Sourdough Calzone Recipe: Easy Homemade Italian Delight

There’s something truly magical about the crispy, golden crust of a sourdough calzone paired with a warm, savory filling. This Italian-inspired dish offers a delightful twist on classic pizza by folding all your favorite ingredients into a handheld pocket of cheesy, saucy goodness.

Making a sourdough calzone at home not only allows you to enjoy a fresh, flavorful meal but also gives you the satisfaction of working with naturally fermented dough that adds depth and complexity to every bite.

If you love baking and experimenting with dough, this recipe is perfect for you. It combines the tangy flavor of sourdough with a rich, melty filling that can be customized to your taste.

Whether you’re preparing a casual weeknight dinner or impressing guests, sourdough calzones are a crowd-pleaser that bring warmth and comfort to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sourdough calzone recipe is a wonderful blend of tradition and creativity. By using a sourdough starter, the dough develops a unique tang and a chewy texture that’s far superior to standard pizza dough.

The fermentation process enhances digestibility and adds a subtle complexity to the flavor profile.

Filling your calzone with fresh mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, and a homemade tomato sauce creates a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. Plus, calzones are highly versatile—you can swap fillings to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

The folded design also makes them portable and less messy than traditional pizza slices, making them ideal for lunches, picnics, or parties.

Finally, this recipe guides you through every step, from preparing the sourdough dough to baking the perfect calzone, empowering home cooks of all skill levels to create a delicious Italian treat.

Ingredients

• For the Sourdough Dough:
• 1 cup (240g) active sourdough starter
• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup (240 ml) warm water
• For the Filling:
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or your preferred cured meat
• 3/4 cup marinara or pizza sauce
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)
• For Brushing:
• 1 egg (beaten) or olive oil

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Dough scraper or spatula
• Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet or pizza stone
• Parchment paper
• Pastry brush
• Oven

Instructions

1. Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, warm water, and olive oil. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing with a dough scraper or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
2. Knead and ferment: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough back into the bowl, cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it ferment at room temperature for 4-6 hours until it has doubled in size.
3. Preheat the oven: About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat as well.
4. Divide and shape the dough: Punch down the fermented dough and divide it into 4 equal portions. Roll out each portion on parchment paper into a roughly 8-inch circle. Keep the others covered to prevent drying.
5. Assemble the calzones: Spread 3 tablespoons of marinara sauce on one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge. Layer with mozzarella, ricotta, pepperoni, Parmesan, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Add a few basil leaves for freshness.
6. Seal the calzone: Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly and crimp with your fingers or a fork to seal completely. Make a few small slits on top to allow steam to escape during baking.
7. Brush and bake: Transfer the calzones (on their parchment paper) to the baking sheet or pizza stone. Brush the tops with beaten egg or olive oil for a golden finish. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the crust is crisp and golden brown.
8. Cool and serve: Remove the calzones from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the filling set and prevents burns.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra crispy crust, preheat a cast iron skillet in the oven and bake the calzone directly on it.”

• Make it vegetarian: Replace pepperoni with sautéed mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, or spinach.
• Spicy twist: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce inside the filling for some heat.
• Cheese lovers: Mix in shredded provolone or fontina for a richer cheese blend.
• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free sourdough flour mix and adjust hydration accordingly.
• Advance prep: Prepare dough a day ahead and refrigerate overnight to develop more flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Sourdough calzones are best enjoyed warm with a side that complements their rich flavors. A simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette is a fresh contrast to the cheesy filling.

For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a bowl of minestrone soup. A glass of chilled Italian white wine or sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon pairs beautifully with this dish.

If you’re serving calzones as party food, provide dipping sauces like garlic butter, ranch, or extra marinara for guests to customize each bite.

Conclusion

Making sourdough calzones at home is a rewarding experience that combines the art of sourdough baking with the joy of Italian comfort food. This recipe offers a balanced approach, ensuring a flavorful dough with a perfect chewiness and a filling that caters to your taste buds.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious beginner, this dish encourages creativity and patience, resulting in a delicious meal that’s sure to impress. Plus, with endless filling possibilities and simple ingredients, sourdough calzones can become a staple in your recipe collection for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ready to explore more delicious homemade bread and pizza recipes? Check out our Classic Sourdough Bread Recipe, Homemade Margherita Pizza, and Easy Focaccia Bread for more baking inspiration!

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