Cheap and Easy Pizza Calzones
Who doesn’t love a good calzone? This recipe for cheap and easy pizza calzones is perfect for those nights when you crave something delicious without spending too much time or money. With just a few ingredients, you can create a tasty meal that’s sure to please the whole family. Plus, these calzones are customizable—add your favorite toppings and make them your own!
Ingredients
- Pillsbury Pizza Crust (Thin Crust) – $2.64
- Note: Any frozen pizza crust will work! I’ve used other doughs for this meal before, and they worked just fine! I just grabbed thin crust because it’s what they had.
- Armour Pepperoni – $2.50
- Mozzarella Cheese – $2.38
- Feel free to add more ingredients. We’ve added ground sausage before, and it was really good!
Total: $7.52 before tax!
- If I add up the butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning mix, the total would be $9.22 before tax!
Directions
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 425°F, or whatever temperature your dough package specifies.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet
- Lay down aluminum foil on your baking sheet, and be sure to spray it with non-stick spray. Trust me, spray it. I learned the hard way! 😅
- Roll Out the Dough
- Roll out the dough on the prepared baking sheet and cut it into 4 pieces. You can adjust the size of your calzones by cutting more or fewer pieces.
- Add Fillings
- Start with a layer of pepperoni on each piece of dough, followed by mozzarella cheese. Alternate between cheese and pepperoni until you’ve added enough to your liking.
- Fold and Seal
- Fold the dough over to form a pocket and press down the sides and front. Use a fork to press down and seal the edges completely.
- Cut Slits
- Cut 2-3 small slits in the top of each calzone to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Add Butter and Seasonings
- Melt some butter and mix in garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Brush this mixture all over the calzones.
- Bake
- Bake the calzones in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
- Serve
- Serve the calzones with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Variations & Tips
- Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings. Ground sausage, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers all make great additions.
- Cheese Options: While mozzarella is a classic choice, you can mix it up with cheddar, provolone, or a pizza blend cheese.
- Make It Spicy: Add a few slices of jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.
- Extra Crispy Crust: For a crispier crust, brush the tops of the calzones with an egg wash (a beaten egg with a little water) before baking.
- Storage and Reheating: Store any leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply place them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of dough?
Yes, you can use any type of pizza dough or even refrigerated biscuit dough. Adjust the baking time according to the dough instructions.
What other fillings can I add?
You can add any of your favorite pizza toppings such as cooked sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or olives.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warm.
Can I make these calzones ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the calzones and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. This makes it a great make-ahead meal for busy nights.
What dipping sauces go well with calzones?
Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, garlic butter, or even a spicy sriracha mayo are all excellent choices for dipping.
Enjoy these delicious, budget-friendly pizza calzones with your family and friends, perfect for a quick dinner or a fun weekend meal!