What Is A Calzone And How To Make It Perfect?

What is a calzone? A calzone is a type of pizza that is made by folding a pizza dough over fillings like cheese and meats. It is then baked in an oven until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Calzones can be served with a variety of sauces, including marinara, pesto, or garlic butter. They are a popular dish in Italy and can be found at pizzerias throughout the country.

What Is a Calzone?

A calzone is a type of pizza that is made with dough that is folded over to create a half-moon shape. The dough is filled with cheese, vegetables, and meat before it is baked. Calzones are typically served with a side of marinara sauce. They can be eaten as an appetizer or as a main course.

The most famous are the “Neapolitan” calzones, filled with ricotta cheese, provolone cheese, crumbled salami and pecorino cheese. But there are various versions that may contain tomato, mozzarella and ham, or vegetables and mozzarella.

In the United States, the calzone became popular in the early 1900s, when Italian immigrants opened pizzerias. The dish has since become a staple at many American pizzerias. It can be made with either a traditional pizza dough or a bread dough.

Calzones are typically baked in an oven, but they can also be fried. Fried calzones are called “stromboli” and are popular in Italy. Stromboli typically has a thinner crust than a calzone and is rolled into a cylinder shape.

Whether you call it a calzone or a stromboli, this dish is a delicious way to enjoy pizza without all the mess.

Where did calzone originate from?

Calzones originated in Naples, Italy. It is believed that they were first made by street vendors who would fold leftover pizza dough over various fillings and sell them as a convenient handheld meal.

What is the difference between a calzone and a pizza?

Pizzas are typically round with a flat crust, while calzones are usually shaped like a half-moon and have a doughier crust. Pizzas also typically have tomato sauce, while calzones can be served with a variety of sauces. Finally, pizzas are usually topped with cheese, while calzones have their fillings inside the dough.

What are the different types of calzones

Some popular types of calzones include the classic cheese and pepperoni, veggie, meat lovers, and even dessert calzones filled with Nutella or fruit. The fillings for a calzone are only limited by one’s imagination! Some restaurants also offer specialty calzones with unique and creative combinations of ingredients. Experiment with different fillings to find your favorite calzone creation.

How do you eat a calzone?

Calzones are typically eaten with your hands, just like a regular slice of pizza. However, some people prefer to cut it into slices with a knife and fork.

Are calzones and stromboli the same thing? While both are pizza dough filled with various ingredients and baked in an oven, there is a distinct difference between calzones and strombolis. Calzones typically have a folded over crust while strombolis have a rolled crust. In addition, strombolis often include cold cuts and lettuce while calzones typically have traditional pizza toppings.

Some people may use the terms interchangeably, but in traditional Italian cuisine, they are distinct dishes.

TASTE TEST: We Tried 6 Popular Calzones and Here’s the Verdict

If you’re in the mood for a hearty, cheesy meal but don’t feel like dealing with the mess of traditional pizza, calzones are the way to go. But with so many options on the market, it can be hard to know which one to choose.

We put six popular calzones to the test to see which one comes out on top. Our panel of taste-testers tried calzones from Dr. Oetker, DiGiorno, Totino’s, and more. Here’s what they thought:

• Dr. Oetker Ristorante Pizza Calzone Verdi: This calzone was filled with a spinach and ricotta cheese filling and had a garlic butter crust. Our testers thought the filling was flavorful and liked that the crust was crispy. However, some found the calzone to be a little oily.
• DiGiorno Stuffed Crust Calzone: This calzone came with pepperoni, sausage, and three cheeses inside a garlic bread crust. Our testers liked the cheesy filling but found the crust to be too doughy.
• Totino’s Party Pizza Calzone: This calzone was filled with cheese, sausage, and pepperoni inside a golden crust. Our testers thought the filling was well-balanced and liked the crispy crust. However, some found the calzone to be a little greasy.
• Red Baron Singles Pepperoni Calzones: These mini calzones were filled with pepperoni and mozzarella cheese inside a golden, flaky crust. Our testers thought the filling was delicious and loved the flaky crust. However, some found the calzones to be too small.
• Amy’s 4 Cheese Pizza Turnover: This calzone was filled with mozzarella, Parmesan, Fontina, and Ricotta cheeses inside a rustic wheat crust. Our testers liked the cheesy filling but found the crust to be too thick.
• Trader Joe’s Cheese & Pepperoni Pizza Minis: These mini calzones were filled with cheese and pepperoni inside a golden, flaky crust. Our testers thought the filling was well-balanced and loved the crispy crust. However, some found the calzones to be too small.

So, which calzone came out on top? Trader Joe’s Cheese & Pepperoni Pizza Minis were the clear favorite, with Red Baron Singles Pepperoni Calzones coming in a close second. If you’re looking for a hearty, cheesy meal, either of these calzones is sure to hit the spot.

