This Sausage and Cheese Calzone has a made-from-scratch dough that’s stuffed with flavorful sausage and cheese for a delicious dinner that is sure to please.
This recipe is sponsored by Jimmy Dean. All opinions expressed are my own.
Anything pizza related is going to be delicious, this we know, but calzones? They’re even better than we could have imagined. This is the kind of dinner our kids beg us to make over and over again. It is warm, filling, and oh so tasty. Bring out your inner Italian, and let’s get cooking! Buon appetito!
What is the difference between a stromboli and a calzone?
Both stromboli and calzone are a type of turnover filled with meats and cheeses. A stromboli is made from a rectangular piece of dough that has been topped with fillings. It is then rolled into a log shape and baked. A calzone is made from a circular piece of dough and the fillings are placed in the center. It is then folded into a half circle shape and baked.
What does calzone mean?
Calzone is an Italian word that refers to a folded pizza. Calzone originates in the Naples region of Italy.
What kind of sausage should I use in this recipe?
This recipe requires a fresh sausage that needs to be cooked. We recommend Jimmy Dean Premium Pork Sausage. They have several different flavor options so you can choose from Regular, Hot, Sage, or Maple to give your recipe a unique twist. We personally prefer Regular or Hot in this recipe.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! This recipe calls for shredded mozzarella cheese, but you can switch things up and customize this recipe to your own personal taste preferences. Shredded provolone, fresh mozzarella, gouda, or even cheddar are all great options. The important thing to remember is that you just need a cheese that melts well.
Storage and Reheating Instructions:
Calzones are best eaten fresh. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through.
If you like this recipe, you may be interested in these other delicious sausage recipes:
Watch the video below where we will walk you through every step of the recipe with a video demonstration.
Is there a ready made dough that would as well? I have a small kitchen with no real counter space. Would love to try this.
We prefer calzones when they’re made from scratch, but any ready made pizza dough should do. You can find balls of pizza dough in the refrigerated section of your grocery store.
Fabulous!!! So yummy!
I also use leftover rotisserie chicken with broccoli and mozzarella cheese to make a lighter tasting calzone but enjoy both equally
Oh my gosh- SO delicious!! It’s my hubby’s new favorite! Thank you so much for sharing!!
What goes in a Calzone? What goes on a Pizza… There is your answer. Personally I do not like sauce inside, prefer to use warm sauce as a dipping sauce.
This calzone is excellent. The only thing I added was a knob of garlic butter to each calzone before baking. It was delicious. Thanks Rachel. A bit americanized, but altogether scrumptious!!!
You can put what ever you want to put in it people.
Anyway…. if I handed my son a calzone on a plate and it wasnt filled some kind of meat, he’d look at me like I was nuts lol. Adults dont want a calzone with just cheese. Thats just a cheese sandwich. Give her a break.
I totally agree, Carol. Thanks for responding.
My brother Loves calzones & I would love to make these for him…. but he also loves lots of tomato or marinara sauce. Shouldn’t these have some kind of sauce in them? If I were to add a sauce how much longer would they need to bake? Also Thanks in advance for the homemade dough recipe I look forward to trying my hands at this! Lisa
You can add whatever fillings you’d like. The cooking time won’t change 🙂
Can you substitute the dough with store bought dough
I’m sure you can! I prefer homemade myself. In fact, I’m not even sure what brand of store dough you’d buy as I don’t ever buy it 🙂 But I do know they sell it!
I have been eating calzones for 60 plus years. And never does anything go into it besides rogotta and mossarella cheese unless asked for it…just saying
Peggy first try making it before criticizing it. Also life is about changing things up and not always doing what you are used to. Give it a go, you might love it!
I’m making a pizza rustica filling for these. My son can’t decide what he likes more…calzones or pizza rustica, so I’m combining the two. Add a little chopped dry Italian sausage, prosciutto and sopresatta to the ricotta and fill in normal fashion.
This is just a different take on a calzone with different filling. I don’t know why that would merit a 1 star review. Personally I also like mine with ricotta, but that doesn’t mean this recipe won’t be others’ ideas of perfect.