How To Make Calzone At Home

Understanding Calzone Basics and History

A calzone is a baked Italian pastry that resembles a folded pizza. The name comes from the Italian word "calza," which means "stocking" or "trouser leg," referring to its shape. Unlike pizza, which is typically open-faced, a calzone is completely enclosed—the dough folds over the filling and seals, creating a pocket of ingredients inside.

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Calzones originated in Naples, Italy, during the 18th century. Italian immigrants brought calzones to the United States in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and they became popular in Italian-American communities. Today, calzones are found in pizzerias, Italian restaurants, and home kitchens throughout North America and Europe.

The basic structure of a calzone consists of three components: the dough exterior, the filling inside, and optional toppings on top. The filling typically includes cheese, cured meats, vegetables, and sometimes sauce. A traditional calzone is about 8 to 10 inches in diameter when folded and baked until the exterior is golden brown.

Calzones differ from stromboli, another Italian folded bread. While both use similar dough, stromboli is typically rolled rather than folded, and it's often sliced before serving. Calzones are usually served whole and are meant to be eaten as individual portions, making them ideal for meals or casual dining.

Understanding these fundamentals helps you appreciate why certain techniques matter. The enclosed structure means moisture stays inside during baking, creating a steamy interior. The fold itself requires proper sealing to prevent leaks. Knowing this background informs better decisions about dough thickness, filling amounts, and cooking temperature.

Practical takeaway: Familiarize yourself with what makes a calzone distinct—its enclosed shape and sealed edges—so you can identify when yours are properly formed and fully cooked.

Preparing the Dough from Scratch

Making calzone dough from scratch is similar to making pizza dough. You'll need flour, water, salt, yeast, and olive oil. Most recipes use all-purpose flour, though bread flour produces a chewier texture. The basic ratio is approximately 3 cups flour, 1 cup warm water, 1½ teaspoons salt, ½ teaspoon instant yeast, and 2 tablespoons olive oil.

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Start by combining warm water (around 110°F) with yeast in a mixing bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy—this indicates the yeast is active. Add flour, salt, and olive oil, then mix until the dough comes together. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes by hand, or 5 to 6 minutes in a stand mixer with a dough hook. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky.

After kneading, place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours. The dough should roughly double in size. You can tell it's ready by pressing your finger into it—if the indentation doesn't spring back immediately, the dough has risen enough.

Temperature matters significantly during rising. In a warm kitchen (70-75°F), dough rises faster—typically 1 to 1.5 hours. In a cool kitchen, it takes longer, perhaps 2 to 3 hours. Some people prefer cold fermentation, refrigerating dough overnight or for 24 hours, which develops more flavor and makes the dough easier to handle.

After rising, turn the dough onto a floured surface and divide it into portions. For calzones serving 4 people, divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Each piece becomes one calzone. You can refrigerate portioned dough for up to 48 hours, allowing you to make calzones at different times or prepare them ahead.

Practical takeaway: Give yourself at least 2 hours from mixing dough to having it ready for shaping, or prepare dough the day before for convenience and better flavor development.

Selecting and Preparing Fillings

Traditional calzone fillings combine cheese, cured meats, and vegetables. The most common cheese is whole-milk mozzarella, used at about ½ to ¾ cup per calzone. Many recipes also include ricotta cheese, which adds creaminess—use roughly ¼ cup per calzone. Parmesan adds sharpness; a few tablespoons grated is sufficient.

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For cured meats, pepperoni is classic, using about ¼ cup thinly sliced pieces per calzone. Other options include Italian sausage (removed from casings and crumbled), prosciutto, or ham. Typically, use 2 to 4 ounces of meat per calzone. Precooking raw sausage removes excess fat and prevents a greasy final product.

Vegetables add flavor and nutrition. Common choices include roasted red peppers, spinach (squeezed to remove moisture), mushrooms (finely chopped), onions (diced and lightly cooked), and fresh basil. Use about ½ to 1 cup of vegetables per calzone, being careful not to overstuff. Excess moisture from vegetables can make the calzone soggy, so drain roasted or cooked vegetables on paper towels.

Some recipes include sauce inside the calzone, though others avoid it because excess liquid creates steam that can burst the seal. If using sauce, apply only 2 to 3 tablespoons per calzone, concentrated toward the center. Alternatively, serve marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

You can prepare fillings in advance. Mix cheeses together and refrigerate. Cook vegetables and cool them completely. Slice meats the day you plan to make calzones. Store everything in separate containers in the refrigerator. When assembling, use fillings straight from the refrigerator—cold filling is easier to handle and less likely to burst through warm dough.

Practical takeaway: Prepare fillings the day before to save time on cooking day, and remember that less liquid in your filling—from thoroughly drained vegetables and controlled sauce amounts—produces better results.

Shaping and Sealing Calzones Properly

Shaping requires a dough ball at room temperature. If dough has been refrigerated, let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. On a lightly floured surface, flatten one portion into a 9-inch circle, about ¼ inch thick. You can use your hands or a rolling pin. Ensure the dough is uniform thickness throughout so it bakes evenly.

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Spoon filling onto one half of the circle, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges. The border is crucial—it's where you'll seal the calzone. Distribute filling evenly; typically use 1 to 1.5 cups total filling per calzone depending on size. Don't overstuff—overloaded calzones are difficult to seal and may burst during baking.

Fold the dough in half over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly with your fingers. For a decorative seal, crimp the edges with a fork, pressing the tines around the perimeter. This both seals and looks professional. Ensure there are no gaps; a weak seal allows filling to leak out during baking.

Some bakers use an egg wash before baking—whisking one egg with 1 tablespoon water and brushing it on the calzone surface. This creates a shiny, golden exterior. Others skip it or use milk for a less shiny finish. Poke 2 to 3 small slits in the top with a knife to allow steam to escape gradually, preventing explosive bursts.

Transfer shaped calzones to a parchment-lined baking sheet. They can be frozen at this stage—place them in a single layer, freeze for 2 to 3 hours, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Frozen calzones need an extra 5 to 10 minutes baking time.

Practical takeaway: The seal is your calzone