Cheesy Calzone Recipes

THREE-CHEESE CALZONES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
• Make the filling: Mix the mozzarella, ricotta, basil, scallions, 1/4 cup parmesan and the breadcrumbs in a medium bowl until combined. Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll out each piece on a lightly floured surface into a 7-to-8-inch round.
• Spoon one-quarter of the filling onto one half of each dough round, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Lightly brush the edges of the dough with some of the beaten egg; fold the dough over the filling and crimp the edges with a fork to seal. Transfer the calzones to the prepared baking sheet.
• Brush the calzones with the remaining beaten egg and cut 2 slits in the top of each to let steam escape. Sprinkle the calzones with the remaining 2 teaspoons parmesan, then bake until golden brown and cooked through, 18 to 20 minutes. Serve with marinara sauce, the salami and giardiniera.

CHEESY SPICY BUFFALO CHICKEN CALZONE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Measure the imprinted stitching on an approximately 12-by-8-inch football-shaped baking pan and cut the provolone into 2 long strips and 7 shorter strips to imitate; set aside. Spray the football pan with the cooking spray.
• Unroll 1 tube of dough and cut in half widthwise. Bake one of the halves on the prepared baking sheet until lightly done, about 8 minutes. (Reserve the other half of the dough.) Use a knife or kitchen shears to cut the baked dough into a football shape slightly smaller than the pan.
• In a medium bowl, toss together the Buffalo sauce and shredded chicken.
• Unroll the remaining tube of dough and drape into the prepared football pan, letting the extra dough hang over the sides. Fill with half of the chicken mixture, half of the grated Swiss or mozzarella and half of the scallions. Top with the football-shaped crust. Add the remaining chicken mixture, grated cheese and scallions. Add the blue cheese. Top with the reserved uncooked dough half. Use a knife to trim the excess edges of dough, leaving a little extra to pinch the 2 edges of dough together. Put the pan on a baking sheet.
• Bake until the crust is just beginning to brown, about 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and invert the football pan onto the baking sheet to unmold the calzone. Drizzle the crust with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic salt. Continue to bake until golden brown, 5 to 10 minutes. Arrange the strips of provolone to mimic the football stitching; the heat of the calzone will slightly melt the cheese and adhere it to the football. Let stand 5 minutes.
• Slice and serve with ranch dressing for dipping, and celery sticks on the side.

EASY CHEESY CALZONE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°.
• Line a 12 inch pizza pan with foil and spray with nonstick spray coating.
• Press dough onto foil in pan forming a 12-inch circle.
• In a large mixing bowl stir together cheeses then spoon 1/2 of mixture onto dough.
• Fold dough over filling to form a half-circle. Seal edges, then use the edge of a spoon to make decorative edge, if desired.
• Cut slits for escape of steam.
• Repeat for the other package of dough.
• Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or till filling is heated through and cheese is melted.
• Cover with foil after 10 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
• Cool on wire rack for 5 minutes before serving. Heat sauce and serve with calzone for dipping.