Italian Calzone Recipe
You’ll discover that the calzone’s journey from the bustling streets of 18th-century Naples to modern-day dinner tables tells a fascinating story of culinary innovation. This half-moon shaped creation didn’t just appear by chance – it emerged as a practical solution for workers who needed a portable, mess-free way to enjoy their beloved pizza. While today’s restaurants serve calzones on proper plates with marinara sauce on the side, the original street-food version represents something far more significant: a turning point in Italian cuisine that would influence how we think about handheld meals. There’s more to this folded delight than meets the eye.
Overview
- A calzone is a folded Italian pizza originating from Naples, shaped like a half-moon and filled with cheese, meats, and sauce.
- Traditional calzones contain ricotta cheese, mozzarella, ham, and tomato sauce, sealed within pizza dough and baked until golden.
- Each serving provides 580 calories with 28g protein, making it a filling meal option rich in calcium.
- The name “calzone” means “trouser leg” in Italian and was initially created as portable food for workers.
- Proper sealing and avoiding overfilling are crucial for successful calzone preparation, with baking temperature at 220°C (425°F).
Traditional Neapolitan Calzone Cooking Instructions
The calzone, originating in 18th-century Naples, represents the perfect fusion of convenience and culinary excellence. This half-moon shaped folded pizza evolved from the streets of Naples as a portable meal for busy workers, with “calzone” meaning “trouser leg” in Italian, reflecting its distinctive folded shape.
Ingredients
- 500g pizza dough
- 250g ricotta cheese
- 200g mozzarella, shredded
- 100g Italian ham (prosciutto cotto)
- 150g tomato sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F)
- Roll pizza dough into a 12-inch circle
- Mix ricotta, mozzarella, garlic, and seasonings in a bowl
- Spread tomato sauce on half the dough, leaving 1-inch border
- Layer cheese mixture and ham over sauce
- Fold dough over filling, crimp edges to seal
- Brush with egg wash, cut small slits for ventilation
- Bake 20-25 minutes until golden brown
Top Tips
- Let dough reach room temperature before rolling
- Don’t overfill – leave room for proper sealing
- Drain ricotta thoroughly to prevent soggy bottom
- Press out air pockets before sealing
- Rest 5 minutes before cutting
- Use cornmeal on baking sheet for crispy bottom
Variations
- Vegetarian: Spinach, mushroom, and ricotta
- Meat Lover’s: Pepperoni, sausage, and bacon
- Seafood: Shrimp, calamari, and garlic
- Four Cheese: Mozzarella, ricotta, parmesan, gorgonzola
- Breakfast: Eggs, cheese, and breakfast meats
Nutritional Guide (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 580 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Carbohydrates | 62g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 890mg |
Serves 4. High in calcium and protein. Moderate in saturated fats. Can be made healthier by using whole wheat dough and reducing cheese content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Calzones Be Frozen and Reheated Later?
You’ll love how easily you can freeze your favorites! Use proper freezing methods like wrapping tightly in foil and plastic. When ready, try these reheating tips: thaw overnight and warm at 375°F until hot.
What’s the Best Temperature to Bake a Calzone?
You’ll want to set your oven to 425°F for perfect baking techniques. This high heat guarantees your crust gets golden brown and crispy while the inside melts beautifully. It’s how we all achieve restaurant-quality results!
Why Does My Calzone Keep Breaking or Leaking?
Your calzone’s breaking because you’re either stretching the dough too thin or overstuffing it. Keep your dough consistency even and watch your filling amounts – you’ll want just enough to seal those edges properly!
Is a Calzone Healthier Than a Regular Pizza?
You’ll find that calzone ingredients match pizza’s nutritional comparison pretty closely. Since they’re made with the same components, neither is inherently healthier – it’s all about your specific toppings and portion control.
How Long Should I Let the Calzone Rest Before Cutting?
You’ll want to give your creation a 5-10 minute resting time before diving in. This lets the hot filling settle and makes your cutting technique smoother, ensuring you won’t lose those delicious juices!
Before You Go
You’ll find that calzones aren’t just another Italian dish – they’re a slice of Naples’ culinary heritage that’s transformed into a portable feast. Whether you’re craving the classic combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and ham, or you’re ready to experiment with your own fillings, these golden-brown, half-moon treasures deliver the perfect blend of convenience and indulgence. Don’t forget to dip yours in marinara sauce for the complete experience.
