Cheesy Garlic Calzones are golden, crispy pockets of pizza dough stuffed with gooey melted cheese, garlic butter, and your favorite fillings. These homemade calzones are perfect for a comforting dinner, a party snack, or a fun alternative to traditional pizza.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside.
Packed with garlic butter flavor and melty cheese.
Easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.
Perfect for dipping in marinara or ranch sauce.
Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough (or use store-bought pizza dough)

All-purpose flour
Instant yeast
Warm water
Olive oil
Salt
Sugar

For the Filling

Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Ricotta cheese
Parmesan cheese (grated)
Garlic (minced)
Butter (melted)
Italian seasoning
Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Cooked sausage, pepperoni, or vegetables (optional)

For Brushing

Egg wash (1 egg + 1 tablespoon water)
Extra melted garlic butter

Directions

Prepare the dough: If making from scratch, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes, then mix with flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead until smooth, then let rise for 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make the filling: Mix mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, garlic, melted butter, and seasonings in a bowl. Add optional fillings like sausage, pepperoni, or veggies.
Assemble the calzones: Roll out dough into circles, about 6 inches wide. Spoon filling onto one half of each circle, leaving space around the edges.
Seal the edges: Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges together. Crimp with a fork to seal.
Brush with egg wash and bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
Add garlic butter topping: Brush with extra melted garlic butter and serve warm with marinara sauce.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4–6 calzones
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Meat Lover’s Calzone: Add crumbled bacon, sausage, or ham.
Veggie Version: Stuff with spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
Extra Spicy: Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
Cheesy Overload: Mix in different cheeses like cheddar or provolone.
Pesto Twist: Spread pesto inside for an herby kick.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked calzones for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, it works perfectly for a quicker version.

How do I keep my calzones from leaking?

Don’t overfill and make sure the edges are well sealed.

Can I air fry these calzones?

Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until golden brown.

What dipping sauces go well with calzones?

Marinara, ranch, garlic butter, or spicy aioli are great options.

Can I make mini calzones?

Yes, divide the dough into smaller pieces and adjust the baking time.

Can I make them without ricotta?

Yes, just use mozzarella and Parmesan or add cream cheese for extra creaminess.

What’s the difference between a calzone and a stromboli?

Calzones are folded over and sealed, while strombolis are rolled up like a log.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free pizza dough.

Can I prep these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble them and refrigerate for up to a day before baking.

How do I make the crust extra crispy?

Brush with garlic butter before baking and bake on a pizza stone if available.

Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Calzones are the ultimate homemade comfort food, with their crispy crust and cheesy, garlicky filling. Whether you customize them with your favorite meats or keep them simple, these calzones are sure to be a hit. Try them today for an easy and delicious meal

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These Cheesy Garlic Calzones are golden, crispy, and stuffed with gooey mozzarella, ricotta, and garlic butter. A perfect handheld pizza pocket for a delicious meal or snack!