Homemade Pizza Pockets

Delight in the homemade goodness of these flavorful Pizza Pockets, perfect for a satisfying meal or snack. Featuring two delicious varieties, the Classic Pizza Calzone bursts with tangy pizza sauce, gooey Borden Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, savory pepperoni, and briny black olives, all wrapped in a golden crust.

Meanwhile, the Broccoli & Cheddar Cheese Pizza Calzone offers a delightful twist with creamy Borden Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese, melty Mozzarella, and vibrant broccoli seasoned with olive oil and Italian herbs. Baked to golden perfection, these calzones are sure to please with their crispy crusts and hearty fillings, making them a favorite for both kids and adults alike.

Homemade Pizza Pockets

Ingredients:

For The Classic Pizza Calzone:

1 refrigerated classic pizza crust

½ cup pizza sauce

1 cup Borden Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

2oz pepperoni slices

4oz can sliced black olives, drained

For The Broccoli & Cheddar Cheese Pizza Calzone:

1 refrigerated classic pizza crust

¾ cup Borden Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

¼ cup Borden Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

1 ½ cups finely chopped broccoli, (12 oz frozen bag, thawed)

Instructions:

Step 1:

Preheat the furnace to 375 F by positioning the furnace shelves in the central sections of the furnace.

Grease two baking trays or line them with parchment paper.

Step 2:

Divide the pizza dough into two halves on a slightly floured surface.

Roll out each pizza dough in slices (4).

Transfer 2 slices of dough to each baking tray.

Step 3:

For classic pizza calzones, spread half of each circle of dough with pizza sauce, cover with mozzarella cheese on strips of edge, cover with slices of peperoni and black olives.

Fold the paperless dough on the other side to cover all the toppings.

Lightly grip the dough tips with your hands or with a fork to seal the edges.

Drill a few holes in the top of the dough with a knife to allow steam to escape.

Step 4:

For broccoli and cheddar calzone, water olive oil or spread olive oil over all circles of the dough with your hands and spread Italian seasoning over them.

Step 5:

In a medium size bowl, mix the chopped broccoli with the cheddar and mozzarella cheese.

Step 6:

Pour the broccoli cheese mixture into half of each pizza circle, ensuring its uniform distribution.

Fold half of the paperless dough over the other side to cover all the toppings.

Gently press the ends of the dough with your hands or a fork to seal the edges.

Drill a few holes over the dough with a knife to allow steam to escape.

Step 7:

Bake for 25-30 minutes, replacing the trays in half until the crust turns golden brown.

Remove from the oven and let the calzone cool a little before cutting and serving.

Notes:

Pizza Crust: Using refrigerated classic pizza crusts provides convenience. Ensure to roll them out evenly for consistent calzone sizes.

Baking Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375°F and position the oven racks in the center. Grease baking trays or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Baking: Place the assembled calzones on prepared baking trays and bake for 25-30 minutes, rotating the trays halfway through baking for even browning. The calzones are done when the crust is golden brown and crisp.

Cooling and Serving: Allow the calzones to cool slightly before cutting into portions and serving. This helps the filling to set and prevents burns from hot filling.

Variations: Feel free to customize the fillings with your favorite pizza toppings or adjust cheese quantities based on preference. You can also add minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, or other seasonings for added flavor.

Storage: Leftover calzones can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Accompaniments: Serve with additional pizza sauce for dipping, a side salad, or garlic knots for a complete meal.

Freezing: These calzones can be frozen after baking. Let them cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Reheat from frozen in a preheated oven until warmed through.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated pizza crust?

Yes, you can use homemade pizza dough.

Ensure it’s rolled out to a similar thickness as the refrigerated crust for consistent baking.

Can I substitute the types of cheese used in the calzones?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your preferred cheeses.

Different cheeses may alter the flavor and texture slightly, so choose ones that melt well.

How can I make these pizza pockets healthier?

Opt for whole wheat pizza crust for added fiber, use leaner toppings like turkey pepperoni, increase vegetable fillings, and go easy on the cheese.

Can I make these pizza pockets ahead of time and freeze them?

Yes, you can assemble the calzones, freeze them before baking, and then bake directly from frozen.

Adjust baking time accordingly.

What other toppings can I add to customize these calzones?

You can add cooked sausage, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, or any other favorite pizza toppings you enjoy.

How do I prevent the calzones from becoming soggy?

Ensure the pizza sauce is not too watery, and drain excess liquid from toppings like olives before assembling.

Also, avoid overfilling the calzones.

Can I reheat leftover pizza pockets?

Yes, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave briefly.

This helps retain the crispiness of the crust.

What should I serve alongside these pizza pockets?

Serve with a side salad, marinara sauce for dipping, or garlic knots for a complete meal.

How do I know when the calzones are done baking?

The crust should be golden brown and crisp.

Bake until the internal temperature reaches around 165°F and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Can I make smaller or larger calzones?

Yes, you can adjust the size of the calzones by dividing the dough differently.

Just ensure to adjust the baking time accordingly for smaller or larger sizes.