How To Make A Calzone Perfect?

Ingredients:

1 pound pizza dough

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup marinara sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

2. On a lightly floured surface, roll pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a greased baking sheet.

3. In a small bowl, mix together mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

4. Spread cheese mixture over dough. Spoon marinara sauce over cheese.

5. Fold dough over filling, sealing edges with a fork. Cut slits in top of dough to allow steam to escape.

6. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve with additional marinara sauce, if desired.

See also: Pan pizza vs hand tossed

Pizza or Calzone?

When it comes to pizza vs. calzones, it really depends on what you’re in the mood for. If you want a traditional pizza experience with a crispy crust and melty cheese, then pizza is the way to go. But if you’re looking for a hearty, cheesy meal that’s a little less messy to eat, then calzones are the way to go. Whichever you choose, you can’t go wrong.

What are some popular calzone fillings

Some popular calzone fillings include cheese, pepperoni, vegetables such as bell peppers and onions, meat such as sausage or ham, and even fruit for a sweet twist. Many people also enjoy adding sauces like marinara or pesto to their calzones for added flavor. Feel free to get creative with your calzone fillings and try out new combinations. The options are endless!

Calzone variations

Calzone can also be made with different types of dough, such as whole wheat or gluten-free options. And don’t forget to add some extra flavor with seasoning like Italian herbs or red pepper flakes. Experiment and have fun creating your own unique calzone creations!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Trader Joe’s Cheese & Pepperoni Pizza Minis and Red Baron Singles Pepperoni Calzones were the clear favorites among our testers. If you’re looking for a delicious, cheesy meal, either of these calzones is sure to hit the spot. So, next time you can’t decide between pizza and calzones, go for a calzone and enjoy the best of both worlds. Dhtavern share!

FAQ: What is a calzone?

Is a calzone just a folded pizza?

A calzone is a type of pizza that is folded in half and sealed, typically with a fork. The dough is usually thicker than traditional pizza dough, which helps to keep the fillings from oozing out. Calzones can be filled with any number of things, but they are typically filled with cheese, meats, and/or vegetables.

How do you make a perfect calzone?

There is no one “perfect” way to make a calzone, but there are a few things you can do to ensure that your calzone turns out delicious. First, be sure to use a thicker pizza dough so that the fillings don’t ooze out. Second, pre-cook any meats that you plan to use so that they are cooked through before you bake the calzone. Finally, be sure to cut slits in the top of the dough so that steam can escape while it’s baking.

What is the difference between a calzone and stromboli?

A calzone is similar to a stromboli, but there are a few key differences. First, a calzone is always baked, while a stromboli can be either baked or fried. Second, a calzone is typically sealed with a fork, while a stromboli is rolled up like a burrito. Finally, a calzone is typically filled with cheese, meats, and/or vegetables, while a stromboli is typically filled with just meat and cheese.

How is calzone different from pizza?

The dough for a calzone is typically thicker than traditional pizza dough, which helps to keep the fillings from oozing out. Calzones can be filled with any number of things, but they are typically filled with cheese, meats, and/or vegetables. Pizza is typically just cheese and tomato sauce.

What’s the best way to reheat a calzone?

The best way to reheat a calzone is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the calzone on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat a calzone in the microwave, but it won’t be as crispy.

What’s the best way to store a leftover calzone?

Leftover calzones can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the calzone in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Can you freeze a calzone?

Yes, you can freeze a calzone. Place the calzone in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the frozen calzone in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

What is normally in a calzone?

A typical calzone is filled with cheese, meats, and/or vegetables.

Is calzone healthier than pizza?

This is a difficult question to answer because it really depends on how the calzone is made. A calzone made with whole wheat dough and healthy fillings could be considered healthier than a pizza with a white flour crust and unhealthy toppings. However, a calzone typically has more calories than a pizza because of the dough and the fillings.

Is there sauce inside a calzone?

It depends. Some calzones have tomato sauce inside, while others do not. It really just depends on the preference of the person making the calzone.

Do you eat a calzone with your hands?

A calzone is typically eaten with your hands, but you can also use a fork and knife if you prefer.

What’s the best way to transport a calzone?

If you’re transporting a calzone to another location, it’s best to put it in a container or wrap it in foil so that it doesn’t get smashed.

How long does a calzone take to make?

A calzone typically takes about 30 minutes to make, from start to finish.

Are calzones baked or fried?

Calzones are always baked, never fried.

What does a calzone taste like?

A calzone typically tastes like a pizza, but the dough is usually thicker and the fillings can be different.

What’s the best way to serve a calzone?

The best way to serve a calzone is hot out of the oven. You can also serve it with a side of marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.

How many calories are in a calzone?

This depends on the ingredients used to make the calzone. A typical calzone has around 500-700 calories.