Get ready to indulge in a mouthwatering Italian delight that will elevate your weeknight dinners! These Goat Cheese Basil and Italian Sausage Calzones are not just a feast for the eyes, but a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. Imagine golden, flaky crusts enveloping a rich and savory filling of crumbled Italian sausage, creamy goat cheese, and fragrant basil—each bite is a warm hug of comfort food perfection. Whether you're hosting a cozy gathering or simply treating yourself, these calzones are sure to impress. Read on to discover how to create this delicious dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 calzones
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1 cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1 cup goat cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crumbled cooked Italian sausage, softened goat cheese, chopped fresh basil, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- On a lightly floured surface, divide the pizza dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a circular shape, approximately 8 inches in diameter.
- Place about 1/4 of the sausage and cheese mixture on one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edge.
- Fold the empty half of the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges completely, preventing the filling from leaking during baking.
- Brush the top of each calzone with beaten egg, which will help create a golden, glossy crust.
- Using a sharp knife, cut 2-3 small slits on the top of each calzone to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Carefully transfer the calzones to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and the crust is crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set and prevents burning.
- Serve warm, optionally with marinara sauce or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before assembling the calzones.
- Dough Handling: If your pizza dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour on your work surface to make rolling it out easier.
- Seal It Right: Ensure the edges of your calzones are well-sealed to prevent any delicious filling from leaking out during baking. A fork works wonders for crimping!
- Flavor Boost: For an extra kick, consider adding some red pepper flakes to the filling or a sprinkle of Italian herbs for added flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your calzones with a side of marinara sauce for dipping or a fresh garden salad to balance out the richness of the filling.
- Watch the Bake: Keep an eye on your calzones as they bake; ovens can vary, and you want them to be perfectly golden brown without burning.
- Cool Before Cutting: Let your calzones cool for a few minutes before slicing into them. This allows the filling to set and makes for a cleaner cut.With these tips in mind, you're all set to create calzones that will make you the star of your kitchen!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 95mg
