Ingredients
- Basic pizza dough, prepared as described for calzones, recipe follows
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2/3 cup kalamata olives, pitted and coarsely chopped
- 1/2 pound mozzarella, cut into 1/2-inch cubes, plus 1/2 pound mozzarella, sliced
- 1/2 pound ricotta
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 cup cooked sausage pieces, such as chorizo or Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
Directions
Preheat oven to 500 degrees F and if you have one, place a pizza stone on the bottom rack of the oven.
In the bowl of a food processor, combine tomatoes, olive oil, and salt and pepper, to taste. Process until smooth and transfer half of the sauce to a small bowl and set aside. Divide remaining sauce between 4 calzones, spreading the sauce on one half of the dough.
In a small bowl, combine olives, mozzarella cubes, ricotta, Parmesan, sausage, and chopped basil and mix well. Divide mixture between the 4 calzones, placing cheese mixture on top of tomato sauce. Fold untopped half of dough over filling, pressing edges together with the tines of a fork.
Cut a slit in the top of each calzone and transfer calzones to a preheated baking stone in a preheated oven and cook for 8 minutes, or until golden brown and cheese is bubbly on top. Remove from the oven with a metal peel or spatula and serve immediately.
Basic pizza dough, processor method:
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (110 degrees F)
- 2 1/2 to 3 cups flour plus more if necessary
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
In a small bowl, combine yeast with water, olive oil, salt and stir well to proof. After 5 minutes, transfer to the bowl of a food processor along with flour, salt, and olive oil and process until the dough forms a ball. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it is too sticky, add a bit more flour and process for another minute.
Transfer dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead dough for 2 to 3 minutes, adding enough additional flour if necessary to form a smooth and elastic dough. Dough should not be sticky. Transfer dough to a lightly oiled 2 or 3 quart bowl and turn to coat dough with oil. Cover with a damp towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, usually at least 1 hour.
For calzones, divide the dough into 4 equal portions and form into 4 balls. Place on a lightly oiled baking sheet and cover with a damp towel. Let rest for 15 minutes, then transfer to a lightly floured surface and roll out into 4 (6-inch) circles.
















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By zackle_10123246
marshfield, MA
on February 02, 2011
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very basic pizza dough recipe but works every time. to greg below, did you forget the salt or something? this dough was delicious and I have worked as a baker for years. add your own seasonings if you want something more, but you will not go wrong with good olive oil and a nice yeasty pizza dough.
By mssongbird28_11...
Wilmington, NC
on June 14, 2009
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We don't use the olives in the recipe; we used small cubes of ham instead. Also, we prefer to use the sauce only on the outside of the calzone, which cuts down calories. The dough is simple to make, even though it takes time. I like this recipe, 5/5.
By josephinelovato...
Salt Lake City, UT
on August 10, 2007
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amazed with the combo ingredients for the best calzone
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