These sausage calzones are delicious pockets filled with juicy sausage and gooey cheese, all wrapped in golden-brown dough. They make a fun snack or a perfect meal!
I love making these for family movie nights. Just dip them in marinara sauce for extra flavor! Trust me, you’ll want to save a few for later (if they last that long!). 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This is the star of your calzones! You can use spicy or sweet Italian sausage, depending on your taste. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey sausage works well too.
Cheese Mix: I love using a combination of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan for different flavors and textures. If you want a dairy-free option, try vegan mozzarella and leave out the ricotta.
Pizza Dough: Store-bought pizza dough is super convenient. However, if you want something homemade, you can make your own dough or even use puff pastry for a flakier texture.
Fresh Herbs: I like adding fresh basil or spinach for a fresh taste. For a twist, try using arugula or even sautéed mushrooms!
How Do I Get My Calzones to Bake Perfectly and Stay Crispy?
Baking calzones to perfection requires a few key steps. First, make sure your dough is rolled out evenly and not too thick to allow for a crispy texture. When sealing, be sure to crimp well to prevent any filling leaks while baking.
- Preheat your oven thoroughly to 425°F (220°C) before baking.
- Brushing the calzones with an egg wash not only adds a lovely color but also helps achieve a crispy exterior.
- Don’t overcrowd your baking sheet; give each calzone space to puff up.
- Keep an eye on them while baking, and remove them when they’re beautifully golden brown.
Let them cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheesy filling to set a bit, making them easier to eat!
How to Make Sausage Calzones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Filling:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dough:
- 1 package (16 oz) refrigerated pizza dough or homemade pizza dough
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Garnish and Serving:
- Fresh basil or spinach leaves, chopped for garnish (optional)
- Marinara sauce, for serving
Time Estimate:
This recipe takes about 30 minutes in total—10 minutes for preparation and 15-18 minutes for baking. Don’t forget to let them cool a bit before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Cook the Sausage Filling:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Keep cooking it for about 6-8 minutes until it’s browned and fully cooked. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic about halfway through cooking. They should soften nicely in the sausage juices. Once everything is cooked, drain any excess fat.
3. Add Seasonings:
Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well so the flavors combine.
4. Make the Cheese Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, take the cooked sausage mixture and add the mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese. Give it a good stir to combine all the cheesy goodness with the sausage.
5. Roll Out the Dough:
On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a large circle or rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Now, cut the dough into roughly 6-8 equal pieces – this will depend on how big you want your calzones.
6. Fill the Calzones:
Take a generous spoonful of the sausage-and-cheese filling and place it into the center of each dough piece. Be careful not to overfill, or they will burst open!
7. Seal Them Up:
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal. You can crimp them with a fork for a nice touch or just pinch them to close securely.
8. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the filled calzones to the prepared baking sheet. Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the tops of the calzones. This will give them a lovely golden color when baked.
9. Bake Until Golden:
Pop the calzones in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until they are puffed up and a beautiful golden brown color.
10. Cool and Garnish:
Once they’re done, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped fresh basil or spinach on top for a fresh, delicious touch.
11. Serve with Marinara:
Enjoy your warm, crispy sausage calzones with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. They’re absolutely scrumptious!
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy sausage calzones!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Italian Sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic substitute for Italian sausage. Just make sure to season it well with some Italian herbs and spices to replicate that classic flavor.
How Can I Store Leftover Calzones?
Store any leftover calzones in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, or you can microwave them for a quicker option.
Can I Freeze Uncooked Calzones?
Yes, you can! After filling and sealing the calzones, place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Filling?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in some sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to cook the vegetables first to reduce moisture in the filling.
