Easy Calzones

{Calzone Recipe}

{Ingredients for the Dough}

• 1 Package of active dry yeast (.25 ounces)
• 1 Cup of warm water
• 1 Tablespoon and 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 Teaspoon of white sugar
• 1 Teaspoon of salt
• 2 ½ Cups of all purpose flour, plus extra to keep it from sticking when you roll it out
• Egg wash (1 egg whisked together with a teaspoon or two of water)

{Filling Ideas}

You can use any combination of ingredients to fill the calzones, here are a few options but these are perfect no matter what you do or do not put inside! Anything that would taste good on a pizza will be great inside of these.

• 1-2 Cups of Ricotta cheese
• 1-2 Cups of Mozzarella
• Diced pepperoni (we use turkey pepperoni)
• Mushrooms
• Basil
• Provolone
• Onions
• Cooked chicken (Barbeque would be good)
• Spaghetti sauce or pizza sauce for topping once the calzone is cooked

{Directions for the Dough}

1.  Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit

2.  Put the warm water into a small bowl with the sugar and add the yeast, do not stir it or move it, leave it until it foams- about 5 minutes.

(this is what it will look like when you put the yeast in the water)

(When it looks like this it is done)

3.  In a larger bowl mix together 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, yeast (once it has finished activating) and 2 cups of flour.

4.  Knead the dough for about 5 minutes or until all the flour is incorporated, if the dough is too sticky you can add more flour until it isn't sticky anymore.

5.  Roll the dough into a ball

6.  Pour 1 teaspoon of olive oil on top of the dough and then roll the dough around in it so that it is covered with oil

7.  Dampen a clean kitchen towel with warm water and put it over the bowl

8.  Place the bowl in a warm place (I put mine in the microwave because it is a closed space) and allow to rise for about 45 minutes or until doubled

9.  Punch the dough down and separate into 4 equal pieces

10.  Roll the dough out

11.  Place filling on one half of the dough, not too close to the edge 

12.  Fold the dough over the filling

13.  Press the edges of the dough together with a fork and poke a few holes in the top so that the steam can escape, otherwise your calzone will break open and leak

14.  Place on a lightly greased cookie sheet

15.  Apply a thin layer of egg wash with a basting brush (if you don't have a basting brush you can use your fingers to smear it around) to help the calzone brown in the oven

16.  Place in the oven and cook until the top of the calzone is slightly brown, around 25-30 minutes.

17.  Top with spaghetti or pizza sauce and serve