Best 7 Lunch Calzone Recipes

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In the realm of culinary delights, few dishes can rival the captivating allure of a perfectly crafted lunch calzone. Whether you seek a quick and portable midday meal or a delectable treat to share with friends and family, mastering the art of lunch calzone creation is an endeavor worthy of any food enthusiast. With its versatile nature and endless possibilities for fillings and toppings, the lunch calzone stands as a testament to the boundless creativity and satisfaction that cooking can bring. In this comprehensive guide, we will embark on a culinary journey to unveil the secrets behind crafting the ultimate lunch calzone. From selecting the perfect dough and assembling a flavorful filling to achieving that golden-brown crust, we will provide you with the essential techniques and tips to elevate your calzone-making skills to new heights. So, prepare to tantalize your taste buds and discover the joy of creating a perfect lunch calzone that will leave you and your loved ones craving for more.

Let's cook with our recipes!

HOMEMADE CALZONES WITH FILLINGS BAR



Homemade Calzones with Fillings Bar image

Provided by Valerie Bertinelli

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for the bowl
1 1/2 teaspoons instant dry yeast
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
2 1/4 to 2 1/2 cups bread flour, plus more for dusting
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water
8 ounces shredded mozzarella
1 cup whole-milk ricotta
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan
1/2 cup Homemade Pizza Sauce, recipe follows, plus more for serving, optional
1/2 to 1 cup each of your favorite calzone/pizza toppings, such as pepperoni, cooked crumbled sausage, olives, sauteed onions, pickled jalapenos, chopped basil, roasted red peppers, etc.
Olive oil, for brushing
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
One 32-ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 sprig fresh basil
Kosher salt

Steps:

  • For the dough: Lightly oil a large bowl. Combine the yeast, salt, sugar and 2 1/4 cups of the flour in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and stir to combine. With the mixer running, add the water and oil. Beat until the dough comes together, about 2 minutes. If the dough is too wet, add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it is still soft and slightly sticky, but you can turn it out. Transfer the dough to the oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let stand until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  • For the calzones: Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Mix together the mozzarella, ricotta and Parmesan in a medium bowl. Set aside.
  • Lightly flour a work surface. Turn out the dough and divide it into 4 pieces. Gently pull and stretch each piece of dough into a 7- to 8-inch round, trying to keep the thickness of the dough fairly even. Lay out the rounds and spoon one-quarter of the cheese mixture onto one side of each round (about 1/2 cup per round). Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the Homemade Pizza Sauce onto the cheese. Add up to 1/3 cup of your preferred topping onto each of the calzones, then fold the side of the dough over the fillings. Fold and crimp the edges to seal them completely.
  • Transfer the calzones to the prepared baking sheet and brush them lightly with oil. Use a sharp paring knife to cut 1 or 2 vents into each, then bake until deep golden brown, about 18 minutes.
  • Serve with additional Homemade Pizza Sauce on the side, if desired.
  • Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the oregano, garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, until the garlic is golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, basil and 1/2 teaspoon salt and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer, with the saucepan loosely covered in foil to avoid splattering and stirring occasionally, until fairly thick, 5 to 10 minutes, depending on your tomatoes. Remove the basil.

CALZONE



Calzone image

Calzone is a folded Italian pizza which, by the sheer nature of its shape, is far more portable than a normal pizza and looks a bit like a Cornish pasty or turnover. Although the flavorings can be the same as for pizza, Italians often fill their calzone with leftover vegetables from the night before, or with various things that need using up, mixed with lovely tomatoes and some melting mozzarella. Great served hot or cold.

