Hey there my friend 👋. If you love pizza but want something easier to eat on the go, this sausage and mozzarella calzone is for you. It’s crispy on the outside, cheesy and meaty on the inside, and ridiculously satisfying.
And guess what? You don’t need a fancy pizza oven to make it. Just a regular oven and a few simple tricks that I’m going to share with you. Let’s get to it.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Knife or pizza cutter
- Skillet
- Spoon or spatula
- Small bowl for egg wash
Important Info
- Servings: 4 large calzones
- Estimated Cost: Around $10–$12, depending on your ingredients
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Calories per Serving: About 480
- Cook Method: Baking
- Season: All-year round
- Course: Main Course, Lunch, Dinner
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diets: Not suitable for gluten-free or vegetarian diets
How to Make Sausage and Mozzarella Calzone
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Pizza dough | Store-bought crescent dough or naan bread |
| Italian sausage | Ground beef, chicken, or turkey |
| Mozzarella cheese | Cheddar or provolone cheese |
| Ricotta cheese | Cottage cheese or cream cheese |
| Pizza sauce | Marinara or tomato paste with seasoning |
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, and cook the sausage until browned. Break it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix the mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a large circle, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on half of the dough, leaving about an inch from the edge.
- Spoon the sausage mixture and cheese filling on top of the sauce.
- Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges together. Use a fork to seal the edges.
- Whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water and brush the top of the calzone with it for a golden crust.
- Cut a few small slits on top of the calzone to let steam escape.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Helpful Tips
- Let the dough rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before rolling—it makes it easier to stretch.
- Don’t overfill the calzone, or it will burst open while baking.
- Seal the edges tightly with a fork to prevent leakage.
- If you want a crispier crust, bake it on a preheated pizza stone.
- Brush melted butter on the crust after baking for extra flavor.
What to Serve with Sausage and Mozzarella Calzone
A calzone is a full meal on its own, but if you want to serve it with something, here are great options:
- Marinara sauce – For dipping, because more sauce is always a good idea.
- Garlic butter – Perfect for brushing over the crust.
- Side salad – A fresh green salad balances out the richness.
- Soup – Tomato soup or minestrone pairs well with this.
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
I like to serve my calzone warm, fresh out of the oven. A pizza cutter makes slicing easy, and a small bowl of sauce on the side makes dipping even better. If you’re making it for guests, place them on a wooden board for a rustic look.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This is perfect for:
- Game nights – Easy to hold and eat while watching TV.
- Lunchboxes – They stay warm for a while and taste great cold.
- Picnics – No mess, no fuss, and easy to transport.
- Parties – Make smaller versions for bite-sized snacks.
- Movie nights – Skip the popcorn and go for cheesy goodness instead.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- If you plan to eat it within a few hours, cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm and crisp.
Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or use an air fryer for extra crispiness.
Freezing
- Wrap the unbaked calzone in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add 5 extra minutes to the baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, store-bought dough works perfectly fine and saves time. Just let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before rolling.
Can I make this without meat?
Yes, you can replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for a vegetarian version.
How do I prevent the calzone from getting soggy?
Make sure the filling isn’t too wet. Drain any excess grease from the sausage and use a thin layer of sauce.
Can I cook this in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes until golden brown.
Can I make mini calzones?
Absolutely. Just divide the dough into smaller portions, fill, and bake for about 12–15 minutes instead of 20.
Meta Description
This sausage and mozzarella calzone recipe is crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a snack. Easy to make and delicious.