Savory Calzones with Homemade Marinara
Indulge in deliciously savory calzones stuffed with a creamy cottage cheese and savory pepperoni filling, served alongside a rich, slow-simmered marinara sauce. While the marinara sauce takes about two hours to develop its robust flavor, feel free to use bottled sauce if you're short on time. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or snack, this recipe combines fresh ingredients and family-friendly flavors for a delightful meal that's sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy these calzones fresh out of the oven with a side of warm marinara for dipping, elevating your lunch experience to new heights!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
small curd cottage cheese
1 cup (none)
grated parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons (none)
large egg
1 (beaten)
chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (fresh)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
pepperoni slices
1 (3 1/2 ounce) package (chopped)
Monterey Jack cheese
4 slices (chopped)
refrigerated prepared pizza crust
2 (10 ounce) cans (none)
vegetable oil
1/4 cup (none)
diced tomatoes
2 (28 ounce) cans (undrained)
tomato paste
2 (12 ounce) cans (none)
water
8 cups (none)
sugar
1/4 cup (none)
dried Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons (none)
salt
1 tablespoon (none)
dried basil
1 tablespoon (none)
black pepper
2 teaspoons (none)
dry crushed red pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, and garlic powder. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated, then stir in the chopped pepperoni and Monterey Jack cheese.
2
Take each prepared pizza crust and divide it into two equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a 7-inch circle.
3
Spoon 1/2 cup of the cottage cheese filling into the center of each circle. Carefully fold the dough over the filling, pressing the edges to seal tightly. Place each calzone on a baking sheet lined with greased aluminum foil. Use a fork to prick the top of each calzone several times to allow steam to escape.
4
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the calzones for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Once baked, let them stand for 5 minutes before serving.
5
While the calzones are baking, prepare the marinara sauce. In a Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, sautéing for about 10 minutes until the onions are tender and translucent.
6
Stir in the diced tomatoes, along with the remaining marinara sauce ingredients: tomato paste, water, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, dried basil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Increase the heat to bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
7
Serve the warm calzones alongside the homemade marinara sauce for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is Savory Calzones stuffed with cottage cheese, pepperoni, and Monterey Jack cheese.
How long does the homemade marinara sauce take to cook?
The marinara sauce needs to simmer gently for about 2 hours to develop its full flavor.
Can I use a shortcut for the sauce?
Yes, you can use bottled marinara sauce if you are short on time.
What type of cheese is used in the calzone filling?
The filling uses small curd cottage cheese, grated parmesan cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese.
What temperature should I bake the calzones?
The calzones should be baked at 375°F (190°C).
How long do the calzones need to bake?
Bake the calzones for 20 to 25 minutes or until they are golden brown.
What kind of dough is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for two 10-ounce cans of refrigerated prepared pizza crust.
How many calzones does this recipe yield?
Since the recipe uses two cans of dough and each is divided into two portions, it makes 4 calzones.
How do I prepare the filling for the calzones?
Mix cottage cheese, parmesan, egg, parsley, and garlic powder, then stir in chopped pepperoni and Monterey Jack cheese.
What size should I roll the dough portions?
Each portion of dough should be rolled into a 7-inch circle.
How much filling goes into each calzone?
You should spoon 1/2 cup of the cottage cheese filling into the center of each dough circle.
How do I prevent steam from building up inside the calzone?
Use a fork to prick the top of each calzone several times before baking to allow steam to escape.
What should I use to line the baking sheet?
Use greased aluminum foil to line your baking sheet.
How long should the calzones rest after baking?
Let the calzones stand for 5 minutes before serving.
What are the primary liquid ingredients in the marinara sauce?
The sauce uses diced tomatoes with juice, tomato paste, and 8 cups of water.
What vegetables are sautéed for the sauce?
Chopped onions and garlic are sautéed in vegetable oil.
How long should I sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté them for about 10 minutes until the onions are tender and translucent.
What herbs and spices are in the marinara?
The sauce includes Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and dry crushed red pepper flakes.
Why is sugar added to the marinara sauce?
1/4 cup of sugar is added to help balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Is the egg in the filling cooked beforehand?
No, the egg is beaten and mixed raw into the filling; it cooks while the calzones bake.
What type of meat is included?
The recipe uses one 3.5-ounce package of chopped pepperoni slices.
Do I need to drain the diced tomatoes for the sauce?
No, the tomatoes should be undrained.
What is the best way to seal the calzones?
Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges tightly together to seal.
Can I serve the sauce cold?
The recipe recommends serving the calzones with warm homemade marinara for dipping.
What kitchen equipment is best for making the sauce?
A Dutch oven is recommended for simmering the large volume of marinara sauce.
Is the parsley used fresh or dried?
The recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley.
What is the role of the Monterey Jack cheese?
It provides a creamy, melty texture within the savory pepperoni and cottage cheese filling.
How much tomato paste is needed?
The recipe requires two 12-ounce cans of tomato paste.
Is this recipe suitable for a family meal?
Yes, it is described as having family-friendly flavors perfect for a satisfying lunch or snack.
What provides the heat in the marinara sauce?
One teaspoon of dry crushed red pepper flakes provides a bit of spice to the sauce.