Provided by Jamie Oliver

Categories     main-dish

Time 45m

Yield 4 calzones

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 Pizza Dough recipe, recipe follows
Flour, for dusting
Olive oil
1 pound mixed mushrooms (such as chanterelles, shiitake, enoki and cremini), cleaned and torn up
4 cloves garlic, peeled and finely sliced
4 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves picked
1/4 cup butter
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup tomato sauce
11 ounces spinach leaves, washed and spun dry
Two 4-ounce balls good-quality mozzarella, torn into pieces
7 cups strong white bread flour or Tipo "00" flour or 5 cups strong white bread flour or Tipo "00" flour, plus 2 cups finely ground semolina flour
1 level tablespoon fine sea salt
Two 1/4-ounce packets active dried yeast
1 tablespoon raw sugar
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 1/2 cups lukewarm water

Steps:

  • First, make your Pizza Dough. Preheat the oven to 450 to 500 degrees F, then tear the punched-down dough into 4 pieces and roll each out on a floured surface. You want to get them roughly circular, about the thickness of a silver dollar, and 12 inches across. You can now either keep these in the refrigerator, stacked and separated with olive-oil-rubbed and flour-dusted aluminum foil, until you're ready to cook them, or you can put your topping on and cook them straightaway.
  • Pour a large glug of olive oil into a hot frying pan. Add the mushrooms and toss briefly in the hot oil before adding the sliced garlic and the thyme. Fry until the mushrooms are cooked and smell fantastic. Drop in the butter and toss the mushrooms in it to make them tasty and shiny. Season with a little salt and pepper.
  • Add the tomato sauce to the pan and stir. Cook for a few minutes, then add the spinach (in batches if you need to) and stir again. Simmer away the liquid until you're left with a thick, tasty mixture that's not too moist (otherwise it will burst through the dough when you're cooking the calzone).
  • Divide the mushroom and spinach mixture evenly between the 4 pizza bases and spread it out nicely. Top with pieces of mozzarella and season with salt and pepper. To make your calzone, carefully lift the far edge of the Pizza Dough and pull it over the top toward you - you basically need to fold it in half (imagine it looking like a big Cornish pasty!). Crimp the edges so none of the filling can spill out. Place the calzone side by side on a floured baking sheet, (use 2 if needed), pizza stone or granite slab.
  • Cook for 10 to 15 minutes on the bottom of the preheated oven until the dough is puffed up and golden on top and the filling is hot.
  • Sift the flours and salt onto a clean work surface and make a well in the middle. In a large measuring cup, mix the yeast, sugar and olive oil into the water and leave for a few minutes, then pour into the well. Using a fork, bring the flour in gradually from the sides and swirl it into the liquid. Keep mixing, drawing larger amounts of flour in, and when it all starts to come together, work the rest of the flour in with your clean, flour-dusted hands. Knead until you have a smooth, springy dough.
  • Place the ball of dough in a large flour-dusted bowl and flour the top of it. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and place in a warm room for about 1 hour until the dough has doubled in size.
  • Now remove the dough to a flour-dusted surface and knead it around a bit to push the air out with your hands - this is called punching down the dough. You can either use it immediately, or keep it, wrapped in plastic wrap, in the fridge (or freezer) until required. If using straightaway, divide the dough up into as many little balls as you want to make pizzas - this amount of dough is enough to make about six to eight medium pizzas.
  • Timing-wise, it's a good idea to roll the pizzas out about 15 to 20 minutes before you want to cook them. Don't roll them out and leave them hanging around for a few hours, though - if you are working in advance like this it's better to leave your dough, covered with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator. However, if you want to get them rolled out so there's 1 less thing to do when your guests are round, simply roll the dough out into rough circles, about 1/4-inch thick, and place them on slightly larger pieces of olive-oil-rubbed and flour-dusted aluminum foil. You can then stack the pizzas, cover them with plastic wrap, and pop them into the refrigerator.

CLASSIC MEAT LOVER'S CALZONES RECIPE BY TASTY



Classic Meat Lover's Calzones Recipe by Tasty image

Making a calzone from scratch might seem intimidating but this meat lover's calzone recipe makes it easy. Have fun kneading the dough, rolling it out, and stuffing it with a delicious sausage filling. If you aren't sharing these, freeze them and reheat later for a quick lunch or dinner.

