Garlic Butter and Parsley Pizza Calzones
Ingredients:
- 1 package (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup pepperoni slices
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Olive oil, for brushing
- Flour, for dusting
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with non-stick cooking spray.
- Prepare Ingredients: Allow the refrigerated pizza dough to come to room temperature according to the package instructions. Meanwhile, prepare your toppings by slicing the mushrooms, olives, and mincing the garlic.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 4 equal squares.
- Assemble Calzones: Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on one half of each square of dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then add pepperoni slices, sliced mushrooms, and black olive slices on top of the cheese.
- Fold and Seal: Carefully fold the empty half of the dough over the toppings to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal, then crimp the edges with a fork to ensure they are securely closed.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley.
- Brush and Bake: Place the assembled calzones onto the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush the tops of the calzones with olive oil. Then generously brush the garlic butter and parsley mixture over the tops of each calzone.
- Bake: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Once baked, remove the calzones from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious garlic butter and parsley pizza calzones!
These calzones are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, and the garlic butter and parsley brushed on top adds a flavorful twist that elevates them to the next level. Enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness with your favorite dipping sauce or simply on their own!
Here are some tips to ensure your Garlic Butter and Parsley Pizza Calzones turn out perfectly:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Although all ingredients are from Walmart, opt for the freshest ingredients available. Fresh pizza dough, high-quality mozzarella cheese, and flavorful toppings will enhance the taste of your calzones.
- Customize Your Fillings: While this recipe includes classic pizza toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, and olives, feel free to customize the fillings according to your preferences. You can add cooked sausage, bell peppers, onions, or any other favorite pizza toppings.
- Properly Seal the Edges: Ensure the edges of the calzones are tightly sealed to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking. Press the edges firmly together and crimp them with a fork to create a tight seal.
- Don’t Overfill: While it might be tempting to pack the calzones with fillings, be cautious not to overfill them. Too much filling can make it difficult to seal the edges properly and may result in a messy outcome.
- Prevent Sticking: To prevent the calzones from sticking to the baking sheet, line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it with non-stick cooking spray before placing the calzones on it.
- Brush Generously with Garlic Butter: The garlic butter and parsley mixture adds flavor and helps to achieve a golden brown crust. Be generous when brushing the calzones with the garlic butter mixture before baking for maximum flavor.
- Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the calzones while they’re baking to prevent them from overcooking. Oven temperatures can vary, so check them around the 20-minute mark. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside when done.
- Let Them Rest Before Serving: Allow the calzones to cool for a few minutes after removing them from the oven. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes them easier to handle. Cutting into them too soon may cause the filling to ooze out.
- Serve with Dipping Sauce: For an extra burst of flavor, serve the calzones with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli for dipping. It adds another layer of deliciousness to the meal.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make delicious Garlic Butter and Parsley Pizza Calzones that are crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and bursting with flavor
