Mushroom and Cheese Calzones

Calzones, with their irresistible combination of crispy dough, gooey cheese, and flavorful fillings, have long been a favorite among food enthusiasts. Among the numerous variations of this delectable Italian dish, mushroom and cheese calzones stand out as a savory delight that combines earthy mushrooms and melty cheese in a perfect harmony of flavors.

History of Calzones

Calzones trace their origins back to Italy, where they are believed to have originated in Naples. Calzone, which means “trouser” or “stocking” in Italian, refers to the folded shape of the dough that encases the filling. While calzones are traditionally filled with a variety of ingredients such as cured meats, vegetables, and cheeses, the combination of mushrooms and cheese has gained significant popularity over the years, capturing the hearts and palates of food lovers around the world.

Here is a good history of Calzones.

Simple Mushroom and Cheese Calzones

The following is a simple way to make calzones using premade pizza dough. Also further below is a recipe for making it from scratch. 

Ingredients: To create a mouthwatering mushroom and cheese calzone, you will need the following ingredients:

1. Pizza dough: The foundation of any calzone, it can be homemade or store-bought.
2. Mushrooms: Choose your favorite variety, such as cremini, portobello, or shiitake, and slice them for a rich, earthy flavor.
3. Cheese: Opt for a combination of mozzarella and a flavorful cheese like provolone, fontina, or Gruyère. The cheese adds a creamy and indulgent texture to the calzone.
4. Sauce: A simple tomato sauce or marinara complements the flavors of the mushrooms and cheese. Feel free to add herbs and spices to enhance the taste.
5. Seasonings: Enhance the aroma and flavor with garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to the appropriate temperature, typically around 400°F (200°C).
2. Sauté the mushrooms: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté them until they are tender and lightly browned. Season them with salt, pepper, and minced garlic for added flavor.
3. Roll out the dough: Divide the pizza dough into portions, depending on the desired size of the calzones. Roll out each portion into a circular shape, ensuring it is thin but sturdy enough to hold the filling.
4. Fill and fold: Spread a layer of tomato sauce on one half of the dough, leaving a border around the edges. Layer the sautéed mushrooms on top, followed by the cheese. Fold the dough over the filling to create a semicircle and seal the edges by pressing them together. You can also crimp the edges with a fork to create a decorative pattern.
5. Bake to perfection: Place the assembled calzones onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a greased baking pan. Brush the tops with olive oil and bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and the cheese has melted, usually for about 15-20 minutes.
6. Garnish with marinara sauce and/or cheese

Serving Mushroom and Cheese Calzones

Once the calzones are baked to perfection, allow them to cool slightly before serving. Mushroom and cheese calzones can be enjoyed on their own as a satisfying meal or paired with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. They also pair well with a crisp green salad or a bowl of warm tomato soup for a complete and comforting dining experience.

Try these interesting salad pairings:

Banana Blossom Salad

Persimmon Salad

Also, see our recipe for Chicken Calzones

 Mushroom and cheese calzones offer a delightful combination of earthy mushrooms and gooey cheese encased in a crispy dough. This Italian classic has captivated the taste buds of food enthusiasts worldwide, providing a versatile canvas for creative variations. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack, a hearty lunch, or a crowd-pleasing dinner, mushroom and cheese calzones are sure to satisfy your cravings for a flavorful, savory experience. So, grab your apron, roll out the dough, and embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the irresistible fusion of mushrooms and cheese in the delightful form of a calzone.

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Mushroom and Cheese Calzones

Yield: 8

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

These mushroom and cheese calzones are easy to make and customize. They are perfect as snacks or for an Italian dinner.

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Ingredients

• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 1 cup half and half
• 2 tsp dry yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 3 tsp vegetable oil
• For the filling:
• ½ cup cheese, grated
• 3 1/2oz mushrooms, chopped
• 3 tbsp onion
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp all purpose flour
• 1 tsp oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano

Instructions

• Warm up your oven to 200 degrees C.
• Soak the yeast in half and half and sprinkle sugar and salt into it.
• Stir until they dissolve and beat in the oil until well combined.
• Fold in the flour, adding it in small batches and kneading it into the mixture until all of it is used up to form a smooth dough.
• Knead it for 10 minutes or until it becomes smooth and more pliable and wrap it up in a damp cloth.
• Set aside in a warm place for an hour so that it rises to become twice its original size.
• Meanwhile, to make the filling, drizzle oil into it and heat it over moderate flame.
• Toss the garlic, mushrooms as well as onions into it and sprinkle a dash each of seasonings to taste.
• Stir fry them over high heat for 5-6 minutes or until all their juices disappear and the mixture becomes dry.
• Turn off the heat and stir in a dash of dried oregano or grated cheese into it until blended thoroughly; set aside to cool completely.
• Split the dough into 7-8 equal portions and roll each of them into a ball.
• Roll out each ball into a medium-sized circle with the help of floured rolling pin.
• Place a couple of tbsp filling along one side of each dough disc and fold the other half over the filling to form a half-moon-shaped pastry.
• Press the open ends together so that they stick to each other and lay the calzones out onto a baking tray, side by side.
• Beat the egg slightly to prepare the egg wash and paint it all over the calzones.
• Place the tray with calzones into the oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the pastry turns crisp and golden brown.
• Serve warm.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 283Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 370mgCarbohydrates: 41gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 9g

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Last Updated on June 27, 2023 by Carleen