10 Stuffed Calzone Recipes

I remember the first time I bit into a calzone during a family trip to Italy as a kid—my Nonna’s rustic kitchen in Tuscany was alive with the aroma of dough baking and fresh fillings bubbling inside golden pockets. Those oversized, portable pizzas were her specialty, stuffed with whatever the garden or market offered that day. It sparked a lifelong love for experimenting with calzones, turning them into customizable canvases for flavors from comfort classics to bold fusions.

Lately, I’ve been on a calzone kick in my home kitchen, testing wild combinations after a failed attempt at a low-carb version led me to perfect dough recipes that are crispy outside and gooey within. In today’s fast-paced world, calzones are a hero: meal-prep friendly, kid-approved, and endlessly versatile for dietary tweaks like vegetarian or gluten-free. They’re not just food; they’re a hug in edible form.

Classic Pepperoni and Mozzarella Calzone

This timeless crowd-pleaser starts with a simple dough made from 2 cups flour, 1 tsp yeast, 1 tsp salt, ¾ cup warm water, and 1 tbsp olive oil. For the filling, mix 1 cup shredded mozzarella, ½ cup sliced pepperoni, ¼ cup pizza sauce, and a sprinkle of oregano.

Knead the dough for 10 minutes, let it rise for 1 hour, then roll into two 10-inch circles. Spoon filling onto one half, fold over, seal edges with a fork, brush with egg wash, and bake at 450°F for 20 minutes until golden. It’s perfect for game nights—high in protein from pepperoni and cheese, satisfying cravings with minimal effort.

Spinach and Ricotta Calzone

Ingredients include dough (same as above), 2 cups fresh spinach sautéed with garlic, 1 cup ricotta, ½ cup feta, ¼ cup Parmesan, and nutmeg for a hint of warmth.

Divide risen dough into two, fill one side with the cheese-spinach mix, fold, crimp, and bake as before. This veggie-packed option is a nutritional powerhouse—rich in iron from spinach, calcium from cheeses, and lower in calories for guilt-free indulgence.

BBQ Chicken Calzone

Prepare dough base, then filling: 1 cup shredded cooked chicken tossed in ½ cup BBQ sauce, 1 cup cheddar jack cheese, red onion slices, and cilantro.

Roll out, stuff, seal, and bake at 450°F for 18-22 minutes. The smoky sweetness pairs perfectly for a twist on pizza night; it’s protein-loaded, great for post-workout meals, and uses up leftovers effortlessly.

Sausage and Peppers Calzone

Dough as standard; filling: ½ lb cooked Italian sausage, 1 bell pepper and 1 onion sautéed, 1 cup mozzarella, and ¼ cup marinara.

Assemble by filling half the dough circle, folding, brushing with garlic butter, and baking until puffed. Bold flavors make it hearty and family-friendly, with antioxidants from peppers and satisfying fats for all-day energy.

Veggie Supreme Calzone

Use the dough recipe; filling features 1 cup mixed roasted veggies (zucchini, mushrooms, broccoli), ½ cup goat cheese, ½ cup mozzarella, and pesto.

Fill, fold, bake for 20 minutes, and serve with marinara dip. Ideal for plant-based eaters—fiber-rich, vitamin-packed, and a delicious way to sneak veggies into meals without compromise.

Meatball Marinara Calzone

Dough base; filling: 8-10 mini meatballs (store-bought or homemade), ¾ cup marinara, 1 cup provolone, and fresh basil.

Portion onto dough, enclose, egg-wash, and bake. It’s comfort food elevated—high-protein meatballs keep you full, perfect for busy weeks with that homemade Italian vibe.

Buffalo Chicken Calzone

Standard dough; spicy filling: 1 cup shredded chicken in buffalo sauce, ½ cup blue cheese crumbles, ½ cup mozzarella, and celery bits.

Stuff, seal tightly to contain the heat, bake 20 minutes. Game-day essential with a kick—balances spice with creaminess, supports muscle repair via lean protein.

Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Calzone

Dough recipe; tropical filling: ¾ cup diced ham, ½ cup pineapple chunks, 1 cup mozzarella, and a touch of honey BBQ sauce.

Fill and fold, bake until caramelized. Sweet-savory fun for kids—adds fruit for natural sweetness and vitamin C, lighter than traditional pizza.

Mushroom and Goat Cheese Calzone

Dough as before; earthy filling: 2 cups sautéed wild mushrooms, ¾ cup goat cheese, ¼ cup caramelized onions, and thyme.

Enclose filling, bake for crisp perfection. Gourmet yet simple—umami bomb low in carbs, boosts immunity with mushrooms’ antioxidants.

Pesto Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Calzone

Final dough; vibrant filling: 1 cup chicken, ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, ½ cup mozzarella, ¼ cup basil pesto.

Roll, fill, crimp, and bake. Mediterranean flair that’s anti-inflammatory from tomatoes and herbs—quick, flavorful, and diet-flexible.

These 10 stuffed calzone recipes prove that with one versatile dough, you can conquer any craving—from cozy classics to inventive eats. Grab your apron, preheat that oven, and let your kitchen become an Italian pizzeria; your taste buds (and family) will thank you!