Savory Cheese & Veggie Calzone Delight
Enjoy this delectable variation of a classic calzone recipe that features a creamy cheese blend and your choice of flavorful fillings. This delightful dish allows for creativity in the kitchen with the option to use roasted vegetables or your favorite cooked meats like pepperoni or sausage. The dough, when baked, becomes golden and crisp, encasing the melted cheeses and perfectly cooked fillings. Serve it alongside a warm marinara sauce for dipping, making it a satisfying and versatile option for lunch, snacks, or even a group gathering. Perfect for using up leftover veggies or meats, this calzone is as easy to make as it is enjoyable to eat.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
part-skim ricotta cheese
1 cup (drained well)
part-skim mozzarella cheese
8 ounces (shredded (about 2 cups volume))
garlic
2 teaspoons (minced, to taste)
roasted vegetables or pepperoni slices
1 - 1.5 cups (cooked)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
pizza dough
1 lb (thawed)
olive oil
1 - 2 tablespoons
parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (grated, to taste)
pizza sauce or marinara sauce
1 - 2 cups (heated, for dipping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
2
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the drained ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and minced garlic. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to your liking, ensuring a well-balanced flavor.
3
On a lightly floured or cornmeal-dusted baking sheet, roll out the pizza dough into a circle approximately 15 inches in diameter.
4
Spread the cheese filling evenly over one half of the circle, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge. Top with your choice of roasted vegetables or cooked meat, spreading it evenly over the cheese.
5
Carefully fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges tightly to seal the calzone, and use a fork to crimp the edges for added security.
6
Brush olive oil generously on the top of the calzone, and sprinkle grated parmesan cheese to taste. This will add flavor and a beautiful sheen to the finished product.
7
Create a few slits in the top of the calzone using a sharp knife to allow steam to escape during baking.
8
Place the calzone in the preheated oven and bake it for 10 to 15 minutes, or until it is puffed up and golden brown.
9
Once baked, remove the calzone from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes to cool slightly before slicing.
10
Serve alongside heated marinara or pizza sauce for dipping, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Cheese & Veggie Calzone Delight?
It is a delectable variation of a classic calzone recipe that features a creamy cheese blend and your choice of flavorful fillings like roasted vegetables or meats.
What types of cheese are used in this calzone recipe?
This recipe uses part-skim ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated parmesan cheese.
Can I add meat to this veggie calzone?
Yes, you can include cooked meats like pepperoni or sausage along with or instead of vegetables.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
How large should I roll out the pizza dough?
You should roll the pizza dough out into a circle approximately 15 inches in diameter.
How do I ensure the ricotta cheese doesn't make the calzone soggy?
The recipe recommends draining the ricotta cheese well before combining it with other ingredients.
What seasonings are used in the cheese mixture?
The cheese mixture is seasoned with minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to your liking.
How do I seal the edges of the calzone?
Pinch the edges tightly to seal the dough and use a fork to crimp the edges for added security.
Why should I brush olive oil on top of the dough?
Brushing olive oil on the top adds flavor and creates a beautiful golden sheen on the finished product.
Why do I need to create slits in the top of the calzone?
Creating slits allows steam to escape during the baking process, preventing the calzone from bursting.
How long does the calzone need to bake?
The calzone should bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until it is puffed up and golden brown.
Should the calzone rest after coming out of the oven?
Yes, let it stand for 5 minutes to cool slightly before slicing.
What can I serve with the calzone for dipping?
It is recommended to serve it alongside heated marinara or pizza sauce.
How much pizza dough is required?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of pizza dough, which should be thawed if previously frozen.
What is the best way to prepare the baking sheet?
Use a lightly floured or cornmeal-dusted baking sheet to prevent the dough from sticking.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, though the recipe suggests using roasted vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
Is this recipe suitable for a group gathering?
Absolutely, its size and versatility make it a satisfying option for groups, snacks, or lunch.
How much garlic should I use?
The recipe suggests 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, but you can adjust this to your personal taste.
What is the texture of the finished calzone?
When baked, the dough becomes golden and crisp, encasing melted cheeses and cooked fillings.
Can I use this recipe for leftovers?
Yes, this calzone is perfect for using up leftover roasted veggies or cooked meats.
What is the volume of mozzarella needed?
You will need 8 ounces of shredded mozzarella, which is approximately 2 cups in volume.
How much parmesan cheese is sprinkled on top?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese, or to taste.
Is this considered an Italian dish?
Yes, the calzone is a classic Italian dish, and this version follows that traditional style.
What is the first step in preparing the filling?
The first step is to combine the drained ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and minced garlic in a medium-sized bowl.
Do I need to leave a border when spreading the filling?
Yes, leave a 1-inch border around the edge of the dough circle to allow for proper sealing.
How much sauce is needed for dipping?
You should prepare 1 to 2 cups of heated pizza or marinara sauce.
What shape is the final calzone?
The dough is folded over to create a half-moon shape.
How much olive oil is used?
Between 1 and 2 tablespoons of olive oil are used to brush the top.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is designed to be straightforward for home cooks.
What type of ricotta is suggested?
The recipe specifies part-skim ricotta cheese for a lighter but still creamy result.