These delectable calzones combine the rich flavors of roasted tomato sauce and pesto, filled with a mouth-watering mix of pepperoni, mozzarella, and parmesan. Perfectly baked to a golden brown, these calzones offer a satisfyingly crispy crust with a hearty and flavorful filling.
Why You’ll Love This: The homemade dough creates a perfect foundation that’s both crispy and chewy. The combination of roasted tomato sauce and pesto provides a unique and robust flavor, complemented by the mix of cheeses and pepperoni. Each bite delivers a burst of flavor, making these calzones a fantastic choice for a family meal or a gathering with friends.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- Warm water: 1 3/4 cup
- Instant yeast: 2 1/4 tsp
- Sugar: 1 tsp
- Salt: 1 1/2 tsp
- Olive oil: 1/4 cup
- Bread flour: 4 cups
For the Roasted Tomato Sauce:
- Olive oil: 4 tbsp
- Garlic: 4-5 medium cloves
- Shallots: 3
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 lb
- Fresh basil leaves
- Salt and black pepper
For the Filling:
- Pesto sauce: 3/4 cup
- Pepperoni or sucuk: 1 cup
- Shredded mozzarella: 2 cups
- Fresh mozzarella cheese: 1 cup
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- Mix 1/2 cup warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it foam (5-7 min).
- Combine flour, remaining water, yeast mixture, oil, remaining sugar, and salt. Knead 4-5 min.
- Let it rest covered for 15-20 min. Punch down and knead briefly. Repeat 2-3 times.
- Divide into 4-6 balls. Rest for 1-2 hours on a floured surface.
- Roast Tomato Sauce:
- Preheat oven to 450F.
- Mix garlic, shallots, tomatoes, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper on a tray.
- Roast until tomatoes soften. Mash the mix.
- Assemble Calzones:
- Roll out dough balls into 1/4 inch thick circles.
- Spread tomato and pesto sauce on one half, leaving a border.
- Add mozzarella, pepperoni, parmesan, and basil.
- Fold over, seal edges.
- Bake on a baking sheet at 450F for 12-15 minutes.
- Serve warm with olive oil drizzled on top.
Enjoy these homemade calzones, where each component – from the dough to the filling – adds its unique touch, creating a memorable meal.
