Touchdown Calzones
Touchdown Calzones are golden-baked pockets filled with savory Italian meats, cheeses, and homemade marinara sauce, perfect for game day or any casual gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package pizza dough (about 16 oz)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce, plus extra for dipping
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a large circle about 12 inches in diameter.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly over half of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Top the cheese layer with pepperoni slices and cooked Italian sausage, then spoon marinara sauce over the fillings.
- Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and press edges firmly to seal. Crimp edges with a fork to secure.
- Brush the top of the calzone with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Place the calzone on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let cool slightly, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve warm with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
For a crispy bottom, bake the calzones on a preheated pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet. You can customize fillings with vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added flavor.