Homemade Italian Calzones: Easy Pizza Pocket Dinner Recipe

Real Italian Calzones: Easy Dinner Recipe

This homemade calzone recipe brings the flavors of Italy right into your kitchen with soft pizza dough stuffed with gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and tender mushrooms.

Calzones are easier to make than you think—homemade dough, your favorite fillings, and a quick bake in a hot oven yield golden-brown pockets of deliciousness.

Ingredients for Calzone Dough and Filling

• 1 (0.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 ounces pepperoni slices
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce, plus extra for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Calzone

1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water; let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
2. Make the dough: Stir in oil, sugar, and salt. Mix in 1 cup flour until smooth. Gradually add remaining flour until dough is soft and workable.
3. Knead and rise: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead 5 minutes until elastic. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven: Heat to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it.
5. Shape and fill: Divide dough into 8 pieces. Roll each into a 6-inch circle. On half of each circle, layer cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, and a spoonful of pizza sauce.
6. Seal and bake: Fold dough over filling, pressing edges to seal. Place on prepared sheet. Brush tops with olive oil for a golden crust.
7. Bake to perfection: Bake 12–15 minutes until crust is golden and filling is bubbly. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Calzones

• Don’t overfill: Too much filling can cause leaking. Aim for even distribution.
• Seal the edges: Use a fork or wet your fingers to ensure a tight seal.
• Brush with oil: A light coating of olive oil gives that signature golden-brown crust.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with extra warm marinara sauce or garlic butter for dipping.
• Pair with a crisp green salad and a glass of red wine for an authentic Italian dinner.

Nutrition per serving: 335 kcal; 17g fat; 32g carbs; 14g protein; 64mg cholesterol; 667mg sodium; 1g sugar; 2g fiber.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes | Yield: 8 servings

Bring friends and family together over this irresistible, oven-baked calzone.

Credit: Allrecipes Real Italian Calzones