A Calzone is a delicious, oven-baked Italian turnover made with Pizza dough that's folded in half and stuffed with a variety of savory fillings. 2 servings (184 g) Calzone contains 410 calories, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. Whether you prefer classic ingredients like cheese and pepperoni or more adventurous Toppings like spinach and artichokes, calzones are a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking.

In addition to being a tasty treat, Calzones also provide a variety of Nutrients. The exact nutritional value will depend on the specific Recipe and fillings used, but some common ingredients in calzones include cheese for calcium, meat or vegetables for protein and fiber, and tomato sauce for vitamins C and A.

In this article, we'll explore how to make a delicious Calzone at home, provide some Recipe ideas and serving suggestions, compare calzones to Pizza, and discuss the potential Health benefits of incorporating calzones into your diet.

What is a calzone?

A Calzone is a folded Pizza that originated in Naples, Italy. Traditionally, it is made with pizza dough and stuffed with cheese and tomato sauce, along with other Toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and peppers. The calzone is then baked in the oven until it is golden brown and crispy on the outside, with gooey, melted cheese and warm sauce on the inside. While the exact origin of the calzone is unknown, it is thought to have been created as an easy meal for workers in Naples who could carry it with them during long shifts. Today, calzones are popular all over the world and can be found at many pizza restaurants or made at home with your favorite fillings.

Calzone recipe ideas

One of the best things about Calzones is that they are extremely versatile and can be customized to suit any taste preference. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Margherita Calzone with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil, and garlic
• Pepperoni and Mushroom Calzone with tomato sauce, pepperoni, mushrooms, and shredded mozzarella
• Spinach and Feta Calzone with garlic-infused olive oil, sautéed spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and olives

Of course, these are just a few ideas to inspire you - feel free to experiment with different fillings until you find your perfect calzone Recipe.

Calzone nutrition facts

The exact nutritional value of a Calzone will depend on the size, ingredients, and Cooking method used. However, here are some general nutrition facts for a typical calzone:

• Calories: 410
• Protein: 19g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 21g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g

It's important to note that these values are for a 2-serving (184g) calzone and will vary depending on the specific Recipe used.

How to make a calzone

Making a Calzone is relatively simple and can be done at home with just a few ingredients. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Roll out your Pizza dough into a large circle or rectangular shape
2. Add your desired fillings to one half of the dough, leaving about an inch of space around the edges
3. Fold the other half of the dough over the top of the filling and press the edges together to seal
4. Brush the top with olive oil or egg wash to give it a shiny, golden brown finish
5. Bake in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly

Once your calzone is finished Baking, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into it and enjoying!

Calzone vs pizza

While Calzones and Pizzas share many similarities, there are a few key differences between the two. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing between a calzone and a pizza:

• A calzone is folded in half and sealed, while a pizza has an open top crust
• Calzones often have more fillings packed inside, while pizzas are typically more spread out
• Calzones are a great portable option, while pizzas are better for sharing with a group

Ultimately, whether you choose a calzone or a pizza will depend on your personal preference and the occasion.

Calzone serving size

The Serving size for a Calzone will depend on the specific Recipe and Cooking instructions used. However, a typical serving size for a 2-serving calzone (184g) is one-half of the calzone. This would provide approximately 205 calories, 9.5g of protein, 19g of carbohydrates, 10.5g of fat, 1g of fiber, and 2.5g of sugar. As with any food, it's important to pay attention to portion sizes and calorie intake to maintain a Healthy diet.

Calzone toppings

The Toppings you choose for your Calzone will depend on your taste preferences and dietary restrictions. Here are a few popular options:

• Cheese: mozzarella, cheddar, ricotta, parmesan, feta
• Meat: pepperoni, sausage, ham, bacon, chicken
• Vegetables: bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, spinach, tomatoes, olives, artichokes
• Sauces: tomato sauce, pesto, garlic-infused olive oil

Of course, these are just a few ideas - feel free to get creative and try different combinations until you find your perfect calzone toppings!

Calzone cooking methods

There are a few different methods you can use to cook a Calzone, depending on your preference and equipment available. Here are a few options:

• Oven: preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the calzone for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown
• Pan: heat a small amount of oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat, then add the calzone and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until both sides are crispy and golden brown
• Air fryer: preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the calzone for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted

No matter which method you choose, be sure to monitor your calzone closely to avoid burning or underCooking.

Calzone storage

If you have leftover Calzone, it's important to store it properly to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage. Here are a few tips:

• Refrigerate: place your leftover calzone in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days
• Freeze: if you won't be able to eat your leftover calzone within a few days, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before Freezing to prevent freezer burn
• Reheat: to reheat your leftover calzone, place it in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through

Calzone health benefits

While Calzones are not exactly a Health food, they do provide a variety of Nutrients and can be incorporated into a balanced diet in moderation. Here are a few potential health benefits of eating calzones:

• Protein: depending on the fillings used, calzones can provide a significant amount of protein which is essential for healthy muscle growth and repair
• Fiber: many calzone Recipes include vegetables or whole grain crust, which can help promote digestive health and keep you feeling full for longer
• Calcium: cheese is a common ingredient in calzones, which is a good source of calcium for strong bones and teeth
• Vitamin C: tomato sauce is a common ingredient in calzones, which is a good source of vitamin C for immune function and skin health

Of course, it's important to enjoy calzones in moderation as they can also be high in calories and saturated fat.