Hey foodies! It’s Jacob Allen from Beyond the Bayou Blog, your go-to for delicious global cuisine. Today, let’s talk about a mouthwatering dish: Tropical Calzones.
As I collect the ingredients for these calzones, memories of my tropical adventures come back. I thought about exploring vibrant markets, running on sandy beaches, and enjoying their local food.
One memory stands out sharply. I stopped upon a cozy pizzeria on the Maui island. I smelled the fresh dough and wanted to try their famous calzones. They were golden, cheesy, and tasted amazing, reminding me of my trip with every bite.
Calzone Recipe
Equipment
- Rolling Pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup cooked sausage crumbles
- 1/2 cup chopped vegetables
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into individual circles, about 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) in diameter.
- Spoon a generous amount of pizza sauce onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then add your desired fillings, such as pepperoni, cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, or a combination of ingredients.
- Carefully fold the other half of the dough over the fillings to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together to seal, then crimp with a fork to ensure they are tightly closed.
- Transfer the calzones to the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
- Optional: Brush the tops of the calzones with beaten egg for a shiny finish and extra flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
- Enjoy your homemade calzones hot out of the oven, either on their own or with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Buon appetito!
Notes
- Ensure to properly seal the edges of the calzone to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
- You can customize the fillings according to your preference, such as adding extra cheese, different meats, or additional vegetables.
Nutrition
Time For My Personal Tips!
Tip 1: I always pre-cook any raw vegetables before adding them as fillings. This ensures they release less moisture during baking, stopped the calzone from becoming soggy.
Tip 2: To get a beautifully golden and crispy crust, I brush the top of each calzone with a beaten egg wash before baking. It adds a lovely shine and extra flavor to the dough.
Tip 3: Don’t overload your calzones with fillings. It’s tempting to stuff them to the brim, but too much filling can cause them to burst open while baking. Stick to a normal amount for the good balance of everything.
Baking Calzones in Your Home Oven
First, I set my oven rack in the middle position and preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Then, I line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Next, I shape my calzone and carefully place it on the prepared baking sheet. Into the oven it goes for about 10 minutes.
After the initial 10 minutes, I lower the oven temperature to 400°F (204°C), rotate the pan 180°, and continue baking. I keep an eye on it until the exterior crust turns a beautiful deep golden brown, which usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes more.
And there you have it—freshly baked calzones right out of my home oven!
