Name: Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade); flour (for dusting); 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce (plus more for dipping); 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup sliced pepperoni; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash); 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for brushing)

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If you’re looking for the very definition of cheesy, melty comfort food that’s also easy to make, look no further than these Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones. They wrap all the flavors you love from classic pizza—gooey mozzarella, flavorful marinara, spicy pepperoni, and savory Parmesan—into a golden-brown pocket that’s fun to make and even more fun to eat. It’s one of those recipes you’ll come back to over and over because it’s such a crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or any time you crave something oozy and irresistible.

Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones is in their simplicity—just a handful of essential ingredients come together to create an absolutely unforgettable bite. Each one plays a special role, either amping up the flavor, helping the texture turn out perfect, or bringing that signature golden finish.

Pizza dough: Store-bought or homemade, this is the pillowy foundation that makes the calzone shine.
Marinara or pizza sauce: Not just for dipping! It adds juiciness and zesty tomato punch to the filling.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to gooey perfection inside every bite for that signature stretch.
Sliced pepperoni: Brings in smoky, spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the melty cheese.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, savory pop that deepens the flavor.
Italian seasoning: A sprinkle of this dried herb blend makes the filling smell and taste like a pizzeria.
Egg (beaten): The secret to that gorgeous golden-brown crust—an easy and essential finishing touch.
Olive oil (optional): For extra shine and flavor, brush a bit on the calzones after egg-washing.
Flour (for dusting): Prevents sticking as you roll and shape your dough.

How to Make Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by getting your oven nice and hot—preheat it to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze and prevent sticking. This simple prep step means you can focus on calzone assembly without worrying about anything sticking or burning.

Step 2: Divide and Roll Out the Dough

Lightly dust a clean work surface with flour and divide your pizza dough into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into an 8-inch circle—don’t worry if they’re not perfectly round, rustic is charming! This is your canvas for all the deliciousness to come.

Step 3: Add Your Fillings

Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of marinara sauce onto just one half of each dough circle, leaving a little border around the edge. Sprinkle over a generous handful of mozzarella, add a few pepperoni slices, a bit of Parmesan, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Trust me, every element adds to the Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones’ crave-worthy factor.

Step 4: Fold and Seal the Calzones

Fold the plain side of each circle over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges to seal well—don’t be shy! For extra insurance, crimp the sealed edges with a fork. This helps keep all that cheesy, saucy goodness inside while baking.

Step 5: Finish and Bake

Carefully transfer your calzones to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg so they bake up gorgeously golden (and brush with olive oil if you want a glossy look and extra flavor). Cut a small slit on the top of each calzone so steam can escape; this keeps your Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones from getting soggy or bursting open. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until beautifully golden and crisp.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let your calzones rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This makes them easier to handle, and the cheese inside won’t burn your mouth. Serve them up with a side of warm marinara for dipping, and get ready for some serious smiles!

How to Serve Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones

Garnishes

For that finishing touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top right before serving. A final dusting of Parmesan is always welcomed, and if you like a kick, red pepper flakes make a fun addition.

Side Dishes

Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones are filling all on their own, but if you’re building a larger meal, pair them with a crisp Caesar salad, roasted veggies, or even a simple antipasto platter. Their cheesy richness balances beautifully with fresh, crunchy sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the calzones into thick slices and arranging them on a platter with dipping bowls of marinara, ranch, or garlic butter. This makes Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones perfect for parties or sharing. You can even make mini-calzones for a playful appetizer spread!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones (lucky you!), let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and the interior stays satisfyingly cheesy.

Freezing

These calzones freeze wonderfully. Once completely cooled, wrap each separately in foil or plastic wrap, then tuck them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, making future pizza cravings easy to satisfy.

Reheating

For best texture, reheat Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones in a 350°F oven or toaster oven for 10–15 minutes. The crust crisps up beautifully, and the cheese gets melty again. You can use a microwave in a pinch, but the crust won’t be as crisp.

FAQs

Can I make Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones with different cheeses?

Absolutely! While mozzarella gives that iconic stretch, feel free to mix in provolone, fontina, or even a touch of ricotta for creaminess. Just avoid using only very soft cheeses or the filling might leak.

Can I use pre-made pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes, pre-made pizza dough works perfectly for Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones and keeps things super simple. If you have the time and inclination, homemade dough is a treat, but it’s not required for a delicious result.

What other fillings can I add?

These calzones are endlessly customizable! Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives to change things up. The base recipe is a template, so make it your own.

How do I keep my calzones from leaking in the oven?

Be sure to leave a border when filling, seal the edges tightly, and crimp with a fork. Don’t forget that small slit on top for steam—these steps will help your Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones bake up gorgeously intact.

Can I assemble calzones ahead of time?

Definitely! You can build them a few hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. This makes Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones perfect for entertaining or prepping ahead on busy nights.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never experienced the oozy, savory magic of homemade Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones, now’s your chance to change that. They’re a guaranteed hit with kids and grown-ups alike and a fantastic way to bring pizzeria fun home. Give them a try—the smiles around your table will say it all!

Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 33 minutes
Yield: 4 calzones 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Pepperoni and Cheese Calzones are a delicious twist on traditional pizza, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Stuffed with gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and flavorful marinara sauce, these homemade calzones are sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
flour (for dusting)

Filling:

1 cup marinara or pizza sauce (plus more for dipping)
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup sliced pepperoni
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for brushing)

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and divide the pizza dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into an 8-inch circle.
Add filling: Spoon marinara sauce onto one half of each dough circle. Top with mozzarella, pepperoni, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Fold dough over the filling, press to seal, and crimp edges with a fork.
Bake: Transfer calzones to the baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg, optionally drizzle with olive oil, and cut a slit on top of each. Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden.
Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving with warm marinara sauce.