Ultimate Sausage and Pepperoni Cheese Calzone
Indulge in the deliciousness of an Ultimate Sausage and Pepperoni Cheese Calzone that combines a savory blend of ground sausage and pepperoni with creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella, all encased in golden, flaky pizza dough. This recipe is perfect for a comforting meal or to impress guests with minimal effort. Using a convenient can of Pillsbury pizza dough, this calzone comes together quickly without sacrificing flavor. Serve it warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, and enjoy a culinary experience that brings the taste of Italy right to your kitchen.
4
Servings
400
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground sausage
1 1/2 cups (Cooked and drained)
Pizza dough
1 lb (Thawed)
Ricotta cheese
1 cup (Drained well)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
4 cups (Shredded)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (Grated)
Cooked pepperoni slices
1 cup (Cooked)
Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons (None)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (None)
Garlic clove
1 (Minced)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (None)
Grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (For topping)
Marinara sauce
2 cups (Heated for dipping)
Salt and pepper
To taste (None)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven (and pizza stone, if using) to 450°F (230°C).
2
In a large skillet, brown the ground sausage over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the drained ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, cooked sausage, and sliced pepperoni. Season to taste with salt and pepper, mixing thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
4
On a floured surface or a pizza paddle dusted with cornmeal, roll out the pizza dough into a 15-inch circle. Don’t worry about making it a perfect shape.
5
Spread the cheese and meat filling over one half of the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges for sealing.
6
Carefully lift the unfilled half of the dough and fold it over the filled portion to create a semi-circle. Pinch the edges firmly together to seal, and use a fork to crimp the edges for a secure closure. Trim any excess dough if necessary.
7
Brush the top of the calzone with olive oil and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over it for added flavor.
8
Make a few small slits in the top to allow steam to escape while baking.
9
Carefully transfer the calzone onto the preheated pizza stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10
Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the calzone is puffed up and beautifully golden brown.
11
Remove from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
12
While the calzone rests, heat the marinara sauce in the microwave for dipping. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
22g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in the Ultimate Sausage and Pepperoni Cheese Calzone?
The main ingredients include ground sausage, pizza dough, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and pepperoni slices.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230 degrees Celsius).
Do I need a pizza stone for this recipe?
A pizza stone is optional; you can also use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
How should I prepare the ground sausage?
Brown the ground sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat and drain any excess fat before using.
What type of pizza dough is recommended?
The recipe suggests using a convenient 1 lb can of Pillsbury pizza dough.
How do I prepare the ricotta cheese?
The ricotta cheese should be drained well to prevent the calzone from becoming too watery.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed?
This recipe requires 4 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
What seasonings are used in the filling?
The filling is seasoned with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
How large should I roll out the pizza dough?
Roll the dough out into approximately a 15-inch circle on a floured surface.
How do I assemble the calzone?
Spread the filling over one half of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border, then fold the other half over and seal.
How should I seal the edges of the dough?
Pinch the edges firmly together and use a fork to crimp them for a secure closure.
What is brushed on top of the dough before baking?
Brush the top with olive oil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Why should I make slits in the top of the calzone?
Making a few small slits allows steam to escape while the calzone is baking.
How long does the calzone need to bake?
Bake the calzone for 10 to 15 minutes until it is puffed and golden brown.
Does the calzone need to rest after cooking?
Yes, allow the calzone to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
What should I serve with the calzone?
Serve the calzone warm with a side of heated marinara sauce for dipping.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving has 20 grams of fat.
How much protein is in a serving?
There are 22 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 37.5 grams of carbohydrates.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that requires minimal effort.
Can I use a pizza paddle?
Yes, you can roll out the dough on a pizza paddle dusted with cornmeal for easy transfer.
What type of pepperoni is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of cooked pepperoni slices.
How much Parmesan cheese is used for the topping?
Use 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese for the topping.
Can I adjust the spiciness?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste preference.
What should I do if the dough is not a perfect circle?
The recipe notes you should not worry about making it a perfect shape when rolling.
How many total ingredients are listed?
There are 13 ingredients used in this recipe.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The garlic clove should be minced before being added to the cheese mixture.
Is this a traditional Italian dish?
Yes, it is an Italian-style dish that brings the taste of Italy to your kitchen.