If you have ever dreamed of biting into a warm, cheesy pocket filled with zesty pepperoni and gooey goodness, this Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones Recipe is calling your name. Combining the crispness of golden pizza dough with layers of melted mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and a touch of ricotta creaminess, these calzones are nothing short of magical. Whether you’re looking for a fun family dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a cozy weekend treat, this recipe delivers comforting flavors with a delightful crisp crust every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, channel-friendly ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and melty cheese bliss. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the dough providing the sturdy yet tender shell, to the Italian seasoning adding that extra aromatic punch.
- 1 lb pizza dough: The foundation of your calzones, it should be fresh or thawed for the best texture.
- 1 cup marinara sauce: Adds tangy tomato flavor while keeping the filling moist.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides that irresistibly stretchy, gooey texture.
- 1 cup pepperoni slices: Brings a spicy, savory kick to balance the cheese.
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (optional): For creamy richness that elevates every bite.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that complements the pepperoni perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Adds subtle warmth and depth to the filling.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For brushing the calzone tops to achieve that golden brown crust.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): A nutty, salty finishing touch on top before baking.
How to Make Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Surface
Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light greasing to ensure your calzones bake evenly and come off the tray without sticking.
Step 2: Shape Your Dough Into Circles
Lightly flour your workspace to keep things from sticking and divide your pizza dough into four equal portions. Roll each piece out into a circle roughly 6 to 8 inches in diameter. This size is perfect to hold the generous filling without bursting.
Step 3: Layer Your Filling With Love
Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of marinara on one half of each dough circle, making sure to keep about an inch from the edges. Next, layer on half a cup of mozzarella cheese, a quarter cup of pepperoni slices, and a dollop of ricotta if you’re going for extra creaminess. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the top for that flavor boost.
Step 4: Seal Your Calzones
Fold the dough over the filled half, creating a perfect half-moon shape. Gently press the edges together, then firmly crimp with a fork all around to seal in all that deliciousness and prevent any leaks during baking.
Step 5: Brush and Top
Place the sealed calzones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil to encourage golden browning and sprinkle Parmesan cheese for a crunchy, savory crust if you like.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your calzones in the oven for about 15 to 20 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and have that irresistible crispness. Let them rest just a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth on molten cheese delights.
How to Serve Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or a dash of red pepper flakes can brighten up the flavor and add an inviting pop of color. Serve with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping – it’s the perfect partner to these cheesy pockets.
Side Dishes
Keep it light and fresh with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a simple Caesar salad. Roasted vegetables or a bowl of minestrone soup also complement the heartiness of the calzones beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve mini calzones on skewers alongside colorful veggies at a party. Or arrange them on a wooden board with bowls of different dipping sauces such as garlic butter or spicy arrabbiata for an interactive meal everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones Recipe leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the crust from getting soggy, let them cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the calzones before baking. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, storing them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready, bake them straight from frozen (adding extra baking time) for a quick homemade meal anytime.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your calzones in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through and crisp again, about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve that beautiful crust and melty interior.
FAQs
Can I make Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones Recipe without ricotta cheese?
Absolutely! Ricotta is optional and adds creaminess, but your calzones will still be delicious using just mozzarella and pepperoni.
What type of pizza dough works best?
Both store-bought and homemade pizza dough work wonderfully. Just make sure it’s thawed and softened to room temperature before rolling out.
Can I add other fillings to the calzones?
Yes, feel free to customize! Mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or cooked sausage make great additions or substitutions.
What dipping sauce pairs best with Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones Recipe?
Marinara sauce is classic, but creamy ranch, garlic butter, or even pesto can add exciting new flavors.
How do I prevent the calzones from leaking while baking?
Be sure to seal the edges tightly by pressing firmly and crimping with a fork. Leaving a border free of sauce also helps avoid leaks.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope this Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones Recipe inspires your next meal. It’s a wonderfully satisfying dish that brings the warmth of homemade pizza in a neat, handheld package. Once you try these cheesy, flavorful pockets, they’ll quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen, perfect for sharing with family and friends any time of the year.
Print
Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 calzones (serves 4)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Delicious homemade Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones featuring a crispy golden crust filled with gooey mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, creamy ricotta, and flavorful Italian seasonings. Perfect for a satisfying meal served with marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Calzone 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
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Dough: On a lightly floured surface, divide the pizza dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a 6-8 inch circle, preparing for filling.
- Add Filling: Spread 2-3 tablespoons of marinara sauce on half of each dough circle, leaving a 1-inch border free. Layer 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/4 cup pepperoni slices, and a dollop of ricotta cheese if using. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder evenly over the filling.
- Seal Calzones: Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly using a fork to seal tightly, preventing leaks during baking.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the calzones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil to encourage browning and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the calzones turn golden brown and crispy. Remove and serve warm with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, you can bake the calzones on a pizza stone if available.
- If you prefer a spicier calzone, add crushed red pepper flakes to the filling.
- Ricotta cheese is optional but adds a creamy texture to the filling.
- Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best results.
