Name: Pepperoni Calzones
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 3 h 55 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 pounds prepared pizza dough; 4-6 tablespoons marinara sauce, plus more for dipping; 8 ounces ricotta cheese; 4 ounces pepperoni, sliced; 8 ounces grated mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano; 1 large egg wash; 1 tablespoon water

1 Preheat the oven to 375°F

2 Using the prepared pizza dough, split the dough into 4 evenly sized balls for large calzones or 6 for smaller ones. Work with one dough ball at a time and keep the remaining dough balls covered so they don’t dry out.

3 Transfer dough ball to a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin roll it out until you have a circle that is 6-8 inches in diameter, again depending on size you are looking for. If you are making four larger calzones, I would shoot for around 8 inches in diameter. If making the smaller version go for 6-inches. Roll out all the dough balls, so you can have an assembly line when it comes to time to fill the calzones. In the end you should have what looks like 4 to 6 mini pizza crusts waiting to be filled.

4 Leave a 1/2-inch boarder around the edge the dough so you can seal it later. Add about a tablespoon of marinara sauce on one half of the dough circle. Top the sauce with about two tablespoons of ricotta and spread it out over half of the dough, remembering to leave the boarder. Repeat with all remaining dough circles. Divide the diced pepperoni, mozzarella, and fresh oregano evenly among the calzones.

5 Once you have added the filling, dip your finger in some water and run it lightly around the edge of the calzone. Then take the unfilled side of the dough and fold it over the filling. Pinch the edges closed.

6 Use a serrated knife to cut three slits in the top of each calzone to allow for steam to escape as it bakes.

7 Once your calzones are sealed, make the egg wash. Add the egg and 1 tablespoon of water in small bowl and beat with a fork until combined. Use a pastry brush to brush the egg wash over the top of the calzones.

8 Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the calzones in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the calzones are a deep golden brown all around.

9 Serve the calzones while warm with extra marinara for dipping. Did you love this recipe? Let us know with a rating and review!