Cheap Pizza Calzones

Instructions:

1. Make the Pizza Dough:

In a small bowl, combine the active dry yeast, sugar, and warm water. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy. This step activates the yeast and helps the dough rise properly.

While the yeast is activating, combine the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the bowl with the flour. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and stir until a dough forms.

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed, but don’t add too much—this will keep your calzones soft and tender.

2. Let the Dough Rise:

Lightly oil the inside of the bowl and place the dough inside. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. If you’re short on time, you can let the dough rise in a slightly warm oven (just make sure it’s turned off).

3. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the calzones from sticking.

4. Assemble the Calzones:

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and divide it into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then use a rolling pin to flatten each ball into a round shape, about 6-8 inches in diameter.

Now comes the fun part—filling! On one half of each dough circle, spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of pizza sauce. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Add your favorite pizza toppings—whether it’s pepperoni, cooked sausage, veggies, or even leftover meatballs or chicken. Sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

5. Fold and Seal the Calzones:

Carefully fold the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Use your fingers or a fork to crimp the edges together, ensuring the filling stays inside during baking. For a golden, glossy finish, brush the top of each calzone with a little olive oil or melted butter.

6. Bake the Calzones:

Place the assembled calzones onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown on top and the dough is fully cooked. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Once your calzones are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. For added flavor, you can brush the tops with a little extra olive oil or garlic butter. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, and garnish with fresh basil or oregano if desired.

Tips for the Best Cheap Pizza Calzones:

1. Use Store-Bought Dough: If you’re short on time or want to make this even cheaper, you can use store-bought pizza dough. Many grocery stores sell dough for a few dollars, and it’s just as tasty as homemade.
2. Don’t Overfill: As tempting as it is to pile on the toppings, try not to overstuff your calzones. If you add too much filling, they might leak or have trouble closing properly. Stick to about 1-2 tablespoons of sauce and a generous sprinkle of cheese.
3. Customize Your Fillings: Calzones are incredibly versatile. Use whatever you have in the fridge—leftover chicken, veggies, bacon, or even a mix of cheeses like ricotta, Parmesan, or provolone. This is a great way to get creative and use up leftovers.
4. For Extra Crispiness: If you like a crispy bottom, try baking your calzones directly on a preheated pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet. This will help the dough crisp up as it bakes.
5. Make Them Mini: If you want smaller portions, you can divide the dough into 8 portions for mini-calzones. These are perfect for snacks, kids’ lunches, or parties!
6. Freezing for Later: Calzones freeze really well! After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. You can store them in the freezer for up to a month. To reheat, bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.

Why You’ll Love Cheap Pizza Calzones:

1. Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses simple ingredients, making it affordable for families or anyone looking to save money while still enjoying a delicious meal. Plus, you can customize the fillings to use what you already have on hand.
2. Customizable: Whether you’re a meat lover, a veggie fan, or just looking for a cheesy delight, you can make these calzones your own. The possibilities are endless when it comes to fillings and sauces.
3. Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch of these calzones, freeze them, and you’ve got a quick, satisfying meal for busy days when you don’t feel like cooking.
4. Kid-Friendly: Calzones are a fun and interactive meal that kids can help assemble. Plus, they’re easy to eat with no mess, making them a great choice for family dinners.
5. Convenient and Filling: Calzones are self-contained, making them an easy meal for lunch, dinner, or even a snack. The combination of cheese, sauce, and your favorite fillings makes for a hearty and satisfying bite every time.

Conclusion:

Cheap Pizza Calzones are the perfect meal when you’re craving pizza but want to try something different (and more portable!). With simple ingredients, a few easy steps, and endless customization options, you can create a satisfying, budget-friendly dish that the whole family will love. Whether you’re using leftovers, cleaning out the fridge, or sticking to classic pizza ingredients, these calzones are sure to become a regular on your dinner menu.

So, next time you’re in the mood for pizza, try these easy calzones and enjoy all the cheesy, saucy goodness in a fun, foldable package!