Calzones with Pasta Sauce

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these homemade Calzones with Pasta Sauce—perfectly golden pockets of cheesy, savory goodness. This recipe starts with a soft, homemade dough that's stuffed with a flavorful blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, hearty Italian sausage, and fresh spinach for a pop of color and nutrition. Each calzone is sealed to perfection, brushed with a golden egg wash, and baked until irresistibly crispy and bubbly. Served alongside a rich marinara or pasta sauce, these calzones are ideal for dipping or drizzling, making them a crowd-pleasing dinner or an elevated hand-held snack. With simple pantry staples and customizable fillings, this 90-minute recipe is a delicious way to bring Italian-inspired flavors to your table. Perfect for weeknight meals or gatherings, these calzones are sure to satisfy every craving!

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:90 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:115 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 2.25 teaspoons Instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1.25 cups Warm water
• 1 cup Ricotta cheese
• 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup Spinach, fresh and chopped (optional)
• 1 large Egg
• 2 tablespoons Milk
• 2 cups Pasta sauce, store-bought or homemade

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.

Step 2

Add olive oil and warm water. Mix until the dough comes together, then knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 3

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 4

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, cooked sausage, and spinach (if using). Set aside.

Step 5

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 6

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into four equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle, about 8 inches in diameter.

Step 7

Place a generous amount of the filling on one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.

Step 8

Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges to seal, then crimp with a fork to secure the seal.

Step 9

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to make an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the tops of the calzones.

Step 10

Place the calzones on the prepared baking sheet and use a knife to cut a few small slits in the top of each for venting.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown.

Step 12

While the calzones are baking, warm the pasta sauce in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave.

Step 13

Allow the calzones to cool slightly before serving. Serve hot with pasta sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2132.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4228.8

Total Fat 209.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 87.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.6g
Cholesterol 768.8mg	0%
Sodium 8701.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 396.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.4g	0%
Total Sugars 34.3g
Protein 190.7g	0%

Vitamin D 66.8IU	0%
Calcium 3356.3mg	0%
Iron 32.1mg	0%
Potassium 3073.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.6%

Protein: 18.0%

Carbs: 37.4%