A Calzone with Four Cheeses is a delicious, cheesy twist on the classic pizza. This Italian stuffed bread is filled with a blend of cheeses, offering a rich and satisfying flavor. Here’s a simple recipe to make a classic four-cheese calzone:
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 500 g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 300 ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Filling:
- 100 g (3.5 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 100 g (3.5 oz) ricotta cheese
- 100 g (3.5 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 100 g (3.5 oz) provolone cheese, shredded (or you can use another cheese like fontina or Gouda)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: Fresh basil or oregano for extra flavor
For Serving:
- Marinara sauce or pizza sauce for dipping
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Mix until a dough forms. Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, mix together the mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, and provolone cheeses. If desired, add some chopped fresh basil or oregano for extra flavor.
3. Assemble the Calzones:
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 4 equal pieces.
- On a floured surface, roll out each piece into a circle about 20 cm (8 inches) in diameter.
- Spoon a generous amount of the cheese mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge.
- Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, and then crimp the edges with a fork.
4. Bake the Calzones:
- Place the calzones on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them a golden finish.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and the filling is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve:
- Allow the calzones to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve with marinara sauce or pizza sauce for dipping.
Optional Additions:
- Vegetables: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the cheese filling for extra flavor and texture.
- Meat: For a non-vegetarian option, add cooked ham, salami, or pepperoni to the cheese mixture.
These calzones are perfect for a cozy meal or a fun, casual dinner with family and friends!
