Who doesn’t love a delicious, handheld meal packed with savory goodness? These homemade pepperoni calzones are bursting with cheesy, saucy flavor, making them an instant family favorite. By utilizing convenient frozen bread dough, this recipe transforms the idea of homemade calzones from a daunting task into a remarkably simple and enjoyable cooking experience. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner, seeking a fun alternative to traditional pizza night, or preparing a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next gathering, these mini calzones are guaranteed to impress!
Friday nights are practically synonymous with pizza, but if you’re looking to shake things up while retaining those beloved Italian flavors, this pepperoni calzone recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine sinking your teeth into pizzeria-style mini calzones that are just as flavorful as your favorite takeout, yet even more satisfying because you made them yourself! The secret to their effortless preparation lies in using Bridgford’s Ready-Dough, which simplifies the entire process: just thaw, fill, and bake to golden perfection!
The true brilliance of this easy pepperoni calzone recipe lies in its incredible versatility. You can stick to the classic combination of cheese and pepperoni, or let your culinary imagination run wild by stuffing them with an array of your favorite pizza toppings. Each calzone is perfectly handheld and wonderfully mess-free, making them an ideal choice for a variety of occasions. Pack them into school lunches for a delightful surprise, serve them as irresistible game day snacks, or grab them as convenient on-the-go meals. Paired with a warm bowl of marinara sauce for dipping, you’ve got a meal that’s not just food, but an experience!
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Why These Pepperoni Calzones Are a Must-Try
These aren’t just any pepperoni calzones; they’re an experience designed for ease and maximum flavor. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your culinary repertoire:
- They’re like elevated pizza pockets, but even better! Imagine the joy of a warm, gooey, cheesy pocket of deliciousness. Unlike flat pizzas, these pepperoni calzones are folded and perfectly sealed, creating a delightful package of savory fillings that you can hold and enjoy without a fuss. It’s a wonderful twist on traditional pizza, offering a unique texture and eating experience.
- Absolutely no-fuss dough preparation. Forget the lengthy process of making pizza dough from scratch! Thanks to the genius of Bridgford Ready-Dough, you can bypass all the kneading, rising, and waiting. The process is streamlined to simply thawing, rolling, filling, and baking. This convenience is a game-changer for busy individuals and families.
- Perfect for virtually any occasion. This pepperoni calzones recipe is incredibly adaptable. Whether you need a lightning-fast weeknight dinner solution, a smart and delicious meal prep idea for the week ahead, or an effortless party snack that will have everyone reaching for more, these calzones fit the bill. Their individual portion size makes them easy to serve and enjoy in any setting.
- A customizable canvas for your favorite flavors. While pepperoni and mozzarella are a classic combination, these calzones are incredibly forgiving and welcoming to personalization. You can easily add other meats, vegetables, or even a different type of cheese to suit your family’s preferences or utilize ingredients you already have on hand. It’s an opportunity to get creative in the kitchen!
The Convenience of Bridgford Dough for Your Calzones
As passionate home cooks, we understand the value of quality ingredients and efficient methods. That’s why we wholeheartedly endorse using store-bought Bridgford Frozen Ready-Dough® and their Parkerhouse Style Rolls. Our kitchen is practically a testament to their versatility, boasting over a dozen frozen dough recipes that highlight just how incredible these products are.
What truly sets Bridgford apart is their commitment to doing the meticulous prep work for you, using high-quality, non-GMO ingredients. This means you get to skip the time-consuming process of dough preparation and jump straight to the fun part: assembling and baking your delicious creations. We keep Bridgford dough stocked in our freezers year-round because it’s an indispensable shortcut for a multitude of culinary adventures, from savory to sweet.
Finding Bridgford’s frozen dough is incredibly simple; look for it in the freezer section of your local grocery store. For specific locations, you can always check their where to buy page on their website.
Craving more easy recipes using frozen dough?
Whip up some fluffy Parker House Rolls for a special holiday meal, or create a show-stopping fire-grilled pizza perfect for your next game day gathering. And speaking of game day, your crowd will go wild for homemade pretzel balls and irresistible monkey bread!
Essential Ingredients for Your Pepperoni Calzones
Making delicious mini pepperoni calzones doesn’t require a long list of exotic ingredients. In fact, you likely have most of these staples on hand already. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Frozen Bread Dough: This is the star of the show for its convenience. A 1-pound loaf (often sold as Bridgford Ready-Dough®) is perfect. Remember, proper thawing is crucial before you begin crafting your pepperoni calzones. We’ll share our expert tips on the best way to do this below.
