Who doesn’t love a warm, cheesy calzone filled with gooey mozzarella and savory pepperoni? Easy Pizza Calzones with Pepperoni and Melted Mozzarella are the perfect comfort food, combining all the flavors of your favorite pizza into a portable, golden-baked pocket. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or game-day snacks, these calzones are easy to make at home and sure to impress both kids and adults.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to make these delicious calzones, tips for perfect results, and ideas for customizing them to your taste.
What Are Pizza Calzones?
Pizza calzones are folded, baked pizzas that create a sealed pocket of dough filled with cheese, meats, vegetables, and sauces. Originating in Naples, Italy, calzones are essentially “pizza turnovers,” allowing for a crisp crust outside and a molten filling inside.
Unlike traditional pizza, calzones are portable and less messy, making them ideal for lunchboxes, parties, or casual dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough:
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil
For the Filling:
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
1/4 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
Optional: sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives
For Topping:
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
Knead the dough for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Cover and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling
While the dough rises, mix mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and any additional toppings in a bowl.
Keep pizza sauce separate to prevent soggy dough.
3. Assemble the Calzones
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Divide dough into 6 equal portions and roll each into a 6-inch circle.
Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the filling onto one half of the dough.
Fold the dough over to cover the filling and pinch the edges tightly to seal.
Brush each calzone with egg wash and sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian herbs.
4. Bake
Place the calzones on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
5. Serve
Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Tips for Perfect Pizza Calzones
Don’t Overfill – Too much filling can make sealing difficult and cause leaks.
Use Cold Ingredients – Chilled mozzarella prevents excess moisture and helps the calzone hold its shape.
Seal Edges Properly – Crimp the edges with a fork or pinch to ensure no filling escapes.
Brush with Egg Wash – Gives calzones a shiny, golden crust.
Customize Fillings – Add vegetables, cooked sausage, or pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Variations to Try
Meat Lover’s Calzone – Add cooked sausage, bacon, and ham along with pepperoni.
Vegetarian Calzone – Use mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, and olives with mozzarella.
Spicy Calzone – Add red pepper flakes or pepper jack cheese for heat.
Cheesy Explosion – Use a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and provolone for extra gooeyness.
Why Calzones Are a Great Meal
Portable and Convenient – Perfect for on-the-go meals.
Customizable – Fill with your favorite ingredients.
Kid-Friendly – Fun to assemble and delicious to eat.
Less Messy than Pizza – No slice sliding off the pan.
Storage and Reheating
Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator – Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing – Freeze unbaked calzones on a sheet pan, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to baking time.
To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Serve with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or garlic butter.
Make mini calzones for appetizer platters or party trays.
Final Thoughts
Easy Pizza Calzones with Pepperoni and Melted Mozzarella are the perfect homemade comfort food, combining the flavors of classic pizza with a convenient, portable format. Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and bursting with flavor, these calzones are ideal for families, parties, and casual dinners alike.
With a few simple ingredients and a little prep, you can create a restaurant-quality snack right in your own kitchen. Whether you stick to classic pepperoni and mozzarella or experiment with unique fillings, these calzones are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Enjoy them fresh from the oven with your favorite dipping sauce, and discover why calzones remain a beloved Italian-inspired treat worldwide.