Real Calzones

Chef #1261052's Note:

These are simply the best ever!! If you havent tried them now is the time. There are so many variations to what you can add to this recipe. My husband likes spinach and feta, the kids like sausage and pepperoni. Even my kids rave over these and ask for them almost weekly !!! I found this online from Jenny. Thanks Jenny !!!!! After the dough is mixed and ready to rise I add some garlic and basil and oregano to the oil and roll the dough around in it, then cover and let rise in a warm area for the afternoon. This does not use sauce in the recipe. It is an original calzone. We like to use sauce for dipping or salsa sometimes.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
• Prep Time: 1 hrs
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 (¼ ounce) package active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour , divided
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup diced pepperoni
• ½ cup sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1 tablespoon dried basil leaves
• 1 egg , beaten

Directions:

1. DIRECTIONS.
2. 1. To Make Dough: In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add the oil, sugar and salt; mix in 1 cup of the flour until smooth. Gradually stir in the rest of the flour, until dough is smooth and workable. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until it is elastic. Lay dough in a bowl containing 1 teaspoon olive oil, then flip the dough, cover and let rise for 40 minutes, or until almost doubled.
3. 2. To Make Filling: While dough is rising, combine the ricotta cheese, Cheddar cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms and basil leaves in a large bowl. Mix well, cover bowl and refrigerate to chill.
4. 3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
5. 4. When dough is ready, punch it down and separate it into 2 equal parts. Roll parts out into thin circles on a lightly floured surface. Fill each circle with 1/2 of the cheese/meat filling and fold over, securing edges by folding in and pressing with a fork. Brush the top of each calzone with egg and place on a lightly greased cookie sheet.
6. 5. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 30 minutes. Serve hot.