Sausage and Pepperoni Cheese Stuffed Calzone
This is a great, tasty big calzone! I used one can of Pillsbury pizza dough (about 13.5 ounces) which is a great way to make this calzone quickly. I made one large calzone which was divided to serve two people.
This is a great, tasty big calzone! I used one can of Pillsbury pizza dough (about 13.5 ounces) which is a great way to make this calzone quickly. I made one large calzone which was divided to serve two people.
- 1 garlic clove minced
- salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 4 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 1/2 cups sausage ground
- 1 lb pizza dough thawed
- 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese, drained well
- 1 cup pepperoni slice cooked
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese grated, to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce to dip, heated
- Carbohydrate 80.6163146034802 g
- Cholesterol 211.639500126503 mg
- Fat 71.4878163378252 g
- Fiber 4.10059989527787 g
- Protein 78.8838624411107 g
- Saturated Fat 33.8166277764381 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving(s) (563g)
- Sodium 3304.2046767332 mg
- Sugar 76.5157147082023 g
- Trans Fat 4.80392601457554 g
- Calories 1287 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven and pizza stone (if available) to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large grill plan, cook sausage until browned. Drain.
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, garlic, seasonings, pepperoni and cooked sausage. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
- Roll dough out to a 15" circle on a pizza paddle or baking sheet that has been lightly dusted with cornmeal. It doesn't have to be a perfect circle.
- Spread meat and cheese filling over 1 side of the dough. Leave at least 1-inch of the edge without filling to ensure a tight seal.
- Lift 1 side of dough and fold over so that it meets the other side, forming a half moon, and pinch the edges together to seal, using a fork to press edges together.
- Remove any excess dough which isn't needed for the seal.
- Brush with olive oil and sprinkle some parmesan cheese over top.
- Cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to release.
- Transfer calzone from pizza pad to pizza stone in oven.
- Bake 10-15 minutes, until puffed up golden brown.
- Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
- Heat the marinara sauce in the microwave for dipping.
My Go-To Comfort Food: A Sausage and Pepperoni Calzone
There's nothing quite like the comforting warmth of a perfectly baked calzone on a chilly evening. This recipe isn't just a meal; it's an experience. It's a hug in a half-moon of deliciousness, the kind that reminds me of home, of family gatherings, of lazy Sunday afternoons. The aroma alone – that intoxicating blend of savory sausage, spicy pepperoni, and melty cheese – is enough to make my mouth water. And honestly, after a long day, nothing beats sinking my teeth into this cheesy, satisfying treat.
I’ve always loved calzones. They're the ultimate comfort food for me. They’re infinitely customizable, allowing for endless creative exploration with ingredients. You can really make them your own. But the heart of a truly great calzone lies in its simplicity: quality ingredients and a perfect balance of flavors. This recipe is my perfected version – a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that never disappoints. I especially love the ease of using store-bought pizza dough. This makes it the ideal recipe for busy weeknights when I don’t have the time (or energy!) to make dough from scratch. It still retains that homemade quality without the added hassle.
The process itself is incredibly therapeutic. There’s something immensely satisfying about kneading the dough, spreading the vibrant filling, and watching it transform in the oven. It's a tactile experience that connects me to the food, making the final product taste even better. The act of cooking is my escape – my quiet moment of creativity in the midst of everyday life. The kitchen is my happy place, a space where I can express myself and create something delicious. And this calzone? It's the epitome of that feeling.
My kids absolutely adore this calzone, and it's become a regular fixture in our meal rotation. We often have fun customizing it together – adding extra veggies, trying different cheeses, or experimenting with new sausage flavors. It's a chance for us to bond, to create memories around a shared love of food. Beyond the taste and the ease of preparation, it’s the shared experience that truly makes this recipe special. It's more than just a meal; it's a symbol of family, love, and good times spent together around the dinner table. It's a feeling I cherish and hope to share with you all.
This is the kind of recipe I often whip up for my friends and family. It’s the perfect addition to any gathering, whether it's a casual Friday night dinner or a larger get-together. It’s always a crowd-pleaser. And I always get requests for the recipe. It's surprisingly easy to make, and the results are always impressive. It's a delicious way to show my loved ones how much I care.
More than just a recipe, this calzone is a piece of my heart. It represents comfort, family, and the simple joy of sharing a delicious meal with those I love. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Now, on to the recipe…
