Broccoli, Pepperoni, and Three-Cheese Calzones: A Deliciously Simple Recipe

Craving something warm, cheesy, and satisfying? Look no further than these Broccoli, Pepperoni, and Three-Cheese Calzones! This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a fun weekend lunch, or even a crowd-pleasing appetizer. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and the combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible. We’re talking crispy, golden-brown crust, gooey melted cheese, savory pepperoni, and tender broccoli – all in one hand-held package. Ready to dive in?

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Customizable:** The beauty of calzones is their versatility. You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences by swapping out ingredients or adding your own favorites. Don’t like pepperoni? Use sausage or ham. Not a fan of broccoli? Try spinach or mushrooms. The possibilities are endless!
* **Easy to Make:** Despite looking impressive, these calzones are surprisingly simple to prepare. With pre-made pizza dough, the process is streamlined and perfect for even beginner cooks.
* **Family-Friendly:** Kids and adults alike will love these cheesy, savory pockets of deliciousness. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
* **Perfect for Leftovers:** Calzones are just as delicious the next day, making them ideal for meal prepping or a quick lunch. They reheat beautifully in the oven, microwave, or even an air fryer.
* **Portable:** Calzones are easy to transport, making them a great option for picnics, potlucks, or tailgating.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create these mouthwatering calzones:

* **Pizza Dough:** 1 pound of store-bought or homemade pizza dough. For convenience, pre-made dough is highly recommended. Look for fresh dough in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. If using frozen dough, thaw it completely according to package directions.
* **Broccoli:** 1 cup of broccoli florets, chopped into small, bite-sized pieces. Fresh or frozen broccoli can be used. If using frozen, thaw it completely and pat it dry before using.
* **Pepperoni:** 1/2 cup of sliced pepperoni. Use your favorite brand and thickness. You can also use mini pepperoni for a more even distribution.
* **Ricotta Cheese:** 1/2 cup of whole milk ricotta cheese. This adds a creamy and slightly tangy element to the filling. Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the ricotta before using.
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. This provides the classic cheesy pull that makes calzones so irresistible. Use low-moisture mozzarella for best results.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a salty, nutty flavor to the filling. Freshly grated Parmesan is always best, but pre-grated is fine too.
* **Egg:** 1 large egg, beaten. This is used to create an egg wash, which gives the calzones a golden-brown, glossy crust.
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This is used to sauté the broccoli and add flavor.
* **Garlic:** 1 clove of garlic, minced. This adds a savory aroma and flavor to the filling.
* **Italian Seasoning:** 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. This blend of herbs adds a classic Italian flavor to the filling.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season the broccoli and filling with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
* **Optional:** Marinara sauce for dipping. This is the perfect accompaniment to these calzones, adding a touch of acidity and sweetness.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Skillet:** For sautéing the broccoli.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For combining the filling ingredients.
* **Baking Sheet:** For baking the calzones.
* **Parchment Paper:** To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
* **Rolling Pin:** For rolling out the pizza dough.
* **Pastry Brush:** For applying the egg wash.
* **Fork:** For crimping the edges of the calzones.
* **Knife or Pizza Cutter:** For scoring the tops of the calzones.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part – making these delicious calzones! Follow these step-by-step instructions for perfect results every time.

**1. Prepare the Broccoli:**

* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
* Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
* Add the chopped broccoli florets to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
* Sauté the broccoli for 5-7 minutes, or until it’s tender-crisp. You want it to be slightly softened but still have a bit of bite.
* Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set it aside to cool slightly.

**2. Prepare the Filling:**

* In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, sliced pepperoni, and the sautéed broccoli.
* Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
* Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Keep in mind that the pepperoni and Parmesan cheese are already salty, so you may not need to add much additional salt.

**3. Assemble the Calzones:**

* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
* Divide the pizza dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each half of the dough into a 10-12 inch circle. You want the dough to be thin but not so thin that it tears easily.
* Place one circle of dough on the prepared baking sheet.
* Spoon half of the cheese and broccoli mixture onto one half of the dough circle, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge. Avoid overfilling the calzones, as this can make them difficult to seal.
* Carefully fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
* Pinch the edges of the dough together tightly to seal the calzone. You can also use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative and secure seal.
* Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.

**4. Bake the Calzones:**

* In a small bowl, beat the egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash.
* Brush the top of each calzone with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color and a glossy finish.
* Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, score the tops of the calzones with a few slits. This will allow steam to escape during baking and prevent the calzones from bursting.
* Bake the calzones in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

**5. Serve and Enjoy:**

* Remove the calzones from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving.
* Serve the calzones warm, with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.
* Enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness!

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t Overfill:** Overfilling the calzones is a common mistake that can lead to them bursting during baking. Be generous with the filling, but leave enough room to properly seal the edges.
* **Seal Tightly:** A good seal is crucial to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Pinch the edges of the dough together firmly, and use a fork to crimp the edges for extra security.
* **Score the Tops:** Scoring the tops of the calzones with a few slits allows steam to escape, preventing them from bursting. This also helps the crust to bake evenly.
* **Use Room Temperature Dough:** Room temperature dough is easier to roll out and work with. If using refrigerated dough, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out.
* **Preheat the Oven Properly:** Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking the calzones. This will ensure that they cook evenly and the crust gets nice and crispy.
* **Adjust Baking Time as Needed:** Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the calzones and adjust the baking time as needed to ensure they are cooked through and golden brown.
* **Get Creative with Fillings:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings. Try adding different vegetables, meats, or cheeses to create your own unique calzone combinations.

## Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about calzones is how easy they are to customize. Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:

* **Meat Lovers:** Add cooked sausage, ham, or ground beef to the filling for an extra meaty calzone.
* **Vegetarian:** Skip the pepperoni and add more vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions.
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.
* **Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as provolone, fontina, or Gruyere.
* **Different Sauces:** Instead of marinara sauce for dipping, try pesto, ranch dressing, or garlic butter.
* **Use Different Dough:** Try using whole wheat pizza dough or gluten-free pizza dough for a healthier or allergy-friendly option.

## Serving Suggestions

These Broccoli, Pepperoni, and Three-Cheese Calzones are delicious on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your meal:

* **Marinara Sauce:** Serve with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping.
* **Salad:** Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
* **Soup:** Serve with a bowl of hearty tomato soup or minestrone soup.
* **Garlic Bread:** Accompany with garlic bread for an extra cheesy and garlicky experience.
* **Vegetable Sticks:** Serve with carrot sticks, celery sticks, and cucumber slices for a healthy and refreshing side.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Leftover calzones can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the calzones on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the crust may not be as crispy. Alternatively, reheat in an air fryer for a crispy crust.
* **Freeze:** Calzones can be frozen for longer storage. Wrap each calzone individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the calzones in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed above.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 450-550 per calzone (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 25-30 grams
* Fat: 20-25 grams
* Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams

## Conclusion

These Broccoli, Pepperoni, and Three-Cheese Calzones are a delicious, easy, and customizable meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun weekend lunch, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and get ready to enjoy a cheesy, savory slice of heaven!

Enjoy!