Calzones are a versatile and delicious Italian dish that offers a delightful twist on traditional pizza. Essentially a folded pizza, calzones are stuffed with a variety of ingredients, creating a portable and convenient meal. Using Pillsbury pizza dough for calzones simplifies the process while delivering excellent results. This article provides a comprehensive guide on making calzones with Pillsbury pizza dough, covering everything from preparation to baking.
See Also: How to Make Pizza with English Muffins?
Introduction to Calzones
What is a Calzone?
A calzone is a type of Italian stuffed bread or pastry, similar in ingredients to pizza but folded in half to create a pocket. This pocket is filled with a mixture of cheese, meats, vegetables, and sauces. Once sealed and baked, the calzone has a crispy exterior and a warm, flavorful interior.
History and Origin
Calzones originated in Italy, particularly in Naples, where they are a popular street food. The term “calzone” translates to “trouser” or “pant leg” in Italian, referring to the shape of the dish. Over time, calzones have become popular worldwide, with various regional adaptations and fillings.
Why Use Pillsbury Pizza Dough?
Convenience
Pillsbury pizza dough is pre-made, which significantly reduces preparation time. It eliminates the need for making dough from scratch, making the process quicker and more accessible, especially for home cooks with busy schedules.
Consistent Quality
Pillsbury pizza dough is known for its consistent quality and ease of use. It has a reliable texture and flavor, ensuring that your calzones turn out well every time.
Versatility
The dough can be easily adapted to different recipes and flavors, allowing for a wide range of calzone fillings. Whether you prefer classic cheese and pepperoni or more inventive combinations, Pillsbury dough serves as a reliable base.
Ingredients for Making Calzones
Pillsbury Pizza Dough
Pillsbury Pizza Dough: This will be the base for your calzones. It comes in a convenient roll and is ready to use.
Filling Ingredients
The fillings for calzones can be varied according to personal preference. Common options include:
Cheese: Mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, or a blend of cheeses.
Meats: Pepperoni, sausage, ham, or cooked chicken.
Vegetables: Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, or olives.
Sauce: Marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, dried oregano, and black pepper.
Equipment Needed
Baking Sheet: For placing the calzones before baking.
Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough.
Knife or Pizza Cutter: For cutting the dough and sealing the calzones.
Basting Brush: For applying egg wash or butter.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Calzones with Pillsbury Pizza Dough
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the calzones will bake evenly.
Roll Out the Dough: Open the Pillsbury pizza dough package and place the dough on a floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough into a rectangular or circular shape, depending on your preference.
Cut the Dough: Divide the rolled-out dough into equal-sized portions. For smaller calzones, cut into circles or squares of about 6 inches in diameter. For larger calzones, cut into 8-inch squares or larger.
Step 2: Preparing the Filling
Cook the Meats: If using meats like sausage or chicken, cook them thoroughly before adding them to the calzone filling.
Prepare the Vegetables: Chop vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces. Sauté or steam them if you prefer a softer texture inside the calzone.
Mix the Fillings: In a bowl, combine your chosen cheeses, meats, vegetables, and any seasonings. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
Step 3: Assembling the Calzones
Place the Filling: On each piece of dough, place a spoonful of the filling mixture, leaving a border around the edges. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing difficult.
Fold the Dough: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal the calzone.
Seal the Edges: Use a fork to crimp the edges of the calzone, pressing down around the perimeter to ensure it is securely sealed. This helps prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
Prepare for Baking: Place the assembled calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Brush the tops with an egg wash (a beaten egg) or melted butter to give them a golden-brown finish.
Step 4: Baking the Calzones
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the calzones for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The exact baking time may vary based on the size and thickness of the calzones.
Check for Doneness: Ensure that the calzones are fully cooked by checking that the dough is crisp and the filling is hot. If necessary, bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Cool: Allow the calzones to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. This helps prevent them from becoming soggy.
Variations and Tips
Classic Calzone
Ingredients: Mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, pepperoni, and marinara sauce.
Method: Follow the basic steps for assembly, adding these classic ingredients to your calzone.
Veggie Calzone
Ingredients: Mozzarella cheese, spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and olives.
Method: Add these fresh vegetables to your calzone filling, and consider using a garlic or herb-infused sauce for extra flavor.
Breakfast Calzone
Ingredients: Scrambled eggs, cheese, cooked bacon or sausage, and diced tomatoes.
Method: Use these breakfast ingredients for a savory morning calzone.
Dessert Calzone
Ingredients: Nutella or chocolate chips, sliced strawberries or bananas, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Method: For a sweet twist, fill your calzone with these ingredients and bake as directed. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Dough Sticking
Solution: If the dough sticks to the rolling pin or surface, use additional flour to prevent sticking. Ensure that your surface and rolling pin are lightly floured.
Calzones Opening During Baking
Solution: Ensure that the edges are sealed well and that there are no holes in the calzone. You can also try using a bit of water to help seal the edges.
Filling Leaking
Solution: Avoid overfilling the calzones, as this can cause the filling to leak out. Make sure to seal the edges thoroughly.
Conclusion
Making calzones with Pillsbury pizza dough is a straightforward and enjoyable process that yields delicious results. By following the steps outlined above, you can create calzones with a variety of fillings to suit any taste. Whether you prefer classic cheese and pepperoni or inventive veggie and dessert options, Pillsbury pizza dough offers a convenient and reliable base for your culinary creations. With a little preparation and attention to detail, you can enjoy homemade calzones that rival those from your favorite pizzeria.
