There’s something truly irresistible about a perfectly cooked calzone, with its golden crust, warm, melty interior, and the delightful flavors that meld together in every bite. Whether you’re an experienced chef or just starting out in the kitchen, this real Italian calzone recipe will guide you through creating a delicious masterpiece that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
To make these authentic Italian calzones, you’ll need:
- 1 (.25 ounce) package of active dry yeast
- 1 cup of warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil, plus more for greasing
- 1 teaspoon of white sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 additional teaspoon of olive oil for brushing
- 1 large egg, beaten for egg wash
Filling Choices: While this recipe focuses on the dough, the beauty of calzones is their versatility when it comes to fillings. You can fill them with a variety of cheeses (ricotta, mozzarella), cooked meats (ham, salami, sausage), vegetables (spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers), and sauce. Make sure your fillings are not too wet to avoid sogginess.
Instructions
- Start the Dough: In a large bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, sugar, and salt. Stir gently to combine.
- Add the Flour: Gradually mix in 2 ½ cups of flour until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Add more flour as needed to prevent sticking.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and leave it in a warm place to rise for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and brush it lightly with olive oil.
- Shape Calzones: Once risen, punch down the dough on a lightly floured surface. Divide it into 4 equal parts. Roll each part into a circle about 6 inches in diameter. Place your choice of fillings on one half of each circle, leaving a border around the edge. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Seal the edges by crimping with a fork or rolling them up.
- Add Finishing Touches: Transfer the calzones to the prepared baking sheet. Brush each calzone with the beaten egg, then make small slits in the top of each for steam to escape.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown.
- Serve Hot: Allow calzones to cool slightly on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. They’re best enjoyed while still warm.
Enjoy crafting these delightful real Italian calzones, a fun and versatile dish that can be customized to cater to any taste preference. Buon appetito!
Variations
While this recipe is for traditional calzones, feel free to put your own spin on it. For example, you can add a touch of Italian seasoning to the dough for extra flavor, or experiment with different fillings such as chicken and pesto or even dessert calzones filled with Nutella and strawberries. The possibilities are endless! Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own.
Conclusion
With this authentic Italian calzone recipe, you can now create a delicious and satisfying meal that will transport you straight to Italy with every bite. Serve it as an appetizer, main course, or even a party snack. And don’t forget to pair it with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor
