Sausage calzones are a tasty treat filled with saucy sausage, gooey cheese, and your favorite veggies, all wrapped in warm pizza dough. They’re perfect for lunch or a fun dinner!
Every bite is like a hug for your taste buds. I love dipping mine in marinara sauce—it’s like giving the calzone a cozy swim! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This is the star of your calzones! Use mild or spicy based on your taste. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey sausage or chicken sausage works great too.
Cheeses: Mozzarella brings the gooeyness, while ricotta adds creaminess. If you can’t find ricotta, cottage cheese is a good alternative. For a twist, try using pepper jack for some added kick!
Pizza Dough: Store-bought dough is convenient, but homemade can be more rewarding. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made pizza crusts or even crescent roll dough for a different texture.
Marinara Sauce: This pairs perfectly for dipping. If you’re in a hurry, any jarred pasta sauce will work, or you can make a quick sauce using canned tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
What’s the Best Way to Seal Calzones?
Sealing calzones properly ensures all those delicious fillings stay inside. After placing the filling, fold the dough over. Press the edges tightly with your fingers to seal. For extra security, crimp the edges with a fork. This also adds a nice decorative touch!
- Make sure you leave enough border around the filling to keep everything contained.
- Be gentle when pressing down to avoid breaking the dough.
Remember to cut small slits in the top of the calzones to let steam escape, so they don’t puff up too much in the oven!
How to Make Sausage Calzones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce, plus more for dipping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dough:
- 1 batch pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, enough for 4 calzones)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes of baking time. In total, you’re looking at about 35-40 minutes from start to finish, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures your calzones will get nice and crispy. Also, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and then the Italian sausage. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it’s browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat so your filling isn’t too greasy.
3. Combine the Filling:
Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let this mixture simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes so all the flavors blend together, then remove from heat.
4. Prepare the Dough:
On a floured surface, divide your pizza dough into four equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle about 7-8 inches in diameter. Aim for even thickness!
5. Add the Filling:
On one half of each dough circle, spoon a few tablespoons of the sausage mixture, leaving about a 1-inch border. This is important so that you can seal it properly and avoid spills!
6. Add the Cheeses:
Dollop the ricotta cheese over the sausage mixture evenly. Then sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
7. Fold and Seal:
Carefully fold the empty side of the dough over the filling. Press the edges firmly to seal, ensuring no filling escapes. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a pretty finish and extra security!
8. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the calzones to the lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg—this will give them a lovely golden color. Don’t forget the steam slits! Use a sharp knife to cut a few small slits on the top of each calzone.
9. Bake:
Place the calzones in your preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
10. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, remove the calzones from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor, and serve with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious creation!
These warm and cheesy sausage calzones are sure to be a hit, bursting with savory flavor in every bite. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can substitute the Italian sausage with turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a lighter option. For a vegetarian twist, try using sautéed mushrooms and spinach paired with cheese!
Can I Make Calzones Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare calzones in advance! Assemble them, but don’t bake. Instead, wrap each calzone tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze for longer storage. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.
What Should I Do If the Dough Sticks?
If your dough is sticking to the surface, sprinkle a little more flour on the work surface and on the dough itself. Using a rolling pin lightly dusted with flour can also help you roll it out without sticking.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through—though the oven will yield a crispier crust!
