18 Italian Sausage Calzones Recipe Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Mar 17, 2024
Calzones are a popular Italian dish that is a favorite among many food lovers. These stuffed, savory pastries are often filled with a variety of delicious ingredients, but one of the most beloved versions is the Italian sausage calzone. This recipe combines the rich and spicy flavors of Italian sausage with the flaky, buttery crust of a traditional calzone. In this article, we will take a closer look at how to make this mouth-watering Italian sausage calzone from scratch.
Main Ingredients: Loaves, Dinner Rolls, Butter, Onion, Italian Sausage
Calzones are a popular Italian dish that is essentially a folded pizza filled with various ingredients. They are a great way to enjoy all the flavors of a pizza in a convenient handheld form. With the right ingredients and proper technique, you can make delicious calzones right in your own kitchen.
One of the most popular types of calzones is the Italian sausage calzone. This version typically includes Italian sausage, mozzarella cheese, and a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers and onions. The combination of savory sausage and gooey cheese makes for a mouthwatering calzone that is sure to please.
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Keto Calzones
Main Ingredients: Shredded Mozzarella, Cream Cheese, Egg, Almond Flour
For those following a low-carb or keto diet, there are plenty of options for making calzones that fit within your dietary restrictions. You can use a cauliflower crust or even make a crustless calzone using cheese as the base. Fill your keto calzone with your favorite toppings and enjoy a guilt-free meal.
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Pizza Calzones
Main Ingredients: Dough, Pizza Sauce, Shredded Mozzarella, Mozzarella
If you're a fan of traditional pizza, you'll love the pizza calzone. This version combines all the classic pizza toppings, such as pepperoni, mushrooms, and olives, in a folded pizza crust. It's a fun twist on a classic dish that is perfect for pizza lovers.
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Easy Weeknight Calzones
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage, Button Mushrooms, French Loaf
Calzones may seem like a complicated dish to make, but with some pre-made pizza dough and a few simple ingredients, you can whip up an easy weeknight calzone in no time. You can even involve the whole family by letting everyone choose their own fillings and helping with the assembly process.
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Chili Lovers Chili
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Italian Sausage, Onion, Bell Pepper, Diced
If you're a fan of chili, you'll love the chili lovers calzone. This calzone is filled with all the flavors of a hearty bowl of chili, including ground beef, beans, and spices. It's a fun and unique way to enjoy your favorite comfort food.
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Zuppa Toscana
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage, Garlic, Bacon, Onion, Olive Oil
Zuppa Toscana is a popular soup from the Olive Garden restaurant chain. What many people don't know is that the flavorful combination of Italian sausage, kale, and potatoes can also make a delicious calzone filling. It's a great way to switch up the flavors and enjoy a new take on an old favorite.
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Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Onion, Italian Sausage, Ground Beef
Baked ziti is a classic Italian dish that combines pasta, sauce, and cheese in a delicious baked casserole. You can use the same ingredients to make a baked ziti calzone. The result is a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful calzone that is sure to become a family favorite.
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Keto Stuffed Peppers
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Italian Sausage, Mozzarella Cheese
For a low-carb twist on a classic dish, try making keto stuffed pepper calzones. Instead of using a traditional pizza crust, you can use a bell pepper as the base for your calzone. Fill it with your favorite pizza toppings and enjoy a healthier version of this delicious dish.
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Creamy Zuppa Toscana
Main Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream, Italian Sausage, Bacon
For a different take on the Zuppa Toscana calzone, try adding a creamy twist. You can mix in some cream cheese or heavy cream to the filling to make it extra rich and creamy. It's a decadent version of the classic soup that is perfect for colder weather.
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Classic Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage, Yellow Onion, Tomato Paste, Crushed
If you're a fan of classic Italian flavors, you can never go wrong with a classic baked ziti calzone. This version uses all the traditional ingredients, including ziti pasta, tomato sauce, and plenty of cheese. It's a crowd-pleasing dish that is perfect for any occasion.
