Easy Cheesy Calzone Pockets
These delicious calzone pockets are filled with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and your favorite healthy toppings, all wrapped in a crispy pizza dough. Perfect for a fun and easy meal!
Equipment
- Pizza Stone or Large Baking Sheet
Ingredients
Calzone Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese freshly shredded
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 1 large egg whisked with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- Garlic salt for sprinkling (optional)
Creamy Ricotta Filling
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese cubed and softened
- 3 tablespoons basil pesto
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for brightness)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- red pepper flakes Pinch (optional, for a slight kick)
Optional Healthy Toppings
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Sautéed spinach (ensure water is squeezed out)
- Diced bell peppers or red onions
- Lean cooked chicken, shredded
Instructions
- Get Ready: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone or large baking sheet inside on the middle-lower rack. This helps create a crispy bottom crust!
- Prep the Dough: Divide your pizza dough into 4 equal portions and gently shape each into a ball. Place them on lightly floured parchment paper and cover. Let them rest for 15 minutes while you prepare the filling and any desired toppings.
- Whip up the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cubed cream cheese (microwave for 30 seconds to soften) with the ricotta cheese, basil pesto, lemon zest (if using), oregano, garlic salt, thyme, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Your Calzones: Take one dough ball and, on a lightly floured piece of parchment paper, roll it into an 8 or 9-inch circle. Leave about a 1/2-inch border around the edge. On one half of the circle, spread a generous amount of the creamy ricotta filling. Layer with some shredded mozzarella, your chosen healthy toppings, a bit more mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Seal It Up: Lightly dip your finger in water and run it around the dough's edge on the side with the toppings. Carefully fold the empty half of the dough over the filling. Press the edges firmly together, then crimp them with a fork or twist the dough to create a tight seal. This keeps all that cheesy goodness inside!
- The Golden Finish: Carefully transfer your calzone (still on its parchment paper) onto the preheated hot baking sheet or pizza stone. Brush the top of the calzone lightly with the egg wash and, if you like, sprinkle with a tiny bit of garlic salt. Make 4 small (about 1/2-inch) slits on the top of the dough—these vents let steam escape and prevent bursting.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until your calzones are beautifully golden brown and puffed up.
- Serve & Enjoy: Let the calzones cool for about 5 minutes after baking so the cheese sets a little. Serve warm, perhaps with a light marinara sauce on the side for dipping!
Notes
Let the calzones cool for about 5 minutes after baking so the cheese sets a little. Serve warm, perhaps with a light marinara sauce on the side for dipping!
Nutrition per serving: Calories: 520, Total Carbs: 58g, Net Carbs: 53g, Fats: 28g, Protein: 32g.
