These sausage calzones are a tasty treat! Packed with gooey cheese and flavorful sausage, they’re baked until golden and crispy on the outside—perfect for a quick meal.
I love how easy they are to make! Just fill some dough with the good stuff, fold it up, and bake. They’re great for lunch or dinner, and I always end up making extra for later! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: You can choose between mild or spicy sausage based on your taste. If you want a healthier option, turkey or chicken sausage works great too.
Pizza Dough: Store-bought dough saves time. If you have a favorite homemade recipe, go for it! Gluten-free dough is also a good alternative for those with dietary needs.
Cheeses: Mozzarella is classic, but you can substitute with provolone for a different flavor. Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta if you prefer a lighter option.
Herbs and Spices: Oregano and basil provide traditional Italian flavor. Feel free to add fresh herbs if you have them! A bit of Italian seasoning mix is another easy swap.
How Do You Seal Calzones to Prevent Filling from Leaking?
Sealing calzones is important to keep all the delicious filling inside! Here’s how to do it right:
- Before folding, wet the edges of the dough with water or beaten egg. This helps the dough stick together.
- Press the edges firmly together to eliminate any air pockets, which can cause leaks.
- Use a fork to crimp the edges all around, creating a tight seal. This not only looks nice but keeps everything secure!
When you bake them, keep an eye on them. If you see any filling starting to ooze out, it’s a sign to make sure your next batch is sealed even tighter!
How to Make Sausage Calzones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 package (16 oz) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce (plus extra for serving)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep the filling, 10 minutes to assemble the calzones, and around 15-20 minutes to bake. So, in total, you should expect to spend about 35-40 minutes to enjoy these warm, cheesy delights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure your calzones don’t stick.
2. Cook the Sausage Filling:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break it into smaller pieces as it cooks until fully browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion becomes soft and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes). Season this mixture with oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Once combined, remove the skillet from heat and let it cool for a minute.
3. Mix in the Cheeses:
In a large bowl, combine the cooled sausage mixture with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and 1/2 cup of pizza sauce. Mix everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust any seasoning if needed!
4. Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into an even layer. Cut the dough into 6 equal circles, each being about 6-7 inches in diameter. If you don’t have a round cutter, you can use a large plate as a guide!
5. Fill the Calzones:
Take one dough circle and spoon a generous amount of the sausage and cheese filling onto one half of the circle, leaving a little border around the edge. Repeat this for each circle of dough.
6. Seal the Calzones:
To seal, brush the edges of the dough with either water or beaten egg. Then, fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly, and use a fork to crimp the edges. This will keep all that delicious filling inside!
7. Prepare for Baking:
Place the filled calzones on your prepared baking sheet. Brush the top of each calzone with the remaining beaten egg to give them a lovely golden color when they bake.
8. Bake Until Golden:
Bake the calzones in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
9. Cool and Garnish:
Remove the calzones from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish with chopped fresh basil for a nice touch!
10. Serve with Sauce:
Enjoy your delicious homemade sausage calzones warm, with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping!
Enjoy every bite of these homemade sausage calzones! They’re perfect for sharing or lunch all week long! 😊
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! Ground beef, turkey, or chicken can be used instead of Italian sausage. Just be sure to cook any type of meat thoroughly before adding to the filling.
Can I Prepare Calzones in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the calzones and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap. If you want to freeze them, place the uncooked calzones on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover calzones can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave them for a minute or two, or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
What Can I Serve with Sausage Calzones?
These calzones go great with a side salad or your favorite dipping sauces! Extra marinara or even ranch dressing are popular choices. Enjoy! 😊