These Sausage Calzones are warm pockets of deliciousness, filled with tasty sausage, gooey cheese, and your favorite veggies. They’re super easy to make and perfect for a cozy meal!
Who can resist a calzone? They’re like little hand-held pizzas! I love dipping mine in marinara sauce. Trust me, it’s the best part! 🍕
Making calzones is a breeze. You just stuff the dough, seal it up, and bake. In no time, you’ve got a tasty treat that everyone will love!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This is the star of the dish! You can use either mild or spicy sausage depending on your heat preference. If you’re looking for a healthier version, turkey or chicken sausage works great too!
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic for that melty goodness. Ricotta adds creaminess, while Parmesan delivers a nice salty kick. If you’re out of ricotta, cream cheese or cottage cheese can be a good substitute.
Pizza Dough: Store-bought dough is quick and convenient, but if you feel like it, homemade dough can really take your calzones up a notch. You can also use whole wheat dough for a healthier twist!
Seasonings: Oregano and basil give fantastic Italian flavor. Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs, like fresh basil or parsley, if you have them. Just adjust the quantity to taste!
How Do I Make Sure My Calzones Are Well-Sealed?
Sealing calzones properly is key to preventing leaks while baking. Here’s how to do it right:
- After placing the filling on one half of the dough, leave about a half-inch border around the edge. This gives you enough room to seal.
- Fold the dough over without stretching it too much. Press the edges together firmly to close. If needed, dab a little water on the edge to help it stick.
- Use a fork to crimp the edges, which not only seals them but also gives a nice decorative finish.
Follow these steps and your calzones will stay packed with goodness! Happy cooking!
Delicious Sausage Calzones Recipe
Ingredients You Will Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dough:
- 1 package pizza dough (about 1 lb) or homemade pizza dough
For the Topping:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Marinara sauce, for serving
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll have your delicious calzones ready to enjoy in about 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Italian Sausage:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks, ensuring it’s browned and fully cooked, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté them for about 3 minutes until the onion is softened. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, mix the cooked sausage, mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
5. Roll Out the Dough:
On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large circle about 12 inches in diameter. Using a knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into 4 equal circles (or 6 smaller ones if you prefer smaller calzones).
6. Fill the Calzones:
Place a generous amount of the sausage and cheese filling on one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge so you can seal them.
7. Seal the Calzones:
Carefully fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal them. You can also crimp the edges with a fork for an extra secure seal and a pretty shape!
8. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer your calzones to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg. This step will give them a lovely golden color when baked!
9. Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the calzones for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, let the calzones cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil and serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy your delicious homemade sausage calzones!
Happy cooking!
Can I Freeze Sausage Calzones for Later?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked calzones before baking. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To bake, just remove them from the freezer and bake directly from frozen, adding an extra few minutes to the cooking time.
What Can I Substitute for Italian Sausage?
If you want a different flavor or prefer a leaner option, ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian sausage crumbles work well as substitutes. Just season them with Italian herbs to maintain that delicious flavor profile!
How Do I Prevent the Calzones from Getting Soggy?
A common issue with calzones is sogginess, but it’s easy to avoid! Make sure to drain any fat from the cooked sausage and avoid overfilling them. Additionally, you can bake them directly on a baking sheet instead of using parchment paper to ensure the bottom gets crispy.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Filling?
Definitely! Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach would make great additions. Just be sure to sauté any vegetables you add to ensure they release any moisture before mixing them into the filling!