- Pepperoni Slices: The namesake of our calzones! For the most authentic and savory flavor, we highly recommend using Bridgford pepperoni, but any quality pepperoni will deliver a fantastic taste. If you prefer mini pepperoni, that works too, especially for smaller calzones.
- String Cheese or Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: This is where the gooey, melty magic happens! String cheese sticks are particularly convenient as they can be easily cut into smaller portions and placed inside. Shredded mozzarella is also an excellent choice for consistent melting and distribution throughout the filling. Feel free to use your favorite brand to ensure that perfect stretchy, cheesy texture.
- Marinara Sauce: A key component for that classic pizza flavor inside your calzone, and absolutely essential for dipping! You can use your favorite store-bought brand, or if you’re feeling ambitious, a quick homemade San Marzano sauce will elevate the taste even further.
- Egg: Used to create an egg wash, which is brushed over the calzones before baking. This gives them a beautiful golden-brown crust and a lovely sheen, enhancing both appearance and texture.
- Flour: A small amount for dusting your work surface and rolling pin. This prevents the dough from sticking and makes it much easier to handle and roll out into perfect circles.
Recipe Variations: Unleash Your Creativity
While classic pepperoni and cheese are unbeatable, these homemade calzones are a blank canvas for your culinary imagination. Here are some delightful ways to customize your batch:
- Extra Cheesy Goodness: For a truly decadent bite, consider sprinkling a little extra mozzarella cheese or a blend of Italian cheeses on top of each calzone before baking. This creates an irresistible crispy, cheesy crust that adds another layer of flavor and texture.
- Load It Up with Toppings: Transform your calzones into a hearty meal by adding your favorite pre-cooked proteins and vegetables. Think beyond pepperoni! Try pre-cooked salami, savory Italian sausage, seasoned ground beef, tender turkey or chicken, Canadian bacon, or savory ham. For a veggie boost, sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or spinach can be excellent additions (just make sure they’re cooked and drained of excess moisture).
- Add Some Heat: If you love a little kick, mix crushed red pepper flakes directly into your marinara sauce before adding it to the calzones. This infuses a wonderful warmth throughout the filling.
- Sweet Dessert Calzones: Who says calzones can only be savory? Get creative with a sweet twist! Fill them with a luscious combination of Nutella and sliced bananas, your favorite fruit pie filling (apple, cherry, or berry), or even a warm apple cobbler filling made with cake mix for an unexpected and delightful dessert. Just remember to skip the marinara for these!
- Flavor Boosters for the Crust: Before baking, brush the tops of your calzones not just with egg wash, but also with a touch of olive oil. Then, sprinkle generously with Italian seasoning, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh chopped parsley. This simple step adds an incredible aromatic boost and beautiful golden finish.
Equipment You’ll Need for Making Calzones
Preparing these easy homemade calzones doesn’t require any fancy kitchen gadgets. Just a few basic tools will ensure your success:
- Rolling Pin: Essential for flattening your dough balls into even circles, creating the perfect base for your fillings. A standard wooden or non-stick rolling pin will work perfectly.
- Basting Brush: This small brush is used to apply the egg wash evenly over the edges of the dough for sealing and across the tops of the calzones for that beautiful golden crust.
- Fork: Beyond whisking your egg wash, a fork is crucial for two steps: crimping the edges of your calzones to create a secure seal that prevents fillings from escaping, and poking small vent holes on top to allow steam to escape during baking, preventing sogginess.
- Baking Sheet: You’ll need a sturdy baking sheet, preferably lined with parchment paper or greased, to bake your calzones to perfection.
- Cutting Board: A clean surface for dusting with flour and working with your dough.
- Small Bowl: For mixing your egg wash.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Pepperoni Calzones
Ready to create your own batch of irresistible mini pepperoni calzones? Follow these detailed steps for a smooth and enjoyable cooking process:
- Defrost the dough properly. This is the first and most important step. Frozen dough needs to be fully thawed and at room temperature to be pliable enough to work with.
🎯 TFN Pro Tip
Our absolute preferred method for defrosting frozen dough is to leave it overnight in the fridge. This slow and gentle method ensures the dough thaws evenly without becoming sticky or tough, and it’s virtually effortless – your dough will be perfectly ready to use the next morning. If you’re short on time, you can also place the dough (still in its package) in a bowl of warm water for about 1-2 hours, changing the water every 30 minutes, until softened.
