Rip Roaring Runzas (aka Cornhusker Calzones)
Introduction
If there’s one culinary gem that deserves to shine brighter on the national stage, it’s the delightful Runza, affectionately known as Cornhusker Calzones. These scrumptious Nebraska treats, reminiscent of warm summer days spent milking cows and swathing hay, are simply irresistible. After experiencing the magic of these stuffed buns during my time in Nebraska, I returned home to Florida with a mission: to recreate that same level of yumminess. This recipe, crafted with love and dedication, captures the essence of those memories while ensuring that you can enjoy them in your own kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these Runzas promise to be a hit.
Recipe Details
| Name | Rip Roaring Runzas (aka Cornhusker Calzones) |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 3 hours |
| Prep Time | 45 minutes |
| Total Time | 3 hours 45 minutes |
| Description | A delightful Nebraska treat that combines meat and cheese in a tender dough. |
| Category | Lunch/Snacks |
| Servings | 18 |
| Aggregated Rating | 5 |
| Review Count | 3 |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 165.1 |
| Total Fat | 12.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 39.6 mg |
| Sodium | 502.1 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 2.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.8 g |
| Sugars | 1.3 g |
| Protein | 9.6 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ground beef |
| 1 | Bulk Italian sausage |
| 1 | Onion |
| 6 | Cabbage |
| 2 | Prepared mustard |
| 2 | Salt |
| ½ | Ground black pepper |
| 1 | Caraway seed |
| 1 | American cheese |
| ½ | Cheddar cheese |
Instructions
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Brown the Meats: Begin your culinary adventure by browning the ground beef and bulk Italian sausage together with the chopped onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to break up any large pieces of meat. This process should take about 8-10 minutes, resulting in a beautifully browned mixture filled with robust flavors.
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Drain and Add Cabbage: Once the meats are thoroughly browned, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet to prevent greasiness. Then, add the finely chopped cabbage, prepared mustard, salt, and ground black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine the ingredients well, and let them sauté until the cabbage becomes tender, which should take approximately 5 to 8 minutes.
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Melt the Cheese: After the cabbage is tender, reduce the heat to low and incorporate the American cheese and cheddar cheese into the mixture. Stir continuously until the cheeses are completely melted and seamlessly blended into the filling. For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle in the caraway seeds and taste-test for seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper as needed to create the perfect filling.
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Prepare the Dough: While the filling cools slightly, take your favorite bread dough (homemade or store-bought) and divide it into eighteen equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, flatten each piece into a round disk, roughly 4 to 5 inches in diameter. This will serve as the base for your delicious Runzas.
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Fill and Shape the Runzas: Place about ¼ cup of the cheesy meat and cabbage filling in the center of each dough disk. Carefully pinch the edges together to form a stuffed bun, ensuring that the filling is well enclosed. For a creative twist, you can fold one side of the circle over the filling, creating a crescent shape, then pinch to seal.
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Rise and Shine: Arrange the stuffed buns, pinched-side down, on a lightly greased baking sheet, leaving space between each for rising. Cover the baking sheet with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm area for about one hour, allowing the buns to puff up nicely.
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Brush and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the buns have risen, brush them lightly with milk or melted butter to give them a beautiful golden color while baking. For an added touch of flavor, sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt and a few extra caraway seeds on top of each bun. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and are irresistibly aromatic.
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Final Touches: If you prefer a tangy twist, feel free to substitute sauerkraut for the cabbage in the filling. These delectable Runzas can be individually frozen for later enjoyment, allowing you to reheat them easily in the microwave or conventional oven whenever the craving strikes.
Conclusion
With their savory filling enveloped in soft, freshly baked dough, these Rip Roaring Runzas are not just a meal; they are a hearty, flavorful experience that bridges nostalgia and comfort. Perfect for lunch, snacks, or gatherings with friends and family, they invite everyone to indulge in a taste of Nebraska, no matter where you are. So, why not gather your loved ones and savor these delightful treats that are sure to impress? Enjoy every bite of your homemade Cornhusker Calzones!
