The Calzone Is One Big, Irresistible Hand Pie

Serve it with tomato sauce on the side and it’s near perfect

Mark Bittman
Heated

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Photo: atomich/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Essentially a pizza folded over itself, the calzone is like one big hand pie: filling neatly enclosed with dough, so you get browned crust in every bite. You can fill it with any pizza toppings; it should be substantial and fairly dry so the dough doesn’t leak or get soggy. Drained ricotta is an ideal base. Serve with tomato sauce on the side, or don’t bother (if that’s the way you roll.)

Calzones

Makes: 2 calzones, enough for 4 main-dish servings
Time: About 1¼ hours

Ingredients

  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 recipe pizza dough
  • 1 cup finely chopped cooked spinach or other greens, such as chard or broccoli rabe
  • 1 cup chopped or grated fresh mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper
  • Flour for dusting

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Mark Bittman
Heated

Has published 30 books, including How to Cook Everything and VB6: The Case for Part-Time Veganism. Newsletter at markbittman.com.