These Meat Lovers Calzones are a hearty, indulgent dish, with crispy, golden crusts filled to the brim with savory sausage, pepperoni, bacon, and plenty of melted mozzarella and ricotta cheese. Paired with a side of marinara sauce, it’s the ultimate comfort food.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, these calzones will satisfy your cravings and leave everyone coming back for more. You can also customize them by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting the meat-to-cheese ratio. Either way, they are guaranteed to be a hit!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
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1/2 lb pepperoni, chopped
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1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
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1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 cup ricotta cheese
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1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
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2 teaspoons garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
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1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
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1/2 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into 4 large circles, about 6 inches in diameter.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, pepperoni, bacon, mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes.
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Spoon the meat and cheese mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edges.
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Carefully fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges tightly to seal the calzones.
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Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush the tops with olive oil.
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Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and the dough is fully cooked.
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Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 490 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
What Makes Meat Lovers Calzones So Special?
The beauty of meat lovers calzones lies in their ability to combine a variety of delicious, savory ingredients into a handheld, easy-to-eat package. The dough serves as the perfect vessel to hold a generous amount of filling, while the combination of meat and cheese creates a savory, indulgent bite that will leave you coming back for more.
What makes these calzones stand out is the balance of flavors. The sausage, pepperoni, and bacon bring richness and depth to the dish, while the mozzarella and ricotta provide that creamy, melty texture we all love. When baked, the crust turns golden brown and crisp, forming a perfect contrast to the gooey interior.
A Versatile Dish for Any Occasion
While the term “comfort food” is often associated with hearty, stick-to-your-ribs dishes for cold days, meat lovers calzones are versatile enough to be enjoyed at any time of year. They can be served as a filling lunch, dinner, or even a fun appetizer at a party. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or as a weekly dinner tradition, these calzones are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Because of their versatility, you can also customize the ingredients to your liking. If you prefer different meats, feel free to swap the pepperoni for salami or add some ham to the mix. For a more personalized touch, add extra seasonings or herbs to boost the flavor profile. You can even try experimenting with different cheeses like cheddar or gouda to create your own version of the ultimate meat lover’s calzone.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Meat lovers calzones are not only great for a one-time meal but also make for fantastic leftovers. If you’re looking for a dish that can be prepared in advance and enjoyed throughout the week, calzones are perfect for meal prep. You can make a batch of them, store them in the fridge, and simply reheat them whenever hunger strikes. The best part? These calzones still taste just as good the second time around, if not better!
For meal prep, you can even freeze the calzones before baking them. When you’re ready to eat, just pop them in the oven, and you’ll have a fresh, piping-hot calzone ready to go. This is an excellent option for busy weeks when you want a homemade meal but don’t have the time to cook from scratch.
How to Serve Meat Lovers Calzones
While meat lovers calzones are fantastic on their own, they’re even better when paired with a few simple sides. A fresh side salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the calzone. You could also serve them with some roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a more substantial meal.
Another great option is to serve the calzones with a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. The tangy, slightly sweet sauce complements the savory, cheesy filling and makes each bite even more satisfying. You could even try experimenting with different dips, such as ranch or garlic butter, to add extra flavor.
The Perfect Family Meal
Meat lovers calzones are the perfect way to bring the family together around the dinner table. They’re simple to make, and they allow for creativity. Kids and adults alike will enjoy customizing their own calzone with their favorite ingredients, making it an interactive and fun meal for everyone. You could even have a calzone-making night where each person builds their own calzone and fills it with the toppings they love most.
This makes meat lovers calzones a great option for family gatherings or casual dinner parties. Whether you’re cooking for your immediate family or hosting a larger group, everyone will appreciate the hearty, satisfying nature of these calzones.
A Fun Twist on Traditional Pizza
If you’re a pizza lover, you’ll absolutely adore meat lovers calzones. They share many of the same ingredients as pizza, but the calzone’s handheld, portable nature makes it even more convenient to eat. It’s essentially a pizza wrapped in dough, but with the bonus of extra meat and cheese, making it a more indulgent alternative to traditional pizza.
The combination of meats like sausage, pepperoni, and bacon is reminiscent of a classic meat lover’s pizza, but wrapped in a golden, crispy crust that’s perfect for dipping. Plus, because the filling is sealed inside the dough, the flavors meld together during baking, creating a gooey, flavorful bite every time.
Health Considerations and Modifications
While meat lovers calzones are undeniably indulgent, there are a few ways to make them healthier without sacrificing taste. For instance, you could swap out some of the meats for leaner options, like ground turkey or chicken sausage. You could also opt for a whole-wheat pizza dough to add more fiber to the dish.
If you’re looking to cut back on cheese or make the recipe lighter, try using part-skim mozzarella or a blend of lower-fat cheeses. Additionally, adding vegetables like mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers will not only boost the nutritional value of the dish but also enhance its flavor.
For those who follow specific dietary preferences, you could also make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free pizza dough. This modification allows everyone to enjoy the deliciousness of meat lovers calzones, regardless of their dietary needs.
Why You Should Try This Recipe Today
If you’re a meat lover, you absolutely cannot miss out on these calzones. They are the ultimate combination of savory meats, rich cheeses, and a crisp, buttery crust. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or looking to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
The best part? Meat lovers calzones are incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a little time in the oven, you can create a delicious, satisfying meal that everyone will love. Plus, they are customizable, so you can add your favorite meats, cheeses, and seasonings to make them your own.
If you’re ready to experience the ultimate comfort food, give this recipe a try today. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make, and how quickly it becomes a favorite in your household.
Conclusion
Meat lovers calzones are a fantastic choice for any occasion, from casual dinners to special celebrations. Their versatility, ease of preparation, and delicious flavors make them an excellent addition to your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re enjoying them with your family or serving them at a party, these calzones are sure to be a hit.
So, if you’re looking for a meal that will satisfy your cravings and bring joy to your dining table, try making meat lovers calzones. With their perfect balance of savory meats, gooey cheese, and crispy crust, they are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your fillings—whether it’s adding more vegetables, experimenting with different meats, or switching up the cheeses. The possibilities are endless, and with each bite, you’ll savor the indulgence of this timeless, comforting dish.