- Prepare your oven and baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 425ºF (220ºC). While the oven heats, lightly grease your baking sheet with cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Divide and shape the dough. Lightly dust a clean cutting board or work surface with flour. Take your thawed Bridgford Ready-Dough® loaf and cut it into 8 equal parts. Roll each part into a small, uniform ball.
- Rest the dough. Allow the dough balls to sit at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes. This resting period is crucial as it allows the gluten to relax, making the dough much easier to roll out evenly without snapping back.
- Prepare the egg wash. In a small bowl, whisk one egg with 1 tablespoon of water until the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy. This will be used for sealing and for brushing the tops.
- Assemble your filling components. If using string cheese, cut each stick into 3 equal pieces. Organize your pepperoni slices into groups of three for easy assembly.
- Roll out the dough. Lightly flour your rolling pin and your work surface again. Take one dough ball at a time and roll it out into a circle, roughly 5 inches (12-13 cm) wide and about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Aim for an even thickness across the circle.
- Fill the calzones. On one half of the rolled-out dough circle, place 3 slices of pepperoni, slightly overlapping. On top of the pepperoni, place 1 piece of mozzarella cheese (or about 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella) and 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce. Be sure to leave a clear 1/2-inch (1.2 cm) border around the edge of the dough on the side you plan to fold over. Lightly brush this clear edge with your prepared egg wash.
- Fold and seal the dough. Carefully fold the unfilled half of the dough over the pepperoni, cheese, and sauce, ensuring that the edges line up as perfectly as possible.
- Crimp and vent. Use your fingers to gently press down along the seam to seal the edges firmly. Then, use the tines of a fork to create a decorative and secure crimped edge all around the curved perimeter. This not only looks nice but also helps to further seal the calzone. Finally, use the fork to poke three small holes on the top surface of each calzone. These vents are essential for allowing steam to escape during baking, preventing your calzones from becoming soggy.
- Arrange on the baking sheet and brush. Carefully place the assembled pepperoni calzones onto your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave sufficient space (about 2 inches) between each calzone to allow for even baking and browning. Lightly brush the tops of the pizza dough rolls with the remaining egg wash for that beautiful golden finish.
- Bake to golden perfection. Transfer the baking sheet to your preheated oven. Bake at 425ºF (220ºC) for approximately 15 minutes, or until the dough is thoroughly cooked through and the tops are a rich golden brown. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them.
Serving Suggestions: Perfect Pairings for Your Calzones
Once your easy pepperoni calzones emerge from the oven, golden and fragrant, they are ready to be devoured! Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
These flaky, golden-crusted wonders pair beautifully with a simple, crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a balanced and refreshing meal. The true companion for any calzone is a warm, rich San Marzano sauce or classic marinara for dipping. The savory sauce perfectly complements the cheesy, meaty filling.
For an extra burst of flavor, try brushing the tops of your calzones with melted garlic butter immediately after they come out of the oven. This adds a fantastic aroma and a touch of richness. If you’re looking for an ultimate side dish, homemade sourdough garlic bread can’t be beaten. Looking for more fun, handheld bites that kids adore? Our ham and cheese pinwheels recipe is another fantastic option, perfect for snacks or lunchboxes. Whether served for a delightful dinner, an after-school snack, or a crowd-pleasing game-day treat, these pepperoni calzones will quickly cement their place as a family favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions About Pepperoni Calzones
Preventing soggy calzones is key for a perfect texture. The best ways to avoid sogginess are to ensure the edges are wrapped tightly and to poke several small holes (vents) in the top of the dough before baking. These vents allow steam to escape during the baking process, preventing moisture buildup inside and ensuring your calzones remain deliciously crisp on the outside and not too moist within.
While mini pepperoni calzones can technically be enjoyed either hot or cold, they are undeniably best when eaten warm. The heat melts the cheese into a wonderfully gooey consistency and intensifies the flavors of the pepperoni and sauce, offering a truly satisfying experience.
Yes, absolutely! Marinara sauce is traditionally added to the inside of a calzone to provide a delicious, savory flavor that complements the cheese and pepperoni. It also helps to bind the ingredients together, adds moisture, and ensures that your meal doesn’t come out dry. Many also prefer extra sauce on the side for dipping.
To maintain their freshness, store any leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will help preserve their flavor and texture.