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Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Italian Sausage, Small Onions
If you have a delicious homemade spaghetti sauce recipe, you can use it as a filling for your calzone. The rich flavors of the sauce combined with the crispy crust and gooey cheese make for a mouthwatering combination. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover sauce.
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Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Main Ingredients: Spaghetti Squash, Italian Sausage, Pasta Sauce, Fresh
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to a traditional calzone, try using spaghetti squash as the base. You can stuff it with your favorite pizza toppings and bake it for a delicious and nutritious meal. It's a great way to sneak some extra veggies into your diet.
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Creamy Crockpot Tortellini
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage, Small Onion, Frozen Spinach, Diced
For a hands-off approach to making calzones, try using a slow cooker. You can make a creamy tortellini filling in the crockpot and then stuff it into pizza dough for a tasty calzone. It's a convenient and delicious way to enjoy this classic Italian dish.
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One Pan Creamy Gnocchi With Sausage
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage, Small Onion, Garlic, Dry White Wine
If you're short on time and don't want to deal with multiple pots and pans, try making a one-pan creamy gnocchi and sausage calzone. This recipe combines all the flavors of a traditional calzone in one pan, making for easy cleanup and a delicious meal.
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Calzones II
Main Ingredients: Yeast, Water, White Sugar, Oil, Salt, Flour, Italian
There are so many different ways to make calzones that we had to include a second version on this list. You can mix and match ingredients to create your own unique calzone recipe. Get creative and experiment with different fillings to find your favorite combination.
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Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage, Baby Red Potatoes, Yellow Onion
If you're a fan of the Zuppa Toscana soup at Olive Garden, you'll love this copycat recipe for a calzone version. It uses all the same ingredients, including Italian sausage, kale, and potatoes, but in a folded pizza crust. It's a fun and tasty twist on a classic dish.
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Stuffed Peppers
Main Ingredients: Bell Peppers, Lean Ground Beef, Italian Sausage, Small
Another way to make calzones healthier is by using colorful bell peppers as the base. You can stuff them with all your favorite pizza toppings and bake them for a delicious and nutritious meal. Plus, they make for a beautiful presentation on the dinner table.
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Traditional Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Dreamfields Lasagna, Olive Oil, Garlic, Chopped Onion
For a hearty and satisfying calzone, try making a traditional lasagna version. Layer lasagna noodles, meat sauce, and cheese in a folded pizza crust for a delicious and filling meal. It's a great way to enjoy all the flavors of lasagna in a convenient handheld form.
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Whole Wheat Calzones
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Active Dry Yeast, Granulated Sugar, Olive
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to traditional pizza dough, try using whole wheat dough for your calzones. It adds a nutty and wholesome flavor to the dish while also providing more nutrients. Plus, it's a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
The Perfect Dough for Your Calzones
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup warm water
To start off, you will need to make the perfect dough for your Italian sausage calzones. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Mix well, then add the olive oil and warm water. Using your hands, knead the dough until it comes together and forms a smooth, elastic ball. If the dough becomes too sticky, you can add a little more flour. Once the dough is formed, cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
Creating the Filling
Ingredients:
1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
1 cup diced bell peppers
1 cup diced onion
1 cup sliced mushrooms
2 cloves minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
While the dough is resting, it's time to prepare the filling for your Italian sausage calzones. In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat, then add in the bell peppers, onion, mushrooms, garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Sauté until the vegetables are softened. Add in the marinara sauce and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes.
Assembling and Baking Your Calzones
Ingredients:
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 egg beaten
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a large circle, about 1/4 inch thick. Using a round cutter or a large glass, cut out circles from the dough. Place a spoonful of the sausage filling onto one half of the dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle some shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the filling. Then, fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges together to seal the calzone. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried parsley. Brush this mixture over the tops of the calzones. Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the beaten egg over the top of each calzone for a golden brown crust. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and crispy.
Serve your homemade Italian sausage calzones with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. These calzones are perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner or a fun party appetizer. With a flaky crust and a flavorful filling, this recipe is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Try it out today and enjoy a taste of Italy in the comfort of your own home!