Irresistible Pepperoni Cheese Calzones: Your Family’s New Favorite

Pepperoni cheese calzones are a tasty Italian-inspired treat that satisfies your craving for comfort food.

These pastry pockets mix classic Italian tastes with a handy, easy-to-eat design that pleases many food lovers.

The warm, golden crust holds melted cheese and spicy pepperoni for a mouthwatering bite every time.

As you take a bite, the crispy outside reveals a steaming inside filled with rich and flavorful ingredients.

Though they started in Italy, calzones have become popular choices for quick meals at both restaurants and kitchens everywhere.

Pizza fans can easily make these delicious treats their own by adding favorite ingredients and personal touches.

What’s Tasty About Pepperoni Cheese Calzones

• Quick Family Meal: Whip up these cheesy pepperoni calzones in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknight dinners that satisfy everyone's hunger.
• Foolproof Cooking: Master this recipe easily with simple steps and minimal ingredients, making it ideal for home cooks of all skill levels who want delicious results.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Swap pepperoni for different meats or add vegetables to create personalized calzones that match individual taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Kid-Friendly Cooking: Engage children in meal preparation by letting them help roll dough, spread sauce, and choose their favorite toppings, turning dinner into a fun family activity.

What You’ll Need For Pepperoni Cheese Calzones

• Pizza Dough: Soft and stretchy base for the calzone, ready-to-use or homemade.

• Pepperoni Slices, Mozzarella Cheese: Provide classic pizza flavor and melty texture, choose high-quality pepperoni and fresh mozzarella for best results.

• Pizza Sauce: Rich tomato base that adds moisture and traditional pizza taste.
• Olive Oil: Helps create golden, crispy exterior on the calzone.
• Flour: Used for light dusting to prevent dough from sticking during rolling.

Making Pepperoni Cheese Calzones Step By Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 210°C (410°F) using fan bake setting. Grab a baking tray and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Shape the Dough

Divide pizza dough into four equal chunks. Roll each piece into a soft ball. On a flour-dusted surface, stretch each ball into a perfect 20 cm (8-inch) circle.

Step 3: Create Flavor Layers

• Pepperoni slices
• Shredded mozzarella cheese

Step 4: Seal the Delicious Pockets

Fold the empty dough half over the toppings, creating a crescent shape. Press edges tightly to seal. Crimp and twist the edges for a beautiful, secure finish.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Move calzones to the prepared baking tray. Slice two small air vents on top of each calzone. Brush tops with a light coating of olive oil. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and become wonderfully crisp.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Allow calzones to rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot and savor the delicious blend of melted cheese and spicy pepperoni!

Smart Tips For Pepperoni Cheese Calzones

• Customize Calzone Thickness: Roll dough thinner for crispier texture or thicker for a chewier bite, depending on personal preference.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Sprinkle a thin layer of cornmeal or semolina on the parchment paper to absorb moisture and create a crisp base.
• Alternative Cheese Options: Swap mozzarella with provolone, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
• Make Vegetarian-Friendly: Replace pepperoni with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to create a meat-free version.
• Seal Edges Properly: Use a fork to crimp edges tightly, preventing filling from leaking during baking and ensuring a perfect seal.

How To Keep Pepperoni Cheese Calzones Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftover calzones in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep them refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze: Wrap each calzone individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
• Reheat Oven: Thaw frozen calzones in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Place calzones on a baking sheet and warm for 12-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Microwave Option: For quick reheating, microwave individual calzones on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes. Add a paper towel to prevent sogginess and ensure even heating.

What To Serve With Pepperoni Cheese Calzones

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Complement the rich, savory pepperoni and melted cheese with a robust Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese, which cuts through the fat and enhances the calzone's flavor profile.
• Create Fresh Salad Sidekick: Toss a crisp mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the calzone's heaviness, adding a light, zesty contrast that refreshes the palate between bites.
• Serve with Tangy Marinara Dipping Sauce: Prepare a quick homemade marinara for dunking, using fresh basil, garlic, and a touch of red pepper flakes to elevate the calzone's taste and provide an extra layer of zesty excitement.
• Offer Chilled Beer Companion: Select a cold craft beer like an amber ale or pilsner to cut through the calzone's richness, providing a refreshing and complementary beverage that enhances the overall dining experience.

Fun Ways To Change Pepperoni Cheese Calzones

• Vegetarian Calzone: Replace pepperoni with roasted bell peppers, spinach, and mushrooms for a plant-based version that's packed with flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pizza dough and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Jalapeño Calzone: Add diced jalapeños and swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese to create a fiery, zesty alternative that packs a punch.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Crust Calzone: Substitute traditional pizza dough with cauliflower crust for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal that doesn't compromise on taste.

Pepperoni Cheese Calzones Questions

• What ingredients do I need for pepperoni cheese calzones?

You’ll need pizza dough, pizza sauce, pepperoni slices, mozzarella cheese, olive oil, and a bit of flour for rolling.

• Can I make these calzones ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the calzones and refrigerate them before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

• How do I prevent the calzones from leaking?

Ensure you seal the edges tightly by pressing firmly and twisting the edges. Also, avoid overfilling the calzones and leave a small border around the edge.

• Is it possible to make vegetarian calzones?

Absolutely! Replace pepperoni with vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or any other favorite vegetable toppings you enjoy.

Mouthwatering Pepperoni Cheese Calzones Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delectable Pepperoni Cheese Calzones blend Italian comfort with crispy golden crusts packed with melted cheese and spicy pepperoni. Savory pockets of pure satisfaction promise a mouthwatering experience you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 500 grams (17.6 ounces) pizza dough
• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) pepperoni slices
• 160 grams (5.6 ounces) mozzarella cheese, shredded

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 4 tablespoons pizza sauce

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon olive oil (for brushing)
• Flour (for dusting work surface)

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to a high temperature and prepare the baking surface by covering a tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup and preventing sticking.
2. Separate the pizza dough into four uniform segments and gently shape each into a rounded ball, then use a rolling pin to transform each portion into a circular shape approximately 8 inches wide on a lightly dusted work surface.
3. Apply a thin layer of pizza sauce on one half of each dough circle, maintaining a small border around the perimeter for proper sealing, then strategically arrange pepperoni slices and generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese across the sauced section.
4. Carefully fold the empty dough half over the topped section, creating a crescent-like profile, and meticulously press the edges together to create a tight seal, crimping and twisting the border to ensure no filling escapes during baking.
5. Position the assembled calzones onto the prepared baking tray, then delicately slice two small ventilation openings on top of each to allow steam release, followed by a light brushing of olive oil to promote a golden, crispy exterior.
6. Transfer the tray to the preheated oven and bake until the calzones transform into a rich, amber color with a crisp texture, which typically takes approximately 20-25 minutes.
7. Remove from the oven and allow the calzones to rest for a brief cooling period, permitting the internal temperature to stabilize before serving, which helps prevent potential burning and allows flavors to settle.

Notes

• Customize the fillings by swapping pepperoni for ham, salami, or vegetarian alternatives like roasted vegetables for dietary preferences.
• Always leave a small border when adding sauce and toppings to prevent leakage during baking and ensure a perfect seal.
• Use a fork to crimp the edges tightly, creating a decorative and leak-proof seal that keeps all the delicious ingredients inside.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like adding

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg