These hearty sausage calzones are like little pockets of joy! Filled with tasty sausage and gooey cheese, they’re perfect for warming you up on a chilly day!
Honestly, who can resist a golden, crispy calzone? I love dipping mine in marinara sauce—it’s a wonderful treat that makes lunchtime extra special! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This is the star of the show, giving the calzones great flavor. You can choose mild or spicy based on your preference. If you want a healthier option, try ground turkey or chicken sausage.
Cheese: Mozzarella is the classic choice for that gooey texture. Ricotta adds creaminess, but you could also use cottage cheese if you’re looking for a lower-fat alternative. Don’t forget to include some Parmesan for a nice salty finish!
Pizza Dough: While homemade dough is fantastic, pre-made dough takes the hassle out of the process. If you’re gluten-free, many stores offer gluten-free pizza dough that works well for calzones.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil can really brighten the flavor. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs are a good choice. You could even experiment with different herbs based on what you like!
How Do I Get My Calzones to Seal Properly?
Sealing your calzones is key to keeping the filling inside and nice and warm. Here’s what you need to do:
- Make sure to leave a border around the edges of the dough—about half an inch should do.
- Once you fold the dough over the filling, press the edges together. You can use your fingers for this.
- Use a fork to crimp the edges. This creates a stronger seal and gives a pretty design!
- For extra insurance, you can brush a little water along the edges before sealing to help them stick together.
With these tips, your calzones should stay perfectly sealed, allowing you to enjoy all the delicious filling inside!
Delicious Sausage Calzones Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (optional, for creaminess)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Calzones:
- 1 package of pre-made pizza dough (about 1 lb) or homemade pizza dough
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh or dried herbs (basil, oregano, or thyme) for garnish
For Serving:
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation and about 20-25 minutes for baking. Once you’re done, let the calzones cool for a few minutes before serving. Overall, you’re looking at around 40-45 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. After that, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it smells wonderful. Then, crumble in the Italian sausage, cooking it until it’s browned and fully cooked—around 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Once cooked, take it off the heat and let it cool slightly. Finally, in a bowl, mix the sausage mixture with mozzarella, ricotta (if using), and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
2. Assemble the Calzones:
While the filling cools, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. Use a bowl or cutter to cut out circles about 6-8 inches in diameter. Place a generous spoonful of your sausage and cheese filling onto one half of each dough circle, making sure to leave a little border around the edge.
3. Shape and Seal:
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal them, then use a fork to crimp the edges nicely. This not only seals in the goodness but looks great too! Place each calzone on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the Calzones:
Brush the tops of the calzones with the beaten egg for that beautiful golden color. If you’d like, sprinkle a bit of grated Parmesan and your favorite dried herbs on top for extra flavor. Bake them in the oven for about 18-22 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Let them cool for a few minutes before cutting into them.
5. Serve:
Enjoy your homemade calzones warm, served alongside a delicious marinara sauce for dipping. They’re perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a tasty snack!
Dig in and savor every bite of your delightful Sausage Calzones filled with melty cheese and savory sausage, all wrapped in a crispy shell!
Can I Use Other Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can substitute with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even vegetarian options. Just make sure to cook them through as you would with traditional Italian sausage.
How Do I Store Leftover Calzones?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or use a microwave for quicker heating.
Can I Freeze Unbaked Calzones?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked calzones! Just assemble them as directed, then place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake them, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time, no need to thaw!
What Can I Serve with Calzones?
Calzones are delicious on their own, but they pair beautifully with a side salad, garlic bread, or crispy roasted vegetables. Marinara sauce for dipping is a must!
