Cheap Pizza Calzones are a delicious and budget-friendly alternative to ordering pizza. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients:
- Pillsbury Pizza Crust (Thin Crust) or any frozen pizza crust of your choice
- Armour Pepperoni (or other pizza toppings you like)
- Mozzarella Cheese
- Optional toppings like ground sausage
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F, or follow the temperature indicated on your pizza dough’s instructions.
2. Prepare Baking Surface:
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and be sure to spray it with cooking spray to prevent the calzones from sticking.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
- Roll out the pizza crust on the prepared baking sheet. If using Pillsbury Thin Crust, it’s typically in a rectangle shape. Cut it into 4 equal-sized pieces. You can make more or fewer calzones depending on your preference.
4. Add Toppings:
- On one half of each piece of dough, add pepperoni and mozzarella cheese. If you’re using other toppings like ground sausage, add them at this stage as well. Alternate between cheese and pepperoni until you’re satisfied with the amount of toppings.
5. Fold and Seal:
- Carefully fold the other half of the dough over the toppings, creating a half-moon shape. Press down the sides and front to seal the calzones. You can use a fork to press down the edges to ensure they are completely sealed.
6. Venting:
- Cut 2-3 small slits in the top of each calzone. This allows steam to escape while baking and prevents the calzones from getting soggy.
7. Prepare Butter and Seasoning:
- In a small saucepan or microwave, melt some butter. Add garlic powder and Italian seasoning to the melted butter, creating a flavorful butter mixture.
8. Brush with Seasoned Butter:
- Brush the seasoned butter mixture over the tops of the calzones. This adds flavor and helps them achieve a golden, flavorful crust.
9. Bake:
- Place the baking sheet with the calzones into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 12 minutes or until they are golden brown and the cheese inside is melted.
10. Serve:
- Once the calzones are cooked to your satisfaction, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Then serve and enjoy!
These cheap pizza calzones are a fun and customizable meal that you can fill with your favorite pizza ingredients. You can even dip them in marinara sauce for an extra flavor boost. Enjoy your homemade calzones!
Here are some more tips and variations for your Cheap Pizza Calzones:
11. Customize Your Fillings:
- Get creative with your calzone fillings. You can add ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, or different types of cheese like cheddar or provolone.
12. Sauce Inside:
- Instead of adding sauce to the outside, try adding a small spoonful of pizza sauce inside each calzone along with the toppings.
13. Mini Calzones:
- Cut the dough into smaller pieces to make mini calzones. These are great for parties or as appetizers.
14. Egg Wash:
- Brush the tops of your calzones with an egg wash (a beaten egg) before baking to give them a shiny, golden finish.
15. Herbs and Spices:
- Experiment with different herbs and spices in your seasoned butter mixture. You can try oregano, basil, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
16. Dipping Sauces:
- Serve your calzones with a variety of dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or garlic butter for added flavor.
17. Vegetarian Option:
- Make vegetarian calzones by using a variety of vegetables and a vegetarian-friendly cheese.
18. Whole Wheat Dough:
- Choose whole wheat pizza dough for a healthier option.
19. Make Ahead:
- You can assemble the calzones in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake, which is convenient for busy weeknights.
20. Leftovers:
- If you have any leftover calzones, they reheat well in the oven or microwave. They’re great for a quick meal the next day.
21. Different Dough:
- As you mentioned, you can use various types of pizza dough, including homemade dough if you have a favorite recipe.
These suggestions should help you create a variety of calzones to suit your taste and preferences. Have fun experimenting with different fillings and flavors as you enjoy your homemade pizza calzones!
