Imagine biting into a golden, crispy pocket of dough filled with savory Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and melted mozzarella – this calzone is a culinary journey straight to the heart of Italy. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that will transport your taste buds to the streets of Naples.
Ingredients
For the Calzone Dough
- 250g (2 cups) wheat flour (type 55)
- 1 sachet (7g / 0.25 oz) dried baker’s yeast
- 150ml (2/3 cup) lukewarm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
For the Filling
- 250g (1/2 lb) Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 150g (5.3 oz) mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or basil (optional)
For the Topping
- 1 egg yolk (for glazing)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Dough
- Mix yeast, warm water, and sugar
- Let stand 5-10 minutes until foamy
- Combine flour and salt in a separate bowl
- Create a well, add olive oil and yeast mixture
- Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic
- Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour
- Create the Flavorful Filling
- Heat olive oil in a skillet
- Sauté onion and garlic until translucent
- Add crumbled Italian sausage
- Cook until golden brown
- Add bell pepper strips
- Season with salt, pepper, and herbs
- Cook 5-7 minutes until peppers are tender
- Cool slightly and mix in mozzarella
- Assemble and Bake
- Preheat air fryer to 180°C (350°F) or oven to 200°C (400°F)
- Punch down risen dough
- Divide into 4 equal portions
- Roll each into 15 cm (6-inch) circles
- Add filling to one half of each circle
- Fold and seal edges
- Brush with egg yolk
- Bake 15-20 minutes until golden brown
Nutrition and Serving Details
- Servings: 4 calzones
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 2 hours
Nutritional Highlights (per calzone):
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 25g
Why This Calzone is a Nutritional Champion
This Italian Sausage and Pepper Calzone is more than just a delicious meal – it’s a nutritional powerhouse. Packed with protein from the Italian sausage, vitamins from bell peppers, and calcium from mozzarella, it offers a balanced combination of nutrients. The homemade dough provides complex carbohydrates, while the olive oil adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
Pro Tip: For a lighter version, use lean Italian sausage and part-skim mozzarella. Serve with a fresh salad for a complete, nutritious meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor!