Description
These heart-shaped calzones are a fun and festive way to celebrate Valentine’s Day! Filled with a delicious blend of cheese, meats, or veggies, these mini calzones are the perfect personalized treat for your loved ones.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked Italian sausage (optional)
- 1/2 cup sautéed spinach or other veggies (optional)
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce (for dipping)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Make a well in the center, then add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and any optional ingredients (sausage, spinach, etc.). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Shape the Calzones:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then roll each ball into a flat circle (about 6 inches wide).
- Use a knife to carefully shape the dough into a heart shape, or fold it and cut the shape using a cookie cutter.
- Spoon a generous amount of the cheese filling onto one side of each heart-shaped dough. Be sure not to overfill.
- Seal and Bake:
- Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, pressing the edges together tightly to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for extra sealing.
- Place the calzones on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil for a golden, crispy finish.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese is melted inside.
- Serve:
- Remove the calzones from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Serve with a side of warm pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, skip the sausage and add extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
- You can also add a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs (such as basil or oregano) on top before baking for extra flavor.
- Feel free to use store-bought pizza dough for a quicker option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 35mg