
- Optional: ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until evenly coated.
Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for about 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly charred. Once cooked, remove from the oven and stir in the buffalo sauce.
Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and cut it into circles. Place a generous amount of the buffalo cauliflower mixture and shredded mozzarella cheese on one half of each dough circle, then fold the dough over and pinch the edges to seal.
Place the calzones on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.
Extra Tips:
To improve the flavor of your Buffalo Cauliflower Calzone, consider adding other ingredients like diced green onions or crumbled feta cheese to the filling.
If you like it extra spicy, feel free to mix some cayenne pepper into the buffalo sauce. For a crispy crust, brush the outside of the calzones with a little olive oil before baking.
Serve them hot with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping to balance the spice!