There’s something irresistibly delightful about a calzone—crispy, golden on the outside, and bursting with flavorful fillings inside. If you’re looking to enjoy a wholesome, comforting meal that’s both satisfying and packed with fresh vegetables, this veg calzone recipe is perfect for you.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is straightforward and fun to make. It combines a soft, chewy dough with a vibrant medley of sautéed veggies and melty cheese, folded into a perfect pocket of deliciousness.
Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in extra nutrients while indulging in a classic Italian favorite. Make it your own by customizing the fillings or pairing it with your favorite dipping sauces for a meal that’s sure to please the whole family.
If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy exploring other fantastic vegetable dishes like Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals or the Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.
And for those who adore homemade breads, our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This veg calzone recipe ticks all the boxes for a perfect homemade meal. First, it’s incredibly versatile—you can fill it with whatever fresh vegetables you have on hand, making it a great way to reduce food waste and enjoy seasonal produce.
The dough is easy to prepare and yields a soft yet crisp crust that holds all your fillings without getting soggy.
Moreover, calzones are a fantastic option for meal prepping or packing for lunches. They reheat beautifully and can even be frozen for later enjoyment.
This recipe also offers a balanced combination of carbs, protein, and fiber, especially when you load it with nutrient-rich vegetables and cheese or a plant-based alternative.
Lastly, it’s a fun dish to prepare with family or friends—folding and crimping the dough is almost as enjoyable as eating the finished calzones!
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (red, yellow, or green)
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or vegan cheese alternative)
- ½ cup ricotta cheese (optional, for creaminess)
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash, optional)
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or dough hook
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Frying pan or skillet
- Knife and cutting board
- Brush for egg wash (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon or dough hook until a sticky dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as you knead.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the vegetable filling: While the dough is rising, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until tender. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
- Season the vegetables with dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Assemble the calzones: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 4 equal portions. On a floured surface, roll each portion into a 7-8 inch circle.
- Place a generous amount of the vegetable filling on one half of each dough circle. Top with shredded mozzarella and a spoonful of ricotta if using.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal, then crimp the edges with a fork or by pinching.
- Place the calzones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil or the beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake calzones for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
For a vegan version: Use vegan cheese alternatives or omit cheese entirely and add extra vegetables or a flavorful tomato sauce inside.
Tip: Avoid overfilling your calzones to prevent breaking or leaking during baking.
Try adding other veggies like roasted eggplant, artichokes, or sun-dried tomatoes for different flavor profiles.
For an extra crispy crust, brush the calzones with garlic-infused olive oil before baking.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1 calzone) |
---|---|
Calories | 350-400 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 45 g |
Protein | 15 g |
Fat | 12 g |
Fiber | 6 g |
Sodium | 600 mg |
Vitamin A | 30% DV |
Vitamin C | 40% DV |
Calcium | 20% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This veg calzone pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a bowl of homemade tomato soup for a complete meal. For an extra burst of flavor, serve with a side of marinara or garlic dipping sauce.
You can also enjoy it alongside some roasted vegetables or a light vinaigrette-dressed slaw.
For a fun twist, try serving mini calzones as party appetizers or pack them for a picnic or lunchbox meal. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or toaster oven to retain their crispness.
Conclusion
The veg calzone is a fantastic recipe that brings together the best of Italian comfort food and wholesome vegetables in a handheld delight. It’s perfect for anyone seeking a meal that’s both delicious and nutritious.
The homemade dough is simple to make and yields a perfect crust every time, while the vegetable filling offers endless customization possibilities. Whether you’re cooking for family dinners, meal prepping, or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different fillings or cheeses to make it uniquely yours. And if you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out more creative and tasty dishes like our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or the Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.
Happy cooking and buon appetito!
📖 Recipe Card: Veg Calzone Recipe
Description: A delicious Italian stuffed bread filled with fresh vegetables and cheese. Perfect as a hearty meal or snack.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1/4 cup chopped spinach
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Mix yeast and warm water; let sit for 5 minutes.
- Combine flour and salt in a bowl, add yeast mixture and olive oil; knead into dough.
- Let dough rise for 15 minutes.
- Roll out dough into 4 circles.
- Mix ricotta, mozzarella, and vegetables with oregano in a bowl.
- Spread filling on half of each dough circle.
- Fold dough over and seal edges.
- Place calzones on baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 14 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 38 g
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