Baking Calzones: How Long?

Calzones are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that can be baked in the oven until golden brown. A typical calzone is made by filling pizza dough with cheese and various toppings, folding it in half, and sealing the edges. The cooking time for calzones varies depending on the recipe and the size of the calzone, but on average, they take around 15 to 30 minutes to bake in the oven at temperatures ranging from 375°F to 500°F.

Bake time: 15-18 minutes at 425°F/475°F

Baking the Perfect Calzone

The ideal bake time for a calzone is 15-18 minutes at 425°F/475°F. This will give you a calzone that is puffed up, golden brown, and baked through.

Preparing the Calzone for Baking

Before baking, there are a few steps to follow to ensure your calzone is sealed and won't burst in the oven. Firstly, roll out your pizza dough into a circle, roughly 8 inches across and about 1/4 inch thick. You want the dough to be thick enough to hold all your toppings without breaking.

Next, add your fillings. Place your chosen fillings and sauce on one half of the dough circle, leaving a little room around the edges. You can get creative with your fillings, but remember not to overfill the calzone as this can cause it to burst. Fold the other half of the dough over the fillings and crimp the edges to seal.

Baking and Serving

Before placing your calzone in the oven, cut 2-3 small air vents in the top to allow steam to escape. Brush the calzone with oil and, if desired, sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Place in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, until puffed up and golden brown.

Once baked, remove from the oven and brush with a fragrant, garlic-infused olive oil. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese for garnish and serve while still hot.

Storing and Reheating

Calzones can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. To reheat, thaw frozen calzones in the refrigerator for about three hours, then bake at 400°F for 15 minutes or until heated through.

Oven temperature: Preheat to 425°F/475°F

Oven temperature is key to getting the perfect bake on your calzone. For a crispy, golden finish, you'll want to preheat your oven to a high temperature. A temperature range of 425°F to 475°F is ideal for calzone baking.

Preheating your oven is essential, as it ensures the calzone cooks evenly and thoroughly. Place your calzone in the oven only when it has reached the desired temperature.

At 425°F, your calzone will bake to a beautiful golden brown. This temperature is perfect for a crisp exterior and a soft, gooey interior. The high heat ensures the exterior cooks quickly, sealing in the delicious fillings.

If you prefer a more well-done calzone with a darker, crispier crust, then 475°F is the temperature for you. The higher heat will give your calzone a deeper golden-brown exterior, adding a bit of crunch to each bite.

Preheat your oven to either of these temperatures, depending on your preference, and you'll be well on your way to calzone perfection. Remember to allow your oven to fully preheat before baking for the best results.

Filling: Cheese, meat, sauce, and vegetables

Calzones are a fun and portable meal, and you can fill them with almost anything! The most popular fillings are cheese, meat, sauce, and vegetables.

For cheese, mozzarella is a classic choice, but you can also use ricotta, parmesan, or cheddar. If you're feeling extra indulgent, you can even add multiple types of cheese.

Meat lovers can fill their calzones with Italian sausage, pepperoni, bacon, ground beef, or shredded chicken. If you're a fan of buffalo chicken wings, why not try a buffalo chicken calzone? Just remember to pre-cook your meats before filling your calzone.

When it comes to sauce, tomato sauce or marinara are always a good choice, but you can also get creative with barbecue sauce or special zesty sauce.

Finally, don't forget to add some vegetables to your calzone! You can go with classic pizza veggies like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, or get creative with spinach, artichokes, or even corn. Just make sure to cook any watery veggies first, so your calzone doesn't get soggy.

Now that you've got your fillings ready, it's time to assemble and bake your calzone!

Dough: Store-bought or homemade

The dough is the foundation of your calzone, so it's important to get it right. You can certainly buy pre-made dough from your local supermarket or pizzeria, but if you want to elevate your calzone game, making your own dough is the way to go.

Store-Bought Dough

The main benefit of using store-bought dough is convenience. If you're short on time or simply don't want to bother with making your own dough, this is a great option. Most supermarkets carry pre-made pizza dough, and many pizzerias will sell you their fresh dough. This dough can be refrigerated or frozen for future use.

Homemade Dough

Making your own dough may seem daunting, but it's actually a fairly straightforward process and well worth the effort. Here are some tips for making delicious homemade calzone dough:

• Ingredients: The basic ingredients for calzone dough are flour, yeast, water, olive oil, and salt. Some recipes also call for sugar, Italian seasoning, or other spices to add flavor.
• Preparation: Start by mixing the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Create a well in the center and add the wet ingredients. Mix everything together until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it until it's smooth and elastic. This should take about 5-10 minutes.
• Proofing: Place the dough in a large, oiled bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place until it doubles in size. This usually takes about an hour.
• Portioning: Once the dough has proofed, punch it down and divide it into equal portions. For a standard-sized calzone, aim for 4-8 pieces, depending on how large you want your calzones to be.
• Resting: Form each piece of dough into a ball and let them rest, covered, for about 30 minutes. This will relax the dough and make it easier to roll out.
• Rolling: Use a rolling pin to roll each dough ball into a circle about 1/4-inch thick. This is the ideal thickness to ensure your calzone can hold all your toppings without breaking.
• Filling and sealing: Place your desired fillings on one half of the dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge. Fold the dough over the fillings and crimp the edges to seal. You can use a fork to seal the edges and create a decorative pattern.

Whether you choose store-bought or homemade dough, the key to a great calzone is in the preparation and baking. Get creative with your fillings, follow the baking instructions carefully, and you'll be well on your way to calzone perfection!

Sealing: Brush with egg wash or olive oil

Sealing your calzone by brushing it with egg wash or olive oil is a crucial step in the baking process. Not only does it enhance the colour of the crust, but it also ensures that the calzone's seal holds during baking, preventing any filling from spilling out.

An egg wash is made by whisking an egg and then brushing it onto the calzone dough. This technique not only adds shine and colour to the crust but also helps seal the edges of the calzone, ensuring that the filling stays inside during baking. It is a common practice in bakeries and restaurants to achieve a golden-brown crust on their baked goods.

Alternatively, olive oil can be used to brush the calzone before baking. Olive oil helps create a crispy, golden crust and can also enhance the flavour of the calzone. It is a popular choice for those who want to avoid using eggs or want to add a more savoury note to their dish.

Some people also choose to brush their calzones with melted butter, which can add a rich, buttery flavour and contribute to a flaky, crispy texture.

Regardless of the method chosen, sealing your calzone with either an egg wash or olive oil will help ensure that your calzone bakes evenly and maintains its shape during the baking process, resulting in a delicious and visually appealing final product.

Frequently asked questions