Loaded Chicken & Gouda Calzones
When I had my daughter, I tried to have a lot of meals in the freezer to make those first few weeks easier. These calzones were one of our favorites! We loved being able to pull them out and have dinner in minutes. I dipped these in spaghetti sauce, pesto and ranch dressing, and they were all delicious!
When I had my daughter, I tried to have a lot of meals in the freezer to make those first few weeks easier. These calzones were one of our favorites! We loved being able to pull them out and have dinner in minutes. I dipped these in spaghetti sauce, pesto and ranch dressing, and they were all delicious!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
- 6 bacon strips cooked and crumbled
- 1 large egg white lightly beaten
- 1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
- 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach thawed and squeezed dry
- 2 cups shredded gouda cheese
- 1 cup chopped roasted sweet red peppers drained
- 2 loaves (1 pound each) frozen whole wheat bread dough thawed
- Carbohydrate 2.6539251417532 g
- Cholesterol 14.28 mg
- Fat 10.0023402578123 g
- Fiber 0.542460281161768 g
- Protein 3.96448629220673 g
- Saturated Fat 3.2257653230136 g
- Serving Size 1 1 servings. (68g)
- Sodium 183.896629201125 mg
- Sugar 2.11146486059144 g
- Trans Fat 1.11112162554881 g
- Calories 115 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and onion; cook and stir 3-5 minutes or until tender.
- Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Remove from heat.
- Stir in spinach, chicken, red peppers, bacon, salt and pepper.
- On a lightly floured surface, divide each loaf of dough into four portions; press or roll each into an 8-in. circle.
- Place 1/2 cup filling over half of each circle to within 1/2 in. of edge.
- Top each with 1/4 cup cheese.
- Fold dough over filling; pinch edge to seal.
- Place on greased baking sheets.
- Brush tops with egg white.
- Bake 14-17 minutes or until golden brown and heated through.
- Serve warm.
- Freeze option: Freeze cooled baked calzones in resealable plastic freezer bags. To use, place calzones on greased baking sheets. Cover with foil and reheat in a preheated 350° oven 25 minutes. Uncover; bake 5-10 minutes longer or until heated through.
My Go-To Freezer Meal: Loaded Chicken & Gouda Calzones
As a busy mom, finding time to cook delicious and nutritious meals can feel like an impossible task. Between work, managing a household, and the endless demands of motherhood, I often find myself scrambling for quick and easy dinner solutions. That's where my freezer stash comes in handy. It’s a lifesaver, especially during those crazy weeks when even thinking about cooking feels overwhelming.
One of my absolute favorite freezer meals is this Loaded Chicken & Gouda Calzone recipe. I developed it during the hectic postpartum period when having easy, satisfying meals readily available was a top priority. These calzones are so versatile; you can customize them to your liking and they're incredibly satisfying. The best part? They’re quick to assemble, and even easier to reheat!
The recipe itself is surprisingly simple. It’s a beautiful blend of savory chicken, creamy Gouda cheese, earthy mushrooms, and sweet red peppers. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible. The crispy, golden-brown dough perfectly encases the warm, cheesy filling, creating a delicious and hearty meal that the whole family can enjoy.
The convenience factor is a huge selling point for me. I typically prepare a large batch on a weekend, portion them into individual servings, and then freeze them. When a busy week hits, or if unexpected guests arrive, I simply pull a calzone from the freezer, bake it, and dinner is served in a matter of minutes. The flexibility is amazing; I can easily adapt this recipe based on what I have on hand.
Tips and Variations:
- Customize the filling: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, vegetables, or meats to create your own unique variations.
- Add some spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a delightful kick.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with roasted vegetables or beans for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Different dipping sauces: We love these with marinara, pesto, and ranch dressing. Experiment to find your favorite!
- Make ahead and freeze: This is a lifesaver for busy families!
These loaded chicken and gouda calzones aren't just a freezer meal; they're a testament to the power of efficient meal preparation. They are a warm hug in a meal that nourishes my family and leaves me feeling satisfied and less stressed. They’re a reminder that taking the time to prepare in advance can make all the difference in the world when life gets crazy.
If you're looking for a quick, easy, and delicious freezer meal that won't break the bank or require hours in the kitchen, then look no further. This recipe is perfect for busy families, meal prepping enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates a good, hearty calzone. Give it a try – you won't be disappointed!
So, are you ready to add this fantastic recipe to your freezer meal arsenal? Let me know in the comments below how your calzones turned out and what variations you tried!
