Rustic and deeply satisfying, the calzone is one of the most comforting expressions of Italian baking. This version, filled simply with marinara sauce and mozzarella, highlights balance rather than excess. The ready-made San Marzano marinara brings brightness and natural sweetness, while mozzarella melts gently inside the dough, creating a soft, rich interior.
Ingredients
For 3 calzoni
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450 g pizza dough
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200 g San Marzano marinara Sauce
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200 g fresh mozzarella, well drained and sliced
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Extra virgin olive oil, for brushing
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Fine salt, to taste
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 250°C / 480°F. Place a baking stone or inverted baking tray inside to heat.
Divide the pizza dough into 3 equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball, cover lightly, and let rest for 20–30 minutes at room temperature to relax the gluten.
On a lightly floured surface, stretch each dough ball into a round disc about 22–24 cm (9–10 inches) wide, keeping the center slightly thinner than the edges.
Spoon the marinara sauce onto one half of each disc, leaving a clear border around the edge. Add the mozzarella evenly over the sauce, taking care not to overfill.
Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon. Press the edges firmly and seal by crimping or folding. Lightly brush the surface with olive oil.
Transfer the calzoni to the hot baking surface and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until puffed, deeply golden, and evenly cooked.
Remove from the oven and let rest briefly before serving.
Flavor balance tips
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Keep the filling cool: Using sauce and mozzarella at room temperature not warm prevents steam buildup that can weaken the dough.
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Respect negative space: Leaving an empty border inside the calzone allows proper sealing and even baking.
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Stretch, don’t roll: Hand-stretching preserves air in the dough, resulting in a lighter texture once baked.
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High heat is essential: A very hot oven ensures fast baking, which keeps the interior soft while the exterior turns crisp.
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Short resting time: A brief rest after baking stabilizes the filling and improves the overall bite.
