Homemade Calzones

Name: Homemade Calzones Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 ball pizza dough (try our recipe!); 2 tbsp butter; 4 tsp parmesan cheese; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp oregano; 1/4 tsp salt; pepperoni; bell peppers; olives; ham (sliced)

Why We Love Calzones

Great for family meals or casual gatherings.
This easy calzone recipe is a comfort food that’s simple and satisfying.
It only takes 20 minutes to make these calzones!

Recipe Ingredients

Open calzone dough topped with cheese, pepperoni, and seasonings on a baking mat.

Fillings – I used pepperoni, ham, bell peppers, and olives for a variety of flavors. Feel free to add your favorites!

Cheese – You can’t have a calzone without cheese. I used parmesan for a sharp flavor.

For a full list of ingredients and amounts, see the recipe card below.

Variations

Dough – Use store-bought pizza dough for convenience or opt for a homemade pizza dough recipe for a personal touch. You can also experiment with whole wheat, gluten-free, or sourdough dough to change up the flavor and texture.

Meats – You can experiment with cooked chicken, bacon, salami, prosciutto, or crumbled Italian sausage for different flavors.

Seasonings – Try adding crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, or chopped fresh basil for an extra layer of taste.

How to Make Homemade Calzones

Step 1: Preheat oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius). Prepare the baking surface by dusting lightly with flour or cornmeal.

Step 2: If using homemade pizza dough, follow my no-knead dough directions up to the shaping step. Divide it into 4 balls and shape them into (4) 8″-10″ circles.

Side-by-side images of pizza dough in a mixing bowl.

Step 3: Place ingredients on one side of each circle. Divide seasonings evenly and sprinkle over each. Fold the top over each and crimp the edges by pinching and folding over. Optional: Cut 2-3 small slits on the top to prevent bubbles.

Three uncooked, folded calzones on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Remove from oven when golden brown. Brush with the melted butter and sprinkle with parmesan. Cool for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Baked pizza calzones with a bowl of marinara sauce.

Other Methods to Cook Calzones

Air Fryer – Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook calzones for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.

Frying – Form and crimp your homemade calzones tightly. Heat oil in a shallow pan to 365°F (185°C) and fry each side for 3-5 minutes until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

Grill – Place calzones over indirect heat on a grill set to medium-high. Cook for 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally for a hint of smokiness.

FAQs

Can I use different sauces inside my Homemade Calzone recipe?

Definitely! Playing around with sauces like Alfredo, pesto, or even a garlicky marinara sauce can make your calzones even better. BBQ sauce or other pasta sauces are fun ways to mix up the flavors, too.

What can I serve with calzones?

Some favorites include soups like Carrabba’s Sausage Lentil Soup, Tomato Soup, Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup, or Loaded Potato Soup. Salads such as a classic Cobb Salad or Honey Mustard Chicken Salad pair well too.

Storage Information

STORE baked Pizza Calzones in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. FREEZE by first placing them flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper until frozen, then wrapping them in plastic wrap and storing them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

REHEAT after thawing frozen calzones in the fridge, then warming them in the microwave or oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes.