This easy-to-make delectable Homemade Calzone Recipe makes fresh baked hot pockets out of pizza crust filled with marinara sauce, pepperoni, and melted mozzarella. They are always a hit with family and friends, and with a few simple tips, you can have these in the oven in no time flat.
I love to serve them for weekend lunches and family movie nights. For a complete company-worthy meal, serve with Italian Chopped Salad and Fresh Strawberry Lemonade.
Why this recipe works!
- Everyone loves it. I mean, what is not to love about your favorite pizza toppings, including plenty of cheese packed in a pizza dough pocket and baked to golden perfection?
- A lot of grocery stores sell fresh ready-made pizza dough. I usually find it in the deli section next to the fresh mozzarella and other fresh shredded and grated cheeses. So if you are pushed for time, this is an excellent alternative.
- Everyone in the family can customize their calzone to suit their taste. Bacon, ham, pepperoni, mushrooms, spinach, black olives, and onions are just a few choices to stuff them with.
How to make a Calzone
First, lightly flour your work surface and cut the pizza dough into four equal portions using a pizza cutter. Now using a floured rolling pin roll those pieces into circles. Then spoon a little marinara in the middle and spread it out, leaving at least a 1/2 inch of the edge sauce free. Next, layer your meats, cheeses, and veggies.
Now simply fold the dough over, creating a half circle. Use your fingers to roll the edges together and then crimp using a fork. Next, using a sharp knife, cut 3 slits on the top of each calzone. Place on a baking pan covered with parchment paper. Now beat the egg with a little water and brush lightly over the top. Finally, sprinkle with a bit of dried oregano, marjoram, or parsley and bake for about 15 minutes or until the dough is golden brown.
Recipe notes and tips
- Ready-made pizza dough is available at many grocery stores. It also freezes well, so if it is a hit-and-miss situation at your neighborhood store, bring an extra pound home and store it in the freezer. If you have time, feel free to make a homemade pizza dough recipe. It is quite easy to make, and you will love the results.
- You can roll or pat out the pizza dough into a circle. If you have been working with pizza dough for a while, you are probably pretty good at patting it out into a circle.
- Meats such as ham, bacon, hamburger, and sausage should be cooked prior to stuffing them in the calzones.
- Don’t overfill the calzone, as you have to be able to seal and crimp the edges. Use a fork to crimp the edges. I like to crimp them twice, once after I have stuffed them and one more final time after I have brushed on the egg wash.
- Egg wash is so easy to make, and it really adds a nice touch with a little bit of gloss and a nice golden brown finish.
- To reheat, remove the calzone from the refrigerator about 30 minutes prior to reheating to bring it to room temperature. Wrap it in a loose aluminum foil tent and place it on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 400-degree oven for about 12-15 minutes or until warmed through.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What is the difference between Calzone and Stromboli?
Basically, they have all the same ingredients, like pizza dough, marinara (or pizza sauce), cheese, and other goodies like pepperoni, bacon, ham, and onions; however, they are shaped differently. With a calzone, a standard (1 lb) pizza dough is cut into fours and rolled into small circles, then the sauce, cheese, and other fillings are added, and the dough is pulled over itself and crimped, creating a closed pocket. With stromboli a standard (1 lb) pizza dough is rolled out to a rectangle, and sauce, cheese, and toppings are added. Then it is rolled up like a cinnamon roll. Both are equally delectable, albeit different.
Calzone Fillings
- Sauce – pizza sauce, marinara, or even Alfredo sauce
- Cheese – mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan Cheese, ricotta cheese, or provel
- Meats – pepperoni, ham, bacon, Italian sausage, hamburger
- Vegetables – spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, Pickled Jalapenos.
Try these next
Homemade Calzone Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough homemade or store-bought pizza dough
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce or pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup shredded provolone
- sliced mushrooms optional
- chopped onion optional
- baby spinach optional
- diced bell peppers optional
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon cool water
- 1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram or oregano
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or brush with olive oil.
- Lightly flour your work surface and cut the pizza dough into four equal portions using a pizza cutter. Using a floured rolling pin, roll the pizza dough into 1/4-inch thick circles.
- Spoon 2 tablespoons marinara onto each dough circle and spread it out, leaving at least a 1/2 inch of the edge sauce free. Divide your pepperoni and cheese evenly and add any desired vegetables.
- Fold the dough over, creating a half circle, and crimp the edges, first rolling together with your fingers and then crimping with a fork. Cut 3 slits in the top of each one.
- Beat the egg and water together. Brush lightly over the exposed dough. Sprinkle with dried marjoram. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Video
Notes
- Ready-made pizza dough is available at many grocery stores. It also freezes well, so if it is a hit-and-miss situation at your neighborhood store, bring an extra pound home and store it in the freezer. If you have time, feel free to make homemade pizza dough. It is quite easy to make, and you will love the results.
- You can roll or pat out the pizza dough into a circle. If you have been working with pizza dough for a while, you are probably pretty good at patting it out into a circle.
- Meats such as ham, bacon, hamburger, and sausage should be cooked prior to stuffing them in the calzones.
- Don't overfill the calzone, as you have to be able to seal and crimp the edges. Use a fork to crimp the edges. I like to crimp them twice, once after I have stuffed them and one more final time after I have brushed on the egg wash.
- Egg wash is so easy to make, and it really adds a nice touch with a little bit of gloss and a nice golden brown finish.
- To reheat, remove the calzone from the refrigerator about 30 minutes prior to reheating to bring it to room temperature. Wrap it in a loose aluminum foil tent and place it on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 400-degree oven for about 12-15 minutes or until warm.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
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https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
Andrea
My family loved these fabulous individual calzones. I had a variety of cut up veggies and meats so we could customize our own calzone! Thanks for the recipe!
Kate
The calzone turned out perfectly! Thanks for all the great tips.
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Kate!
Taylor
We used this recipe to make calzones last night and they were incredible! A new family favorite for sure!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Taylor! So glad that you liked them!
Dannii
This was just the kind of comfort food that I needed. So easy to make too.
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Dannii!
Sangeetha
Your homemade calzone recipe is an absolute winner. Following your step-by-step guide and those handy tips, I managed to whip up these delicious hot pockets in no time. The combination of marinara sauce, pepperoni, and melted mozzarella is simply irresistible. My family and friends couldn’t get enough of them.
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much, Sangeetha! We enjoy these customizable treats too!
Frank
I love this calzone recipe. With your helpful tips, Beth. You make cooking something like this so much easier.
Shane
Great calzone recipe! They were so easy to make with the dough I picked up from the market. Everyone customized their own calzones.
Marysa
I used to eat Calzones all the time, but then they got so big and expensive! I would love to make my own at home. This does not sound too difficult.
Caroline
Reading about this Homemade Calzone Recipe has me eager to give it a shot in my kitchen! The thought of transforming pizza crust into flavorful pockets filled with marinara, pepperoni, and melted mozzarella is making my mouth water. Can’t wait to try it out and experience the deliciousness firsthand.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Caroline! Enjoy!
Alita Pacio
oh wow, A calzone is a fun lunch or dinner recipe. its like a stuffed pizza pocket, filled with all the classic toppings. I love that I can also just reheat and go.
Heather k
I love easy recipes like this one. The homemade calzones were delicious. The whole family enjoyed the meal.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Heather! So glad that the family liked them!
Evelyn
I’ve been making these as I have a friend that loves them. This recipe is easy, delicious and your recipe tips are so helpful. I buy ready made pizza dough at my local grocery store.
Richard Lowe
I’ve only had calzones for lunch a few times. Now that I have a recipe, maybe I’ll try it again.
Debbie
This easy-to-make homemade calzone recipe was delicious. From the fresh baked hot pockets out of pizza crust to the marinara sauce, pepperoni, and melted mozzarella – this was so tasty.
Nelly
I agree with you! Save yourself a step and pick up ready made fresh pizza dough at the store. We love these calzones! Delicious!
Maureen
You had me at calzone! My family loves anything that is “pizza” related. What I love about calzone though, is that it is a lot more portable than pizza. This would be perfect for my son’s lunch box and for our family movie nights! I can’t wait to try it!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Maureen! Enjoy!
Fransic
Great calzone recipe. It was even better than my Aunt’s recipe. Thank you for sharing!
Alita
Love this recipe. I think that anything that goes on a pizza can go into a calzone!
Beeb
I love that they are a great portable meal and reheat well for snacks throughout the week! Thank you for this.
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Beeb!
Beth
I would love to make this and add my favorite toppings and fillings! Such an easy but delicious recipe
Beth Pierce
So true!
Pedja
I love homemade calzones. And the best part is that you can use almost anything to fill it if you made the dough right.
Debbie
I’m excited to make this recipe! Our area is known for amazing pizza, Stromboli and Calzones. I’ve never found an easy-to-make recipe – but happy to try these delectable homemade calzones at home soon!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Debbie! Enjoy!
Cinny
Mmm, I happen to love calzones. I may have to test this one out!
Stephanie
We love making calzones and stromboli at our house! Sometimes I even make it with homemade pizza dough. It’s perfect since we all like different things on our pizza here, so we can customize our own calzones for dinner.
Beth Pierce
I agree whole heartedly!
Beth
Absolutely delicious homemade calzones! Perfectly crispy crust and flavorful filling – all done in just 35 minutes! Perfect!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Beth! So glad that you love my calzone recipe!
TAYLER ROSS
I made these calzones for dinner last night and they were perfect! Such a classic done really well!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Tayler!
Sara
This was everything a gourmet meal should be, and then some! Turned out perfectly hearty and delicious; definitely a new favorite recipe!
Kerri
These homemade Calzones look amazing! They’re way easier than I thought calzones were!
Eva
Nothing beats homemade calzones! This recipe is super easy to follow, the kids loved it! Thanks.
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Eva!
dina and bruce miller
Growing up in Kansas City, I would eat calzones at a local mall restaruant. This recipe brought back memories. Thank you. So good.
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine!
Allyson
I enjoyed this recipe very much. I loved the texture of the dough! The overall dish was phenomenal.
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much, Allyson! I am so glad that you liked the calzones!
Casey
OOH these came out so delicious and so cheesy! My entire family enjoyed them.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Casey! So glad that you liked them!
Casey
My husband and I love calzones and eat them all the time when we go out, though I’ve never made them at home for some reason. I’m taking this as a sign that I should!
Maayke
I LOVE calzone, and this recipe was amazing. Best calzones we have had in a while. Thank you!
Gervin Khan
Wow! This calzone recipe looks incredibly delicious and very yummy! An instant favorite for many! Plus it comes from our comfort food “Pizza”. I’ll definitely make this at home! Thanks!
MELANIE E
This is something I’d love to try and make myself. I’ve never tried a calzone before but it sounds really tasty.
Patricia Chamberlain
My family loves calzones, but I have never made them at home! This recipe looks easy to follow, so I may have to try soon!
Alice Mola
What an awesome recipe and seems simple enough to get kids involved! I like that these can be customized as we like with different fillings and even with difference sauces besides tomato! Looks delicious.
Olga
I love calzones but Never tried to cook them at home. So delicious and not as difficult as I thought.
Steve
I love calzones you can stuff anything in them to make you happy.
Beth Pierce
So true!
Whitney Stewart
And JUST when I was thinking I didn’t have a good calzone recipe in my cookbook! I found this recipe on Facebook. I’m a huge pizza lover, so I’m going to be doing this one a lot! Thanks so much for sharing this great calzone recipe!
LisaLisa
This is a recipe I know my oldest daughter would love to create; she loves pizza Calzones. I just might try this with a different meat since I don’t like pepperoni, looks delicious!
Debbie
I absolutely love a good calzone. This is such a perfect recipe on how to make homemade calzones. I usually order them out – it’s great to make it myself.
Maureen
You had me at calzone! We absolutely love calzones and they are oh-so satisfying. Perfect for when the pizza craving hits, and a great alternative at that!
Stephanie
I love calzones! We make them at home in a very similar fashion and they are delicious. They are great since we can each make our own with the fillings we like.
Blair Villanueva
Your calzone recipe is now giving me so many cravings. I will ask my hubby to make this for us using your recipe. Delicious!
Laura
This is my son’s favorite thing! He loves these calzones.
Tammy
Calzones are my favorite. I would love getting them at the pizzeria every weekend after school. I wasn’t always allowed but it was such a special treat when I could pick one out. Nowadays I love making my own too..these look delish!
Mosaic Art Discovery
I’ve always wanted to make Calzone but never did! I love it! Your Calzone looks soooo good, so good!
Indrani
This calzone post is truly helpful. It gives me a courage to try and make one.
We have always relished this in restaurants.
Beth Pierce
Thanks! Enjoy!
Samantha Donnelly
This is a great recipe. So tasty and easy to make. Thanks!
Dominique
I am huge fan of calzones, and these were exceptional! Best recipe I have tried!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Dominique! So happy that you liked it!
Monidipa
I love calzones but making them is hard but you made it look so easy. Your recipe looks great.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Monidipa!
Anosa Malanga
Been looking for a new recipe to try on over this weekend. Glad I was able to see this post. Thank you much! Excited to try this out!
Neely Moldovan
I have never tried to make one but we love calzones!
Kat
how I wish I have access to ready made doughs so I will just have to worry about the filling. this looks really gooood! gotta try your recipe!
Autumn Murray
This recipe was delish! I had not made homemade calzones before now! My family loved these!
Fransic verso
This look so good, I used to cook things like thing and have different fillings inside. I will try this recipe. Thank you for sharing!
Gervin Khan
Wow! This was so delicious! The texture was so enticing and tempting. Good for an afternoon snack!
Bryan
Calzone is almost always a treat! Who doesn’t like pizza, or anything like it? As long as the crust isn’t too thick, calzone is more than acceptable as my lunch or dinner.
Ivana Mearns
wow, this looks amazing, what a great recipe to try, thank you.
Marie
These were so fun to make and the whole family loved them. Great recipe!
Kelley
I know what i’ll be having for dinner tonight!!
Suja md
Absolutely delicious; thank you for this fantastic recipe! Very straightforward and easy to make. The dish came out perfectly. I will make it again!!
Beth Pierce
Thanks! So glad that you enjoyed it!
Andrea
Great and easy meal to make with my kids. They loved making their very own calzone!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Andrea! So glad that you liked the calzone!
Sharon Chen
Love this recipe! I’ve been wanting to make my own Calzone and this is perfect.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Sharon! Enjoy!!
Holley
I love this recipe! It’s our new family favorite when when we want to do pizza night!
Beth Pierce
Thanks! So glad that you enjoyed it!
mel
I have never made a calzone before but this recipe sure looks amazing, so tempted to make this recipe soon!
Everything Enchanting
Oh my, I will have to try making these for my fam 😍 We love pizza, so we would love calzone too! Thanks for the recipe.
Terri Steffes
I love a good calzone and I hadn’t really thought about making them at home. I have a restaurant about 1/2 mi from my house that makes a great one. However, there are times when I just want to stay home. I’ll try it then!
Ashley Thompson
This is one of my favorite quick weeknight meals! I love how versatile they can be and the kids always love them 🙂
LOURAINE WILMOT
Looks absolutely delightful and delicious! On my baking bucket list. Thank you!
briannemanzb
We all loved this homemade calzone. Thanks for the great recipe. We will make these again!
Richelle Milar
Wow! That looks absolutely delicious and tasty! I would really love to try this recipe!
Tara Pittman
I do love pizza. This is a recipe that I need to try soon.
Amber Myers
We had this for dinner one night last week. They were so delicious and my family loved them! I will make them again.
Darlene
I absolutely love making these! Sometimes we deep fry them to get them extra crispy. Have you ever tried that?
Oh, and we serve them with a side of hot pizza sauce for dipping.
Saida
Oh this looks so delicious!
Ntensibe Edgar
Nnnniiiccceeeee….I always love my calzone with plenty of meat in it! You know, my memory went back years, when I was so little and enjoyed them so much!
Thena Franssen
This recipe looks amazing! I can’t wait to cook this for the kids. I think this might be a hit.
Elise Ho
I grew up eating the most delicious New York Calzone’s. here in California they are absolutely not the same. I will give this a try.
