Cheap Pizza Calzones Recipe -

Cheap Pizza Calzones are an affordable and delicious twist on traditional pizza, offering a fun and customizable way to enjoy your favorite pizza flavors. Essentially a pizza folded in half and sealed, calzones are perfect for a casual dinner, a portable meal, or a party snack. They can be filled with various ingredients to suit any taste, making them a versatile and satisfying option.

Ingredients:

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Dough:

1 package (about 2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil

Filling:

1 cup pizza sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Your choice of toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, sausage, etc.)

Optional:

Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water)
Additional olive oil for brushing
Parmesan cheese, grated, for garnish
Italian seasoning or garlic powder for garnish

Instructions:

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Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
Add the flour, sugar, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Calzones
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 4 equal portions.
Roll out each portion into a circle, about ¼ inch thick.
On one half of each circle, spread a spoonful of pizza sauce, leaving a margin around the edges for sealing.
Add a layer of mozzarella cheese and your chosen toppings.
Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a better seal.

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Step 3: Bake the Calzones
Transfer the calzones to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Optionally, brush the tops with egg wash or olive oil for a golden finish. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning or garlic powder, if desired.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 4: Serving
Let the calzones cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping, if desired.

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Serving Suggestions:

Serve the pizza calzones hot with a side salad, soup, or just on their own. They are great for a filling lunch or dinner.

Tips:

Filling Variations: Feel free to get creative with the fillings – just like a pizza, calzones can be filled with a wide variety of ingredients.
Dough Shortcuts: If you're short on time, you can use store-bought pizza dough.
Freezing: Calzones can be frozen before or after baking, making them a great make-ahead meal option.

Prep Time:

Preparation Time: Approximately 20 minutes (plus 1 hour for dough to rise)
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours

Nutritional Information:

Calories: Approximately 300-400 per calzone (varies based on size and fillings)
Protein: Varies based on fillings
Sodium: Varies based on fillings and whether store-bought dough is used

Conclusion

Cheap Pizza Calzones offer a delightful and budget-friendly way to enjoy the flavors of pizza in a fun, handheld form. These customizable and filling treats are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or a quick and satisfying meal on the go. Enjoy crafting your own calzones with your favorite ingredients for a personalized culinary experience!