For the best results when reheating, wrap your calzones loosely in foil and place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until they are thoroughly warmed through and the crust is crisp again. Alternatively, an air fryer works wonders: reheat uncovered at 325°F (160°C) for 8-9 minutes. While you can use a microwave for about 1 minute on high heat, be aware that this method might make the dough a bit softer and less crispy.
Yes, you absolutely can! These calzones are an excellent meal prep idea. Assemble your calzones as directed, then cover them tightly and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. This makes them incredibly convenient for busy weeknights when you want a quick, delicious homemade meal.
You can! Once your calzones are baked and completely cooled, wrap each one individually in aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat from frozen, unwrap them and bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven until hot and crispy, typically about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
Love Easy Snack Recipes? Try These…
- Buffalo Chicken Bombs with Biscuits
- Chicken Club Sandwich
- Ham and Cheese Roll Ups
If you tried this pepperoni calzone recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Your feedback truly helps! Thanks for visiting!
Pepperoni Calzones
Author: Renae Gerhardstein
Average Rating: 5 out of 5 stars from 36 votes
Make delicious homemade pepperoni calzones with this incredibly easy recipe! Perfect for a fun pizza night or convenient meal prep, these mini calzones are sure to be a hit.
Pin Recipe
Course: Appetizer, Main Dish, Snack
Cuisine: Italian-American
Servings: 4 servings (approx. 8 mini calzones)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Dough Resting Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Calories: 355 kcal per serving
Equipment
- Rolling pin
- Basting brush – for egg wash
- Fork – for crimping the dough edges and venting
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper (optional, for lining)
- Small Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound Bridgford Ready Dough (1 loaf), thawed
- 24 slices pepperoni (we recommend Bridgford brand)
- 3 ounces string cheese (3 sticks, or 3 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese)
- ¼ cup marinara sauce
- 1 large egg
- Flour, for dusting the board
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425º F (220ºC). Prepare a baking sheet by greasing it with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper.
- Lightly dust a cutting board or clean surface with flour. Cut the thawed Bridgford Ready Dough into 8 equal parts. Roll each part into a small ball.
- Allow the dough balls to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. This makes the dough more pliable and easier to roll out.
- While the dough is resting, prepare your fillings: Cut string cheese sticks (if using) into 3 equal pieces. Separate pepperoni slices into groups of three.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create the egg wash.
- Using a lightly floured rolling pin, roll out each dough ball into a circle about 5 inches (12-13 cm) wide.
- On one side of each dough circle, place 3 slices of pepperoni, followed by 1 piece of mozzarella cheese (or ~1 tablespoon shredded cheese) and 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce. Ensure you leave a ½-inch (1.2 cm) clear edge along the perimeter.
- Brush the clear edge of the dough with the prepared egg wash.
- Fold the dough in half over the filling, aligning the edges. Press the seam down firmly with your fingers, then crimp the edges all around with a fork to seal securely.
- Poke three small holes on the top of each folded calzone using a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Place the mini calzones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between them.
- Brush the tops of the calzones with the remaining egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake at 425ºF (220ºC) for 15 minutes, or until the dough is cooked through and golden brown on top.
- Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy your delicious homemade pepperoni calzones!
Notes
- Pro Tip for Thawing Dough: Our preferred method is to defrost frozen dough overnight in the fridge. This method is almost effortless, and the dough will be ready to use the next morning.
- Recipe Variations:
- Extra Cheesy Goodness: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top of each calzone before baking for a gooier bite.
- Load It Up with Toppings: Add pre-cooked proteins like salami, Italian sausage, ground beef, turkey, chicken, Canadian bacon, or ham for variety.
- Add Some Heat: Mix crushed red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
- Sweet Dessert Calzones: Fill with Nutella and bananas, fruit pie filling, or apple cobbler made with cake mix for a delicious twist.
- Flavor Boost: Brush with olive oil and sprinkle Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley before baking for an enhanced crust flavor.
- Storing Instructions:
- Store leftovers in a sealed airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- To reheat: Wrap calzones with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed. Alternatively, reheat (uncovered) in an air fryer at 325°F (160°C) for 8-9 minutes. For microwave reheating, heat on high for about 1 minute, though the crust may be less crispy.
- To freeze: Once baked and cooled, wrap individually in foil and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat from frozen in a 375°F (190°C) oven until hot and crispy.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Serving: 2 mini calzones
- Calories: 355 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 12mg
- Sodium: 801mg
- Potassium: 78mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Vitamin A: 66IU
- Vitamin C: 1mg
- Calcium: 5mg
- Iron: 0.3mg