Eileen M Loya
Oh wow. This is a must try recipe. It looks so delicious! This would be perfect for our weekend movie marathons. Better than just chips and dip! Bookmarked your recipe. Thanks!
Alita Pacio
I can make this at home? yay! Looks soo good and looks better than takeout.
Abidsla
I am bouncing on my step to be known about such an amazing new recip. I will obviously try it out. Thanks for sharing
Talya Stone
I haven’t had a calzone in an age but there is something so uniquely scrumptious about them! This looks insanely more-ish.
Samantha
That looks delicious and you make it sound so easy!
Heather Klein Wolf
I see why everybody loves this recipe! It looks incredible – way better than any pizza place takeout.
Christine Weis
OMGOODNESS…I love a good calzone! I have never made one before and I am going to try this recipe. It looks so delicious and easy enough to make. Thank you!!!
Heather
My husband’s favorite food is a calzone. I would love to try to make one for him!
Fatima T
This sounds delicious! I love calzones and making them for the family. Will try this recipe with the kids.
Scarlet
Yum. This calzone was delish and it was fun to make something different for dinner for a tasty change in pace. I loved the fresh veggies in there for an all in one meal.
Monica Simpson
I haven’t had a calzone in so long! These look amazing.
Tara Pittman
This looks so delicious. I will be making this soon for dinner for the family.
Kathy
This looks so good. I love calzones. I have not made one myself before though. I’ll have to try this out.
Patty at Spoonabilities
These will be my family’s favorite for sure! Love how easy they are to make, yet honestly, look like you’ve spent hours on them. Yum!
Becca
So simple yet so tasty calzone! Definitely keeping this recipe!
Tara
Oh how fun! This would be such a fun recipe to make with the kids. I love all that melty cheese and how easily it all comes together. Yum!
Sharon
These calzones are so easy to make and absolutely delicious. Perfect dinner for kids too.
Chenée
Thank you for this awesome recipe! The tips you included are so great!
Lima Ekram
The whole family loved it – I think this will be a regular part of our menu!
Sharmila Kingsly
Nothing can beat a home made goodness.. They look perfect !!
Lauren Michael Harris
Calzones are one of my go-to options when ordering from Italian take out restaurants. I love how easy this recipe is to make at home – the kids will have so much fun making their own!
Danielle Wolter
I an drooling over this! it looks and sounds absolutely amazing. Love the gooey cheeses used!
Jacqueline Meldrum
I have often wondered what a stromboli was, not having tried one. They are not really a thing here in the UK, as we tend to like straight up pizza. The calzones look very appealing though. Yum!
Katherine
I order calzones but haven’t tried making it myself before. I can’t wait to give it a go!
Gina
I’ve always loved calzones more than pizza with their delicious doughy-ness. Thanks for this easy recipe and love the veggie filling!
Claudia Lamascolo
What a great delicious recipe and super easy will make these often everyone went nuts over them!
Bintu | Budget Delicious
We love calzones and this homemade one sounds so delicious! A real tasty and comforting meal.
Michelle
My family loves calzones because it’s awesome that everyone can kind of customize their own!
Marlynn
These calzones are so easy to make and perfect to feed my hungry teenagers!
Dannii
I love calzones – they are total comfort food. These look delicious too.
Michelle
A great way to change up regular old pizza! My kids loved them! Thanks for sharing!
Shellie
Good recipe! The difference between a stromboli and a calzone is the calzones have ricotta cheese along with the prov and mozz. I added the ricotta in my calzones and it was delectable, dipped them in marinara sauce, Perfecto!!
Sandra
My kids loved it! Will definitely make it again!
Beti | easyweeknightrecipes
Everyone loved these Calzones! They were incredibly delicious! I will definitely be making these again and again!
katerina @ diethood.com
These homemade Calzones are amazing! I can’t wait to try these!
Allyson Zea
I love making mine with tons of vegetables! My kids love their’s loaded with cheese!
Amanda Livesay
Delicious! And way easier than I thought calzones were!
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
This Homemade Calzone looks totally awesome!
Kathryn
I’ve never tried making calzones at home but now I think I could! I know my kids are going to love this!