Hearty Calzones

1 cup of warm water
2 1/4 tsp yeast
2 tsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cup white bread flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup  rolled oats

Add all ingredients for the dough to a warm mixing bowl. Mix until combined and the dough is sticky and clings together. Knead for 10 minutes. Spray the ball of dough with cooking spray and turn so its all coated. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and stick in the oven. Heat the oven to 400 degrees for 1 minute ONLY and shut the oven off. Let the dough rise for 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Put mixer bowl back on the mixer and knead (or punch the dough down) for 2 minutes. Divide into 4 and roll out circle on a floured cutting board until dough is about 1/4" thick.  Sprinkle a piece of wax paper with corn meal or semolina, and lay dough out flat. Repeat until you have rolled all 4.

Fill calzones with toppings of choice, for example:  

mozzarella              pepperoni                      peppers                mushrooms             basil

ricotta                     meatballs                       onions                  spinach                   sage

feta                          ham                                broccoli               zucchini                flat leaf parsley

cheddar (sharp)      grilled chicken              tomatoes              roasted garlic
                              sausage                           olives

                               

I would recommend about 1/4 cup cheese,  about 1/4 cup meat,  1/4-1/2 cup and vegetables per calzone.

Layer meat, vegetables, and cheese (if you use ricotta, spread it down first) on 1/2 of each circle, leaving at least 1" at the edge. Fold empty half of the dough over, and roll the edge tightly, pinching it to seal. Slide calzones from wax paper onto baking sheet, 2 calzones per sheet.

Bake for about 10-15 minutes until dough has puffed up and begun to harden, and poke a hole in the top with a knife to vent. Continue to bake another 20-30 minutes until dough is golden brown. Brush with olive oil before serving (optional).  Serve with marinara on the side for dipping.

I love to make my calzones with ricotta and mozzarella, and roasted vegetables. Meatballs, mozzarella, and peppers are a big favorite in my house too!

**I always use my kitchen aid mixer for dough making, but you can make it by hand with a large bowl, strong wooden spoon and your 2 hands. **

If you like this recipe, you may also like:
Everything Bagel Calzones
Breakfast Pinwheel Calzones
Homemade Pizza