Shortcut Calzones

Who doesn’t love a pizza pocket? Delicious toppings shoved into a tasty dough envelope? Yes, please.

This is a choose-your-own adventure recipe, so take a second to think about your favorite pizza toppings or any combo of ingredients that would marry well (artichoke hearts and Kalamata olives? Italian sausage and caramelized onions?). I’m including it in L&L because even though it seems like a non-recipe recipe, making calzones is simple, is something kids can do, and is a fun comfort food in the middle of winter.

SHORTCUT CALZONES

Note: This recipe makes 4 medium sized calzones.

INGREDIENTS:
2 balls of pizza dough (I use 2 of Trader Joe’s fresh pizza doughs, but you can use whatever you like or make your own if you’re extra!)
1 32-ounce jar of your favorite marinara sauce
8 ounces mozzarella, shredded
Toppings of your choice (some ideas: Italian sausage, black olives, onions, peppers, mushrooms, pepperoni, salami, artichoke hearts, blue cheese, feta, red onion, chicken)
1 egg, beaten + 2 tablespoons of water

INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. On a floured work surface, using a rolling pin, roll out the pizza dough. Separate into four equal pieces, rolling each into a round shape. Evenly distribute marinara sauce and mozzarella onto each of the calzones. Sprinkle on your favorite toppings. Pull one size of the dough over to the other to make a pocket, and use your fingers to pinch the pocket shut. You might want to use a fork to help seal the calzone shut. Using a basting brush, brush each calzone with the egg wash mixture. Place each calzone on a large baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the calzones are golden brown.