Classic Margherita Calzone Recipe
Embrace the flavors of Italy with this easy-to-follow Margherita Calzone recipe. Combining the classic ingredients of a Margherita pizza into a deliciously folded and baked calzone, you’ll be sure to impress at your next meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup of marinara sauce
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 475 degrees F (245 degrees C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
- Divide the pizza dough into four equal portions. On a floured surface, roll out each portion into an 8-inch circle.
- Spread a spoonful of marinara sauce over half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Add sliced tomatoes and chopped basil on top of the cheese.
- Season the filling with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Pinch and roll the edges together to seal the calzone.
- Carefully transfer the calzones onto the preheated pizza stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the top of each calzone with olive oil. This will help achieve a golden-brown crust.
- Make a few small slits in the top of each calzone to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with additional marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.
Pro Tips:
- For an extra touch, you can garnish the calzones with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and dried oregano before baking.
- If you want a crispier bottom, bake the calzones directly on a pizza stone.
- Letting the calzones rest for a couple of minutes after baking will make them easier to cut and handle.
There you have it – a mouthwatering Margherita Calzone that brings a piece of Italy right to your kitchen. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a festive party, this classic recipe will be a hit with everyone. Buon appetito!