Provided by Katie Aubin

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h40m

Yield 4 serving

Number Of Ingredients 14

¾ cup warm water
1 ½ teaspoons instant yeast, (1/2 packet)
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 links Italian sausage, casings removed and sausage crumbled
½ yellow onion, diced
½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus a pinch
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup marinara sauce, plus more for dipping
8 slices deli ham
20 slices pepperoni
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 large egg

Steps:

  • Make the dough: In a medium bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, flour, and salt. Mix with a rubber spatula until well-combined and the dough comes together into a ball.
  • Lightly flour a clean surface, then turn the dough out and knead for 1-2 minutes to smooth and encourage gluten development. Shape the dough into a ball.
  • Drizzle the olive oil in a clean large bowl. Add the dough ball and turn to coat in the oil. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  • Preheat the oven to 425˚F (220˚C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • While the dough is rising, make the filling: Add the sausage to a medium nonstick pan over medium heat and cook until no longer pink, 5-6 minutes. Add the onion, salt, and pepper and continue to cook until the sausage is browned, about 5 minutes more. Remove from the heat and let cool.
  • After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 4 portions, then roll each into and round about ¼-inch (½ cm) thick.
  • Spread ¼ of the sauce over one half of each dough round, leaving a ½-inch (1 cm) border along the edge. Top each one with 2 slices of ham, 5 pepperoni, ¼ of the sausage and onion mixture, and ¼ cup (25 G) of mozzarella cheese.
  • Lightly beat the egg with a pinch of salt. Brush the egg wash on the border of the dough, fold the other half over, and press the edges together. Starting from one corner, fold the dough over itself in a twist. Tuck the other corner underneath. Transfer the calzones to the prepared baking sheet. Brush lightly with egg wash and score the tops with a knife to allow steam to escape.
  • Bake for 15-17 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes.
  • Serve the calzones with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 619 calories, Carbohydrate 61 grams, Fat 28 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 27 grams, Sugar 3 grams

LUNCH CALZONE



Lunch Calzone image

Not your Italian calzone...this is a delicious calzone full of meat, cheese, and spinach. Great for a luncheon.

Provided by Cindi in South Flor

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 30m

Yield 4 rectangular slices, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1/2 box of 17 . 3 oz frozen puff pastry
1 (10 ounce) box frozen spinach
3 slices provolone cheese
3 slices mozzarella cheese
3 slices swiss cheese
6 slices pepperoni, sandwich size
4 slices deli ham
4 slices turkey meat

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425.
  • Use one package of puff pastry for each calzone. (two come in a box).
  • Let puff pastry thaw according to package directions.
  • Use one package, unfold, and lightly roll out the dough a little bit.
  • Spray a baking sheet with cooking oil and place the rolled dough on the sheet.
  • Squeeze all the liquid out of the thawed box of spinach -- squeeze good -- you don't want any watery liquid in your spinach -- dry off.
  • Spread a layer of the spinach on one half of the dough.
  • Layer the 4 slices of ham over the spinach.
  • Layer the 3 slices of swiss cheese over the ham.
  • Layer the 4 slices of turkey over the swiss cheese.
  • Layer the 3 slices of provolone over the turkey.
  • Layer the 4 slices of pepperoni over the provolone.
  • Layer the 3 slices of mozzarella over the pepperoni.
  • Now fold the half that you didn't layer anything on over and seal all the edges really well.
  • Cook in a preheated oven for 20 minutes until pastry is golden brown.
  • Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 639.7, Fat 43.8, SaturatedFat 17.6, Cholesterol 70.3, Sodium 987.6, Carbohydrate 34.3, Fiber 3.8, Sugar 1.8, Protein 28.6

REAL ITALIAN CALZONES



Real Italian Calzones image

This is real calzone, because there is no tomato sauce INSIDE of it! We eat it at least once a week. Have a bowl of tomato or spaghetti sauce on the table for people to top their calzone with, if desired.

