Description
These Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones are a delicious homemade treat featuring a crispy golden crust filled with melty mozzarella, savory pepperoni, tangy marinara, and optional creamy ricotta. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, this recipe includes Italian seasoning and garlic powder for extra flavor, baked to perfection in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Filling
- 1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (optional, for creaminess)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Topping & Finishing
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Divide the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, divide the pizza dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a 6-8 inch circle, ensuring an even thickness for proper baking.
- Fill the Calzones: Spread 2-3 tablespoons of marinara sauce on half of each dough circle, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. Layer 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/4 cup pepperoni slices, and a dollop of ricotta cheese if using. Then sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder evenly over the filling.
- Fold & Seal: Carefully fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal the calzone tightly so no filling leaks out during baking.
- Brush & Top: Transfer the calzones onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil for a golden sheen and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the calzones turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the filling.
- You can substitute pepperoni with other cured meats or vegetables for a different twist.
- Make sure to seal the edges well to prevent any marinara sauce from leaking during baking.
- Serve warm with additional marinara sauce for dipping.
