If you’re craving a dish that brings the charm of pizza and the cozy feel of a calzone together for a crowd, this Family Style Calzone Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine layers of gooey mozzarella, creamy ricotta, perfectly seasoned toppings, and a golden crust all baked in one generous pan to share. It’s comfort food at its finest—perfect for family dinners, friendly gatherings, or simply when you want something hearty, cheesy, and utterly satisfying without the fuss of assembling individual calzones. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be a regular request at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Family Style Calzone Recipe relies on simple but essential ingredients, each chosen to bring out the best textures and flavors. From the stretchy, golden pizza dough that forms the crust to the creamy cheeses and zesty toppings, every element plays a starring role in building those mouthwatering layers.
- 2 (13.8-oz) cans refrigerated pizza dough: The easy and reliable base that keeps this calzone soft yet crisp on the edges.
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts like a dream, adding gooey, cheesy goodness throughout.
- 1 (15-oz) container ricotta cheese: Adds a smooth, creamy texture and mild flavor to balance the mozzarella.
- 2 tsp Italian Seasoning (divided): Brings classic Mediterranean herbs that brighten every bite.
- 1 (3-oz) can grated parmesan cheese: Sharp and nutty, parmesan deepens the cheese flavor profile wonderfully.
- 1 egg white: Helps bind the ricotta mixture, ensuring a silky filling.
- Pizza toppings of your choice: Customize with your favorites like pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers for personal flair.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil: Used to brush the crust for that irresistible golden sheen and hint of richness.
- Pizza or spaghetti sauce for dipping: Because every calzone deserves a saucy companion.
How to Make Family Style Calzone Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 425ºF, getting it nice and hot for that golden crust. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray so the calzone doesn’t stick, making clean-up easier and ensuring your masterpiece lifts out perfectly.
Step 2: Form the Bottom Crust
Take one can of refrigerated pizza dough and press it into the bottom and up the sides of your baking dish. This forms the sturdy base and edible walls for your filling. Make sure to press evenly so the crust will bake uniformly crisp and golden.
Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated parmesan, half of the Italian seasoning, and the egg white. The egg white acts as a binder, helping this creamy mixture hold its shape once baked while imparting richness.
Step 4: Layer the Cheeses and Toppings
Start layering with half of the shredded mozzarella on top of the crust. Then add half of your chosen pizza toppings, ensuring an even spread to cover every bite. Spoon the ricotta mixture over the toppings like a luscious blanket, then add the remainder of your toppings. Finish with the rest of the mozzarella on top for a bubbly, cheesy crown.
Step 5: Seal with the Top Dough
Unroll the second can of pizza dough over your loaded filling, carefully pressing the edges down to seal it firmly with the bottom dough. This locks all those wonderful layers in. Don’t forget to cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape while baking, preventing soggy pockets and ensuring an even bake.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop your calzone into the oven and bake for 20 minutes. After that initial baking, brush the crust generously with olive oil and sprinkle the remaining Italian seasoning on top. Return it to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes. This step gives the crust its beautiful golden color and a flavorful, slightly herbaceous finish.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked to perfection, let your calzone cool for a few minutes right in the pan. This rest time allows the filling to settle so it slices neatly. Serve warm, accompanied by your favorite pizza or spaghetti sauce for dipping—each bite begging to be dunked!
How to Serve Family Style Calzone Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish of freshly chopped basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can elevate your calzone presentation and brighten the flavors. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a dusting of grated parmesan on top right before serving also adds a lovely touch of indulgence.
