Italian Hero Calzones Recipe
Overview:
Indulge in the delectable flavors of Italy with these mouthwatering Italian Hero Calzones! Bursting with savory ingredients and baked to golden perfection, these calzones are perfect for lunch, snacks, or any occasion. Follow this simple recipe to create a crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone coming back for more.
- Preparation Time: 35 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 20 calzones
Ingredients:
- 2 packages of pizza dough
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
- 3/4 cup sliced pitted ripe olives
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups cooked turkey and/or pepperoni
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
- Cornmeal (for sprinkling)
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat the oven to 425°F. |
| 2 | Lightly grease a large baking sheet and sprinkle it with cornmeal. Set aside. |
| 3 | Drain the sun-dried tomatoes well, reserving the oil. |
| 4 | In a medium bowl, combine the drained tomatoes, cooked turkey and/or pepperoni, and sliced olives. |
| 5 | Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until well mixed. |
| 6 | On a lightly floured surface, roll out each package of pizza dough into a 12 x 9-inch rectangle. |
| 7 | Using a 3-inch round cutter, cut each rectangle into ten 3-inch circles. |
| 8 | Place about 1 tablespoon of the meat and cheese mixture slightly off-center on each dough circle. |
| 9 | Fold the dough over the filling, forming a semicircle. |
| 10 | Seal the edges of each calzone using the tines of a fork. |
| 11 | Arrange the calzones on the prepared baking sheet. |
| 12 | Brush the tops of the calzones with the reserved oil from the tomatoes. |
| 13 | Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and cayenne pepper (if using) over the tops of the calzones. |
| 14 | Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown. |
| 15 | Serve warm and enjoy! |
Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions:
- Make Ahead: Prepare and bake the calzones as directed. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before storing.
- Freezing: Place the cooled calzones in a freezer container or freezer bag, label, and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the frozen calzones on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until heated through. If necessary, cover loosely with foil to prevent overbrowning.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 24.5
- Fat: 1.4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.6g
- Cholesterol: 5.1mg
- Sodium: 84mg
- Carbohydrates: 1.2g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Sugar: 0.1g
- Protein: 1.8g
Keywords:
Lunch/Snacks, Meat, Canadian, European, Potluck, Brunch, < 60 Mins, For Large Groups, Oven, Freezer, Inexpensive
Conclusion:
These Italian Hero Calzones are a flavorful twist on traditional pizza, perfect for serving at gatherings or enjoying as a satisfying snack. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can whip up a batch in no time. Whether you’re craving a quick lunch or planning a party menu, these calzones are sure to impress!
