12 Stuffed Calzone Recipes
I still remember the first calzone I ever tasted as a kid during a family trip to Little Italy in New York. My Nonna had us all crowded around a tiny pizzeria table, biting into these golden, pillow-like pockets stuffed with gooey cheese and savory sausage. The steam escaping with every bite, the crust cracking just right—it was pure magic. That memory has fueled my lifelong love for calzones, those versatile dough envelopes that can cradle endless flavor combinations.
Lately, I’ve been on a calzone kick in my own kitchen, experimenting after a failed pizza dough batch turned into the perfect calzone base. I’ve stuffed them with everything from classic Italian meats to bold vegetarian twists, perfecting a simple dough recipe that’s forgiving for weeknight dinners. In today’s busy world, calzones are a game-changer: portable, customizable, and way more exciting than plain sandwiches. They’re ideal for meal prep, parties, or just satisfying those comfort food cravings without the mess.
Classic Pepperoni and Mozzarella Calzone
This timeless crowd-pleaser starts with a basic pizza dough (store-bought or homemade: 1 lb flour, 1 cup warm water, 1 tbsp yeast, 2 tbsp olive oil, salt). For the filling, mix 2 cups shredded mozzarella, 1 cup sliced pepperoni, 1/2 cup ricotta, and a sprinkle of oregano. Roll out the dough into two 12-inch circles, pile filling on one half, fold over, seal edges with a fork, brush with egg wash, and bake at 450°F for 20-25 minutes until golden.
These calzones deliver that nostalgic pizzeria vibe with balanced salty, cheesy goodness, plus they’re kid-friendly and ready in under an hour—perfect for busy evenings while packing protein for sustained energy.
Spinach and Feta Calzone
Prepare dough as above. Sauté 4 cups fresh spinach with 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp olive oil until wilted, then mix with 1 cup crumbled feta, 1/2 cup ricotta, and black pepper. Divide dough into two, fill one half, fold, crimp, slash the top, and bake at 450°F for 22 minutes. Drizzle with olive oil post-bake.
Loaded with greens, this veggie-packed option supports heart health and digestion thanks to spinach’s iron and fiber, offering a lighter yet flavorful alternative to meat-heavy meals.
BBQ Chicken Calzone
Use pizza dough base. Shred 2 cooked chicken breasts, toss with 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, 1 cup shredded cheddar, 1/2 red onion sliced thin, and cilantro. Assemble as usual: fill, fold, bake at 450°F for 25 minutes, and serve with extra sauce for dipping.
The smoky-sweet BBQ glaze pairs with tender chicken for a fun fusion twist, boosting mood with its comfort factor while providing lean protein to keep you full longer.
Meatball Marinara Calzone
Brown 12 mini meatballs (1 lb ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, herbs), then simmer in 1 cup marinara. Stuff with meatballs, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1/4 cup parmesan into dough halves, seal, bake at 450°F for 25 minutes.
Hearty and saucy, this mimics your favorite sub but in portable form, delivering iron-rich beef for muscle repair and antioxidants from tomatoes.
Veggie Supreme Calzone
Chop and sauté bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and onions (2 cups total) with garlic. Mix with 1 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup goat cheese. Fill dough, fold, bake at 450°F for 22 minutes.
A rainbow of veggies makes this nutrient-dense, vitamin-packed powerhouse ideal for plant-based eaters, promoting immunity and easy digestion.
Buffalo Chicken Calzone
Mix 2 cups shredded chicken with 1/2 cup buffalo sauce, 1 cup blue cheese crumbles, and chopped celery. Encase in dough, bake at 450°F for 24 minutes, serve with ranch.
Spicy and addictive, it satisfies game-day cravings with capsaicin for metabolism boost and protein for recovery.
Italian Sausage and Pepper Calzone
Cook 1 lb sweet Italian sausage with sliced bell peppers and onions. Add 1 cup provolone and ricotta. Dough-fold-bake routine at 450°F for 25 minutes.
Robust flavors from fennel-spiced sausage aid gut health, making this a filling family staple.
Ham and Swiss Calzone with Dijon
Layer 1 cup diced ham, 1.5 cups Swiss cheese, and a Dijon mustard spread (2 tbsp) on dough. Fold, bake at 450°F for 20 minutes.
A deli-inspired delight with mustard tang, it’s quick, high-protein, and great for picnics.
Mushroom and Ricotta Calzone
Sauté 3 cups mushrooms with garlic and thyme, mix with 1 cup ricotta and 1/2 cup parmesan. Fill and bake at 450°F for 23 minutes.
Earthy umami shines here, with mushrooms’ antioxidants supporting immunity in a meat-free format.
Pesto Chicken Calzone
Toss 2 cups chicken with 1/3 cup pesto, 1 cup mozzarella, and sun-dried tomatoes. Assemble and bake at 450°F for 24 minutes.
Herbaceous pesto elevates simple chicken, providing healthy fats from basil and pine nuts for brain health.
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Calzone
Roast 2 mashed sweet potatoes, mix with 1 can black beans, 1 cup cheddar, and cumin. Bake at 450°F for 25 minutes.
Vegan-friendly with beta-carotene for skin glow and fiber for steady energy.
Apple and Sausage Breakfast Calzone
Cook 1/2 lb breakfast sausage with diced apples and cinnamon. Add 1 cup cheddar. Morning bake at 425°F for 20 minutes.
Sweet-savory breakfast twist fuels your day with protein and fruit vitamins.
Whether you’re channeling childhood nostalgia or trying a bold new filling, these 12 stuffed calzone recipes prove there’s a perfect pocket for every mood. Grab some dough, get creative in your kitchen, and share your twists in the comments—I can’t wait to hear which one becomes your go-to!
