Calzone Easy Recipe

Name: Calzone Easy Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4.0
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet instant yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons); 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt; 3/4 cup warm water (around 110°F); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup pepperoni slices; 1/4 cup pizza sauce; 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Highlighted under: Simple Speedy Plates

We were craving something cheesy and comforting but didn’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. So, I decided to make these calzones, and the whole thing runs about $8 for a batch that can feed my family. They’re surprisingly simple to put together, and it's always a win when I can get the kids involved too.

Created by

The Globalbitesrecipes Team

Last updated on 2026-06-05T22:50:19.167Z

Making calzones has become a go-to for our weeknight dinners. I love how versatile they are; you can use whatever fillings you have on hand. One night, we only had pepperoni and mozzarella, and honestly, it was such a hit that the kids asked for it twice that week!

The dough needs just a little bit of attention, but if you mess it up, no worries. Next time, I might try adding some herbs to the dough for a little extra flavor. Did I mention how great the house smells while they bake? Pure comfort food!

Why This Works So Well

You can customize the fillings based on what you have
They reheat nicely for lunch the next day
The dough is forgiving and easy to make

Key Technique for Calzone Easy Recipe

When making the dough, the key is to knead it just enough. I aim for about five minutes, until it feels smooth but I don’t stress if it isn’t perfectly glossy. If the dough keeps sticking to your hands, just add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it. You want a dough that’s easy to handle but still tender once baked.

After the dough rises, it’s a great idea to gently punch it down before rolling it out. This helps release some air bubbles, which keeps your calzones from puffing up too much while they bake. Plus, it gives you a chance to feel how soft and pliable your dough has become.

Swaps & Substitutions

Feel free to change up the filling based on what you have in the fridge. I’ve used sautéed veggies instead of pepperoni, or switched the cheeses around using feta or cheddar. If you’re not a fan of ricotta, cream cheese can work. Just be careful with the liquid levels from any veggies; you don't want a soggy calzone.

If you’re short on time, using store-bought pizza dough can cut down on prep. It works surprisingly well, even if it isn’t quite the same. And if you happen to have leftover chicken or meatballs, throw those in the filling too—this recipe is all about being flexible and using what you have.

Ingredients

Grab these ingredients to get started on your calzones.

For the Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet instant yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
3/4 cup warm water (around 110°F)
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Filling

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup pepperoni slices
1/4 cup pizza sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano

Make sure everything is fresh for the best texture and taste.

Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking!

Make the Dough

In a large bowl, mix the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt together. Stir in the warm water and olive oil until combined. I usually give it a good mix with a wooden spoon until it forms a shaggy dough. Then, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour.

Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size. I often place mine near the oven while preheating. This is a good time to mix up your filling!

Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, combine the mozzarella, ricotta, pepperoni, pizza sauce, and oregano. Mix it all together and taste it – you may want to add a little extra salt or even some fresh basil if you have it. Keep in mind, though, too much sauce can make the calzone soggy.

Assemble the Calzones

Once the dough has doubled, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. On a floured surface, roll each piece into a circle about 6-8 inches wide. Spoon some filling on one half, leaving a border. Fold over the other half and crimp the edges with your fingers to seal them well. I always give them a little pinch to make sure they don’t open up while baking.

Bake

Place the calzones on a greased baking sheet. Brush the tops with a little olive oil and cut a small slit on top to let steam escape. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen is filled with that amazing smell!

Cool and Serve

Let the calzones cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve them with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping. Trust me, the wait is tough, but totally worth it!

Enjoy your homemade calzones!

What to Serve with Calzone Easy Recipe

These calzones go wonderfully with a simple side salad, tossed with some olive oil, vinegar, and whatever veggies you like. For a fun treat, serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping—my kids love it. You can also add some grated Parmesan on top after baking for a little extra flavor.

If you’re feeling extra fancy, garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks can accompany your calzones nicely. Just remember, the calzones are filling enough on their own, so you might want to keep other sides light.

Make-Ahead Tips

Making the dough ahead of time is easy; you can refrigerate it for up to two days. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap once it’s risen. When you're ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before shaping your calzones. This will also make it easier to roll out.

If you have any leftover calzones, they reheat well in the oven wrapped in foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. I’ve even tossed them in the air fryer with good results. But, I admit, microwaving them is a quick fix too—it just won’t have that nice crispy crust.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought dough?

Sure, but making your own takes about the same time and tastes better. Honestly, I skip this half the time because I like knowing what’s in my food.

→ What else can I fill them with?

You can definitely get creative! Try sautéed veggies, chicken, or even leftover taco meat. It's a great way to clean out the fridge.

→ How do I freeze them?

Just assemble the calzones without baking, wrap them well in plastic wrap, and pop them in the freezer. When you're ready to cook, bake them straight from frozen but add a bit of extra time!

→ What's the best way to reheat them?

The oven is best for reheating to keep them crispy. About 10-15 minutes at 350°F should do the trick!