These Caprese Calzones are an easy, flavorful way to change up your dinner routine. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a warm, cheesy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
If you’re a fan of classic Caprese flavors but looking for something a little more unique and fun, these Caprese Calzones are about to be your new favorite recipe!
This recipe came about by happy coincidence when I realized that I was out of the pepperoni intended for the pizza dough sitting in my fridge.
In an inspired moment of fridge-diving, I combined some of my favorite antipasti snacks together and wrapped them up in that pizza dough. The result was simply fantastic!
Calzones are actually super easy to make. They’re deliciously cheesy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or even as an appetizer.
With a golden crust, melty mozzarella, and the fresh flavors of bruschetta, these calzones take only minutes to prepare and will satisfy the whole family.
Let’s get into how to make this simple yet delicious dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza crust (or, make your own with our Homemade Pizza Dough recipe!)
- 1 cup bruschetta (we love a pomegranate bruschetta for an extra twist!)
- Mozzarella pearls
- Shredded mozzarella
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough on a non-stick or lightly floured surface and cut it into four equal strips.
- Layer the cheese and bruschetta: Add a layer of shredded mozzarella, a generous spoonful of bruschetta, and a few mozzarella pearls to each slice of dough. Leave enough room around the edges to easily fold and seal the calzones.
- Fold and seal: Carefully fold each strip in half, forming a rectangle. Pinch the seams and edges together tightly to prevent any filling from escaping.
- Bake: Place the calzones on a cookie sheet and bake for 9-11 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Let the calzones cool slightly, then serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips for Making the Best Caprese Calzones
- Don’t overstuff: Resist the temptation to load up on filling! You want to make sure the calzones seal properly and don’t burst open while baking.
- Make ahead: These calzones can easily be assembled in advance and refrigerated until you’re ready to bake them. Just pop them in the oven when it’s time to eat.
- Variations: Since my first time making these, we’ve tried calzones a variety of different ways –
- Try a couple slices of grilled chicken breast for a meatier meal.
- Add or some pepperoni for a spicy note
- Cut the pizza dough into smaller squares for the perfect hand held meal and leftover lunch for the kids.
What to Serve with Caprese Calzones
These calzones are excellent on their own, but you can also serve them with a simple garden salad or some baked sweet potato fries for a complete meal. Don’t forget to dip them in that delicious marinara sauce for the full experience!
FAQs:
Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Absolutely! If you have a homemade pizza dough recipe you love, feel free to use it. Just make sure to roll it out thin enough to make the calzones crispy and golden.
Can I add other fillings?
Yes! You can easily customize these calzones by adding ingredients like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even grilled chicken.
How do I store leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to crisp them up again!
HERE’S A PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE –
Caprese Calzones Recipe
Ingredients
- 13.8 oz refrigerated pizza crust
- 1 cup brushetta, My favorite is this Pomegranate Bruschetta
- 8 Mozzarella Pearls
- 2 cups Shredded mozzarella
- 2 cups Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Roll out pizza dough onto a non-stick or lightly floured surface and cut it into 4 equal squares.
- Layer each square with shredded mozarella, pomegranate bruschetta and mozzarella pearls, leaving plenty of room around the edges.
- Fold over each piece of dough, pinching at the seams and the edges to seal the calzones.
- Place the calzones onto a cookie sheet and bake 9-11 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve with warmed marinara sauce.