Side Dishes
This hearty calzone pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted vegetables or a light soup can round out the meal without competing with the bold flavors of your family-style calzone.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, slice the calzone before serving and arrange the pieces in a circular pattern on a large platter. Provide small bowls of different dipping sauces—think spicy arrabbiata, garlic butter, or creamy ranch—for a fun, interactive meal everyone will love. Adding colorful vegetable skewers alongside can also brighten the table and encourage sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your calzone feast, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator. It keeps well for 3 to 4 days and tastes great when reheated, making it perfect for quick lunches or late-night snacks.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this Family Style Calzone Recipe ahead of time, you can freeze it before baking. Assemble the calzone, wrap it very well to prevent freezer burn, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready, bake it straight from frozen, adding extra baking time to ensure it’s heated through and crusty.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftover calzone slices in an oven or toaster oven at 350ºF until warmed through and the crust regain its crispness. Microwaving works in a pinch but may make the crust soggy, so try to use the oven when possible for that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough for this Family Style Calzone Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade dough can add extra flavor and a personal touch, though using refrigerated dough is a quick and foolproof option. Just make sure your dough is rolled out to fit the baking dish properly.
What are some good topping combinations to try?
Classic pepperoni and mushroom, spinach and ricotta, sausage and bell pepper, or even a veggie-packed mix with olives and artichokes all work beautifully. Choose toppings that you love and that don’t release too much moisture to keep your calzone perfect.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
For a vegetarian version, just skip the meat toppings. Vegan adaptations would require replacing the cheeses with plant-based alternatives and using a vegan pizza dough, which can all be delicious with a little experimentation.
Is it necessary to brush the crust with olive oil?
Brushing the crust with olive oil and sprinkling Italian seasoning helps achieve that gorgeous golden color and adds a subtle, fragrant flavor. It’s highly recommended if you want the authentic golden calzone experience.
How do I know when the Family Style Calzone is fully cooked?
Look for a crust that is golden brown and firm to the touch. If the top is bubbly and the dough is cooked through (not doughy in the middle), your calzone is perfectly baked. Using an oven thermometer can help ensure your oven temperature is accurate.
Final Thoughts
Making this Family Style Calzone Recipe is like creating a warm, delicious hug for your taste buds and your loved ones gathered around the table. With minimal fuss and maximum flavor, it’s a winner for any occasion that calls for comfort food and togetherness. Give it a try, customize with your favorite toppings, and watch how quickly it becomes a treasured meal everyone asks for again and again.
Print
Family Style Calzone Recipe
- Total Time: 35 to 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Family Style Calzone is a hearty, shareable twist on the classic Italian calzone, baked in a casserole dish for easy serving. Layers of ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and your favorite pizza toppings are enclosed in a golden, crispy pizza dough crust, making it perfect for a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 (13.8-oz) cans refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Cheese Mixture
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 (15-oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1 (3-oz) can grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg white
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
Toppings and Sauce
- Pizza toppings of your choice (such as pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers, onions)
- Pizza or spaghetti sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 425ºF (218ºC) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Form bottom crust: Press one can of refrigerated pizza dough evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared baking dish, creating the base shell for the calzone.
- Prepare cheese mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated parmesan, half of the Italian seasoning, and the egg white. Mix thoroughly until smooth and evenly blended.
- Assemble layers: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella over the dough base. Add half of your chosen pizza toppings evenly over the cheese. Spread the ricotta mixture on top of the toppings, then layer the remaining pizza toppings over the ricotta. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top.
- Seal with top crust: Unroll the second can of pizza dough and carefully place it over the layered filling in the baking dish. Press the edges of the top dough firmly against the bottom crust all around to seal the calzone. Use a sharp knife to cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake initial phase: Place the calzone in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the crust begins to set and slightly brown.
- Brush and season crust: Remove the calzone from the oven and brush the top crust with olive oil. Sprinkle the remaining Italian seasoning evenly over the crust for added flavor.
- Bake until golden: Return the calzone to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and serve: Allow the calzone to cool slightly in the baking dish for easier slicing. Cut into portions and serve warm with pizza or spaghetti sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the pizza toppings to your family’s preferences, such as pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or olives.
- Make sure to seal the edges of the dough well to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Using egg white in the ricotta mixture helps bind the filling and adds structure.
- Brush the crust with olive oil for a glossy, flavorful finish and to help the seasoning stick.
- Allow the calzone to cool slightly before cutting to keep the filling intact.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 to 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
