Touchdown Calzones
Touchdown Calzones are delicious, handheld Italian turnovers filled with savory meats, cheeses, and spices, perfect for game day feasting or casual dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
- Spread marinara sauce evenly over half of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Layer ricotta, mozzarella, cooked sausage, pepperoni, and Parmesan over the sauce.
- Sprinkle oregano and garlic powder on top of the fillings.
- Fold the dough over the filled side to form a half-moon shape and press the edges firmly to seal.
- Brush the top of the calzone with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Cut a few small slits on top to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh basil if desired, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
For extra crispiness, brush calzones with olive oil before baking and serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.