How to Make the Perfect Mini Calzones
Italian-American · Easy · 30 min · 4 servings
Mini calzones are bite-sized pockets of cheesy pizza goodness that kids absolutely cannot resist opening their lunchboxes to find. These are among the top kid friendly recipes for parents who want a warm baked option that reheats easily.
Why this recipe works
This Mini Calzones recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 320 calories with 15g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 5 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 lb store-bought pizza dough
- 0.5 cup ricotta cheese
- 0.75 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20 slices mini pepperoni
- 1 large egg beaten
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prep the Dough
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Divide pizza dough into 8 equal portions and roll each piece into a 4 inch circle on a lightly floured surface.
Step 2: Fill Each Circle
Place a tablespoon of ricotta on one half of each dough circle then top with a sprinkle of mozzarella and 2 to 3 pepperoni slices keeping filling away from the edges.
Step 3: Fold and Seal
Fold the empty half of dough over the filling to create a half moon shape then press the edges firmly together and crimp with a fork to seal. Brush the tops with egg wash.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Arrange on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 13 to 15 minutes until the calzones are puffed and deep golden brown then cool completely before packing.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- pepperoni → diced ham for a milder flavor kids love
- ricotta cheese → cream cheese for a richer creamier filling
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overfilling the calzones causing them to burst open and leak cheese during baking
- Not sealing the edges firmly enough which allows filling to escape in the oven
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 320 calories, 15g protein, 35g carbs, 13g fat, 2g fiber.
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