Are you ready to take your pizza game to the next level? Imagine sinking your teeth into a delicious Meat Lovers Calzone that's bursting with flavor and ooey-gooey cheese, all wrapped in a golden, crispy crust. This Inside Out Pizza is not just a meal; it's an experience that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight! With just 45 minutes of your time, you can whip up this Italian masterpiece that serves six, making it perfect for family dinners or game night gatherings. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a calzone that rivals your favorite pizzeria!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle approximately 12x16 inches thick.
- In a mixing bowl, combine crumbled Italian sausage, pepperoni slices, shredded mozzarella cheese, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Spread marinara sauce across the center of the rolled-out dough, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the meat and cheese mixture evenly over the marinara sauce.
- Carefully fold the long sides of the dough over the filling, then fold the short ends to create a sealed packet. Press edges firmly to prevent filling from leaking.
- Gently transfer the calzone to the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down.
- Brush the top of the calzone with olive oil and make 2-3 small slits on top to allow steam to escape.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into portions.
- Serve hot with additional marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, prepare the meat and cheese filling in advance. You can even roll out the dough and store it in the fridge until you're ready to bake.
- Experiment with Fillings: Don’t hesitate to customize your calzone! Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, or try different meats like ham or bacon for a unique twist.
- Perfect the Dough: Make sure your pizza dough is at room temperature before rolling it out. This makes it easier to stretch and shape without tearing.
- Brush for Brilliance: Brushing the calzone with olive oil not only adds flavor but also helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown color. For extra flair, sprinkle some garlic powder or Italian herbs on top before baking.
- Serve with Style: Pair your calzone with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping, and consider a light salad to balance the meal. Enjoy every bite!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 65mg
