These sausage calzones are like little pockets of joy! With tasty sausage and gooey cheese wrapped in crispy dough, they’re perfect for any meal or snack.
I love how easy they are to make, and they disappear faster than a cat at bath time! 😂 You can dip them in marinara sauce for extra yum. What’s not to love?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: You can use either mild or spicy sausage based on your preference. If you can’t find it, ground turkey or chicken mixed with Italian herbs works well too.
Cheeses: Mozzarella is a must for stretchiness, but you can substitute it with provolone or a dairy-free cheese if needed. Ricotta adds creaminess, but you can skip it or use cottage cheese instead.
Pizza Dough: Store-bought dough is convenient, but if you prefer homemade, a simple dough recipe only needs flour, water, yeast, and salt. Gluten-free dough is another good substitute.
Pizza Sauce: Any marinara sauce will work. If you have pesto, that can add a nice twist! For a spicier kick, try a arrabbiata sauce.
How Do I Seal My Calzones Properly?
Sealing the calzones is key to prevent any filling from leaking out while baking. Here’s how to do it right:
- After adding the filling, fold the dough over carefully.
- Press the edges with your fingertips to start sealing.
- Crimp the edges with a fork for a strong seal and a pretty design!
- If needed, you can brush a little water on the edges to help them stick better.
Taking these extra steps ensures your calzones will stay packed with all the yummy goodness inside!
How to Make Sausage Calzones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (optional, for creaminess)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce, plus more for serving
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 package (16 oz) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh basil or oregano leaves, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and 15-20 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at around 30-35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make clean-up a breeze.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. Cook it until it’s browned and cooked through, using a spoon to break it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess grease from the skillet.
3. Mix the Filling:
Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the pizza sauce, dried oregano, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes (if you like spice), and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Let this yummy mixture cool down a bit.
4. Prepare the Dough:
On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough until it’s about 1/4-inch thick. Use a round cutter or a bowl to cut out 6-8 equal circles of about 6 inches in diameter.
5. Add the Cheese:
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, ricotta (if you’re using it), and grated Parmesan cheese. This will be the cheesy goodness in your calzones!
6. Fill the Calzones:
Take each dough circle and spoon a generous amount of the sausage mixture onto one half. Top it with a scoop of the cheese mixture for that extra cheesiness!
7. Seal the Calzones:
Carefully fold the dough over the filling, making a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal them, then use a fork to crimp the edges—this keeps everything inside while they cook.
8. Egg Wash and Bake:
Place the calzones onto your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg; this gives them a beautiful, golden finish. Pop them in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and the dough is fully cooked.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done, take the calzones out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This way, you won’t burn your tongue! Serve them warm with extra pizza or marinara sauce for dipping and a sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano on top if you like.
Enjoy these hot, cheesy, and flavorful sausage calzones fresh out of the oven!
Can I Make Calzones with Different Fillings?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the sausage for other proteins like chicken, ground beef, or veggies. You can also mix in different cheeses or add ingredients like spinach, peppers, or mushrooms to customize your filling.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Pizza Dough?
If you’re out of pizza dough, you can use crescent roll dough, puff pastry, or even tortillas for a quick version! Just roll them out a bit and follow the same filling instructions.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through, which helps keep the crust crispy.
Can I Freeze Unbaked Calzones?
Yes, you can! Assemble the calzones without baking them, then place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
