10 Folded Calzone Recipes with Cheese
I still remember the aroma of my Nonna’s kitchen in our tiny Italian-American apartment in Brooklyn—dough rising on the counter, ricotta bubbling inside golden pockets of folded calzone straight from the oven. Those Sunday afternoons were magical; she’d fold the dough with practiced hands, sealing in treasures like mozzarella and sausage, teaching me that a calzone isn’t just food, it’s a hug from the inside out. That tradition sparked my lifelong love for these portable pies, and now, as a busy food blogger, I recreate them with modern twists.
Lately, I’ve been experimenting in my home kitchen, folding calzones during weeknight frenzy to satisfy my cheese obsession. With rising demand for handheld meals that travel well—think lunchboxes or picnic adventures—these cheesy delights are more relevant than ever. They’re customizable, freezer-friendly, and deliver that perfect stretchy cheese pull every time.
Classic Margherita Calzone
This timeless calzone captures the essence of Italy with fresh tomatoes, basil, and gooey mozzarella. Ingredients (serves 2): 1 lb pizza dough, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup diced fresh tomatoes, 1/4 cup basil leaves, 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Divide dough into two, roll into 8-inch circles. Layer cheese, tomatoes, and basil on one half; fold over, crimp edges, brush with oil. Bake at 450°F for 15-20 minutes until golden.
It’s beginner-friendly, packed with lycopene from tomatoes for heart health, and under 400 calories per serving—ideal for guilt-free indulgence.
Pepperoni Pizza Calzone
A crowd-pleasing favorite loaded with spicy pepperoni and triple cheese for ultimate savoriness. Ingredients (serves 2): 1 lb pizza dough, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup provolone, 1/4 cup pepperoni slices, 1/4 cup pizza sauce, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning. Roll dough, spread sauce and cheeses on half, top with pepperoni, fold, seal, and bake at 450°F for 18 minutes.
High in protein from meats and dairy, it’s a quick 30-minute meal that reheats beautifully, perfect for game days or kids’ lunches.
Spinach and Ricotta Calzone
Creamy ricotta meets wilted spinach for a veggie-forward, lighter option that’s still cheese-heavy. Ingredients (serves 2): 1 lb pizza dough, 1 cup ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, 2 cups fresh spinach (sautéed), 1/4 cup Parmesan, garlic powder. Fill half with cheese-spinach mix, fold, bake at 425°F for 20 minutes.
Rich in iron from spinach and calcium from cheeses, it supports bone health and is vegetarian-friendly for meatless Mondays.
BBQ Chicken Calzone
Smoky BBQ sauce, tender chicken, and cheddar create a tangy, American-Italian fusion. Ingredients (serves 2): 1 lb pizza dough, 1 cup shredded cheddar, 1 cup cooked chicken, 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, 1/4 cup red onion. Mix fillings, stuff dough half, fold, bake at 450°F for 17 minutes.
Boosts protein intake for muscle repair, with bold flavors that make it a hit at parties—plus, it’s customizable for spice levels.
Meat Lovers Calzone
Packed with sausage, ham, and bacon for carnivores craving hearty bites. Ingredients (serves 2): 1 lb pizza dough, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup cooked sausage, 1/4 cup diced ham, 1/4 cup bacon bits, 2 tbsp sauce. Layer meats and cheese, fold securely, bake at 450°F for 20 minutes.
A protein powerhouse for post-workout fuel, satisfying and shareable for family dinners.
Hawaiian Calzone
Sweet pineapple, ham, and mozzarella deliver a tropical twist on the classic fold. Ingredients (serves 2): 1 lb pizza dough, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup diced ham, 1/2 cup pineapple chunks, 1/4 cup red bell pepper. Fill, fold, bake at 450°F for 16 minutes.
Balances sweet-savory for vitamin C boost from pineapple, fun for kids and a refreshing change-up.
Buffalo Chicken Calzone
Spicy buffalo sauce, chicken, and blue cheese for game-day heat. Ingredients (serves 2): 1 lb pizza dough, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles, 1 cup shredded buffalo chicken, 2 tbsp ranch. Stuff, fold, bake at 425°F for 19 minutes.
Anti-inflammatory from peppers, high-protein snack that curbs cravings with bold flavor.
Mushroom and Goat Cheese Calzone
Earthy mushrooms paired with tangy goat cheese and mozzarella for sophistication. Ingredients (serves 2): 1 lb pizza dough, 3/4 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup goat cheese, 2 cups sautéed mushrooms, thyme. Fill half, fold, bake at 450°F for 18 minutes.
Low-carb veggie option rich in antioxidants, elegant for date nights or brunches.
Veggie Supreme Calzone
A rainbow of veggies with feta and mozzarella for plant-powered cheesy bliss. Ingredients (serves 2): 1 lb pizza dough, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup feta, 1 cup mixed veggies (zucchini, peppers, olives), olive oil. Layer, fold, bake at 450°F for 17 minutes.
Fiber-packed for digestion, vegan-adaptable (swap cheeses), and nutrient-dense.
Sweet Potato and Feta Calzone
Roasted sweet potatoes, feta, and spinach for a sweet-savory, autumnal delight. Ingredients (serves 2): 1 lb pizza dough, 1 cup feta-mozzarella blend, 1 cup roasted sweet potato, 1 cup spinach, nutmeg. Fill, fold, bake at 425°F for 20 minutes.
Beta-carotene from sweet potatoes aids immunity, comforting and gluten-free adaptable.
These 10 folded calzone recipes prove that with a ball of dough and endless cheese, you can whip up endless variety—grab your apron, get folding, and enjoy the melty magic today!
