Homemade Pizza Pockets

Introduction

There’s something undeniably satisfying about biting into a homemade pizza pocket. Recently, my family gathered around the kitchen as we prepared these delightful hand-held treats, and the excitement was palpable. Each person chose their own fillings, from classic pepperoni to a cheesy broccoli and cheddar mix, making it a fun, customizable experience. As we pulled the golden-brown calzones out of the oven, the aroma filled the house, drawing everyone in. The best part? They were not only delicious but also quick to make, making them perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a satisfying snack. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a quick meal, these homemade pizza pockets are sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

For Classic Pizza Calzone:

• 1 refrigerated classic pizza crust
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 oz pepperoni slices
• 4 oz can sliced black olives, drained

For Broccoli & Cheddar Calzone:

• 1 refrigerated classic pizza crust
• 3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 1/2 cups finely chopped broccoli (12 oz frozen bag, thawed)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the racks in the middle. Grease two baking trays or line them with parchment paper.

Prepare the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, divide the pizza dough into two halves. Roll each half into a circle, about 6-8 inches in diameter. Transfer the dough circles to the baking trays.

Assemble the Classic Pizza Calzones

1. Spread pizza sauce on one half of each dough circle.
2. Top with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, and black olives.
3. Fold the dough over the filling to form a pocket, pressing the edges together with your fingers or a fork to seal. Cut small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.

Assemble the Broccoli & Cheddar Calzones

1. Brush the dough with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
2. In a bowl, mix chopped broccoli with cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
3. Spoon the broccoli mixture onto one half of each dough circle, fold the dough over the filling, and seal the edges. Cut slits in the top.

Bake the Calzones

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, swapping the trays halfway through baking, until the crust is golden brown and crispy. Let the calzones cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1 calzone
• Calories: Approximately 300-350 (varies by filling)
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve the pizza pockets warm for the best taste.
• Pair with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
• Add a side salad for a more balanced meal.
• Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch or garlic sauce.
• For a fun twist, serve with a selection of flavored oils for drizzling.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality cheese will enhance the flavor.
2. Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to experiment with other fillings like mushrooms, bell peppers, or even leftover chicken.
3. Make Ahead: You can prepare the calzones ahead of time and freeze them before baking. Just thaw and bake when ready to eat.
4. Ensure a Good Seal: Sealing the edges well will prevent the filling from leaking out while baking.
5. Don’t Skip the Slits: Cutting slits in the top allows steam to escape, helping to keep the crust crispy.

Recipe Variations

• Meat Lovers Calzone: Add cooked sausage, ham, or bacon alongside the pepperoni.
• Veggie Delight: Use a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, and onions for a hearty vegetarian option.
• Buffalo Chicken Calzone: Substitute shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce for a spicy twist.
• Dessert Calzone: Fill with Nutella and bananas for a sweet treat!

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with garlic breadsticks for a complete pizza night.
• Serve alongside a Caesar salad or a caprese salad for freshness.
• Offer a platter of assorted dips to enhance the pizza pocket experience.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, let the calzones cool completely, wrap each in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating:
• Oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: You can reheat in the microwave, but the texture may be softer.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use homemade pizza dough?

• Absolutely! Homemade dough can be used for an even fresher taste.

1. What type of cheese is best for calzones?

• Mozzarella is classic, but mixing in other cheeses like cheddar or ricotta adds great flavor.

1. Can I make these calzones vegan?

• Yes, use vegan cheese and omit any meat products.

1. How do I know when the calzones are done?

• They should be golden brown and crispy. You can check the internal temperature; it should be at least 165°F (74°C).

1. Can I use store-bought fillings?

• Yes! Store-bought fillings like pre-cooked chicken or veggies can save time.

1. What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

• You can substitute with a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme.

1. How long can I store leftover calzones?

• In the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

1. Can I bake them from frozen?

• Yes, just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

1. Can I add sauce inside the calzone?

• Yes, just be careful not to overfill, as the sauce can make it soggy.

1. What’s the best way to seal the edges?
   • Press firmly with your fingers or use a fork to crimp the edges for a tight seal.

Conclusion

Homemade pizza pockets are not just a meal; they’re an experience! They bring family and friends together in the kitchen, allowing everyone to get creative with their favorite fillings. Whether you go for the classic pepperoni or a veggie-packed option, these calzones are sure to become a beloved recipe in your household. Quick to prepare and versatile enough to satisfy all tastes, you’ll find yourself making them time and again. Enjoy this delicious portable pizza experience!

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