Delicious Homemade Calzone

Making a delicious homemade calzone can be a fun and rewarding culinary project.

Ingredients for the dough:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Ingredients for the filling:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni or cooked Italian sausage
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup diced bell peppers
• 1/4 cup diced onions
• 1/4 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for dipping)
• Salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
2. Gradually add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add additional flour if necessary to prevent sticking.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
5. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
6. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions. Roll out each portion into a circle or oval shape on a lightly floured surface.
7. Place one portion of the rolled-out dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
8. In the center of the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border, spread the marinara sauce. Then layer the shredded mozzarella, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, pepperoni or cooked sausage, black olives, bell peppers, onions, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs.
9. Brush the exposed edges of the dough with water to help seal the calzone.
10. Carefully fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges together. Use a fork to crimp the edges and create a tight seal.
11. Repeat the process for the second portion of dough and remaining filling ingredients.
12. Bake the calzones in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and crispy.
13. Remove the calzones from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
14. Serve the calzones warm, sliced into portions, with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Enjoy your delicious homemade calzones filled with a delightful combination of cheese, meats, and vegetables. Feel free to customize the filling ingredients to suit your taste preferences and experiment with different flavors.