Provided by Jenny

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
1 cup warm water
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided
1 teaspoon olive oil
½ cup ricotta cheese
1 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese
½ cup diced pepperoni
½ cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 tablespoon dried basil leaves
1 egg, beaten

Steps:

  • To Make Dough: In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add the oil, sugar and salt; mix in 1 cup of the flour until smooth. Gradually stir in the rest of the flour, until dough is smooth and workable. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until it is elastic. Lay dough in a bowl containing 1 teaspoon olive oil, then flip the dough, cover and let rise for 40 minutes, or until almost doubled.
  • To Make Filling: While dough is rising, combine the ricotta cheese, Cheddar cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms and basil leaves in a large bowl. Mix well, cover bowl and refrigerate to chill.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • When dough is ready, punch it down and separate it into 2 equal parts. Roll parts out into thin circles on a lightly floured surface. Fill each circle with 1/2 of the cheese/meat filling and fold over, securing edges by folding in and pressing with a fork. Brush the top of each calzone with egg and place on a lightly greased cookie sheet.
  • Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 30 minutes. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 334.6 calories, Carbohydrate 31.6 g, Cholesterol 63.6 mg, Fat 16.7 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 13.8 g, SaturatedFat 7.2 g, Sodium 667 mg, Sugar 0.9 g

QUICK CALZONES



Quick Calzones image

Leftover meat sauce makes a hearty calzone that tastes like it's made from scratch. Top the calzones with a sprinkling of Parmesan. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 loaf (1 pound) frozen bread dough, thawed
1 cup Three-Meat Sauce
1/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 to 2 tablespoons 2% milk
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. On a lightly floured surface, divide dough into four portions. Roll each into a 6-in. circle. Spread 1/4 cup sauce over half of each circle to within 1/2 in. of edge; top with 1 tablespoon mozzarella cheese. Fold dough over filling; pinch edges to seal. Place on a greased baking sheet., Brush milk over tops; sprinkle with Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese. Bake until golden brown, 20-25 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 430 calories, Fat 12g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 26mg cholesterol, Sodium 1037mg sodium, Carbohydrate 63g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 21g protein.

CALZONES



Calzones image

Impress everyone with these delicious Calzones. The filling is what I enjoy, but just like a pizza it can be adapted to any taste.

Provided by Kathleen Talbot

Categories     European

Time 1h15m

Yield 2 large calzones, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 package yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons oil
1 teaspoon salt
2 3/4 cups flour
1 can mushroom, drained
1/4 green pepper
2 slices onions
1 jar Ragu pizza sauce (any flavor you like)
1 teaspoon italian seasoning
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
Italian sausage
pepperoni
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Dough: Dissolve yeast in 1 Cup of warm water.
  • Mix sugar, oil, salt, and flour and then add to yeast and water.
  • Mix together until smooth.
  • Knead and cover for 30 min.
  • In a separate bowl, mix mushrooms, green pepper, onion, Ragu, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, garlic salt, sausage, and pepperoni.
  • Roll out dough in an approximate 10" circle.
  • Place 1-2 cups of sauce mix in center of dough.
  • Add cheese to sauce in the calzones.
  • Fold over and crimp shut.
  • Place on greased cookie sheet.
  • After 15 minutes cooking brush with melted butter.
  • Cook for a total of 25 minutes at 375 degrees or until golden brown Cover with remaining sauce and cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 445.4, Fat 11, SaturatedFat 2.9, Cholesterol 11.1, Sodium 674.1, Carbohydrate 72.1, Fiber 3.4, Sugar 4.6, Protein 13.8

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
  • Don't overstuff the calzone, or it will be difficult to seal and cook evenly.
  • Use a variety of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
  • Brush the calzone with olive oil before baking for a golden crust.
  • Serve the calzone with your favorite dipping sauce.

Conclusion:

Calzones are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. With a variety of fillings to choose from, there's a calzone for everyone. Whether you prefer a classic cheese calzone or a more adventurous filling, you're sure to find a recipe that you'll love.

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