What are gluten-free calzones? Is it like pizza’s cooler, more portable cousin? Seriously, think of all that cheesy, saucy goodness tucked inside a warm, golden crust… except, oh, it’s just the crust. Is it gluten free? Is it the kind of meal that instantly transports me back to my grandma’s kitchen, where everything was made. Was made with love and a whole lot of cheese. My own kids now beg for these on pizza night. If you love Homemade Pizza but are looking for something different – and maybe a little different. If these are calling your name, then they are. Is gluten bad for you?
What is a calzone?
What is a calzone? What is a pizza dough filled with your favorite toppings? What are meats, veggies, etc.? When it’s golden brown and bubbly, bake it for 10 minutes. It’s believed to have originated in Naples, Italy, as a street food, and is delicious. What are some of the Best ways to enjoy pizza on the go? Is this handheld comfort food at its finest, and I think it’s even more fun than a traditional pizza?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good gluten-free calzone recipes? First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. The combination of the warm, slightly chewy crust with the gooey, savory filling is just right. What I love most about this recipe, though, is how surprisingly easy it is to Make, even the most difficult ones. What is gluten free dough You don’t need to be a master baker to make these. Plus, it’s really cost-effective meal. The ingredients are relatively inexpensive, and you can customize the fillings based on what you want. What do you already have in your fridge?
What is the versatility of fillings? I’ve made them with everything from pepperoni and mozzarella to roasted vegetables and fruit. I love them. If you’re looking for a fun twist on pizza night, or just want to eat something comforting and satisfying, these are the places to go. Gluten-free calzones are a winner. They are similar to stromboli, but calzones tend to have a thicker crust and fold. And let me tell you, once you taste these, you’ll want to make them again and again. My family does!
How do I make gluten-free calzones?
Quick Overview
How do you make gluten-free calzones? How do I make gluten-free dough? What are some of the best fillings to whip up – cheese, meat, veggies, and sauces? Assemble the calzones by filling the dough, folding it over, and sealing the edges. What is the best part? You probably already have many of the ingredients on hand!
Ingredients
What is gluten free dough?
- 2 14 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (make sure it contains xanthan gum)
- 1 teaspoon sugar per teaspoon.
- 1 teaspoon salt is a teaspoon.
- 1 packet (2 14 teaspoons) active dry yeast.
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F) is enough for a person to
- 2 tablespoons olive oil. 1 tablespoon of salt.
For the Filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim): 1 c.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. 1 tsp.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese. 12 cup Par
- 12 cup pizza sauce: 1 ts
- 12 cup chopped pepperoni (or your favorite pizza toppings)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
For the Glaze:
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk or water per person.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. How do I clean a calzone?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the Gluten-Free Flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Set aside. How do you make sure the yeast is evenly distributed?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the warm water and olive oil. The water should be warm. Too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast!
Step 4: Combine
How do you mix wet and dry ingredients in a bowl? Gluten-free dough can be a little stickier than regular dough, so don’t worry if it’s not perfect. I use my stand mixer with a dough hook. It helps.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Set aside. What is Italian seasoning, pepperoni, and Mix well. You can really customize this filling to your liking. Get creative!
Step 6: Assemble
Divide dough into 4 equal portions. On a lightly floured surface (use gluten-free flour! ), roll out each portion into a circle about 6 inches in diameter. Spoon about 12 cup of filling onto one half of each circle. What is the shape of a half moon? Pinch the edges tightly to seal. Crimp the edge with a fork for extra security. I always do this, it makes them look fancy.
Step 7: Bake
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Set aside. How do you brush calzones with egg wash? This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
Step 8: Cool & Serve
Let the calzones cool slightly before slicing and serving. Be careful, the filling will be hot! If you like, you can brush them with melted butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
What is the best way to serve it?
These gluten-free calzones are great on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of other foods. For a complete meal, consider serving them with fresh salad or roasted vegetables. What is a good tomato soup to dip them in? Can you serve them as appetizers at a party or gathering?
For a casual lunch:Serve with a simple green salad and light vinaigrette. What are some good side dishes to serve with Fruit Salad?
For a dinner party:Offer a variety of different calzones with various fillings. Serve with roasted asparagus or a Caprese salad.
For a Cozy Night In:What’s a good bowl of tomato soup with Ice Cream? What is my go-to when the weather outside is frightful?
Growing up, we always had these with a big Caesar salad. My mom swore it was the perfect balance of flavors and textures, and I have to agree. What are some great dips in ranch, marinara or pesto?
What are some of the best ways to make gluten-free calzones?
Want to take your gluten-free calzones to the next level? Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years:
Dough Hydration: Gluten-free dough can be tricky. If your dough seems too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it comes together. If it’s too sticky, add a little more Gluten-Free Flour. It’s better to err on the side of slightly sticky, as it’s easier to work with than dry dough.
Filling Flavor: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings. Try adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, spinach, or olives. You can also use different types of cheeses, such as provolone, fontina, or goat cheese.
Sealing the Edges: Make sure to seal the edges of the calzones tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Pinch the edges firmly with your fingers, then crimp them with a fork for extra security. I’ve had some major filling explosions in the oven, so trust me on this one!
Baking Time: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the calzones and bake them until they are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the tops are browning too quickly, you can loosely tent them with foil.
Cooling Time: Let the calzones cool slightly before slicing and serving. This will allow the filling to set up a bit and prevent it from being too runny. Plus, it will save you from burning your mouth!
Ingredient Swaps: For a vegan version, use vegan ricotta and mozzarella cheese substitutes. I’ve tested this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier! You can also use plant-based pepperoni or other vegan pizza toppings.
Baking Tips: If you notice your calzones browning unevenly, rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking. This will help ensure even cooking. I always do this to make sure they are perfect!
Glaze Variations: For a savory glaze, try brushing the calzones with olive oil and sprinkling with herbs before baking. You can also use a mixture of melted butter and garlic powder.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftover gluten-free calzones (which is rare in my house!), here’s How to store and reheat them:
Room Temperature: Calzones can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, they should be refrigerated.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They will stay fresh and delicious.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the calzones. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat calzones, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may not be as crispy. I prefer the oven method.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re freezing the calzones, it’s best to add the egg wash *after* thawing and before reheating. This will give them the best possible texture and appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These gluten-free calzones are truly a game-changer for anyone who loves Italian food but needs to avoid gluten. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner, a party, or just a cozy night in, they are sure to be a hit. They bring back so many great memories for me, and I hope they create some new ones for you too!
If you love this recipe, be sure to check out some of my other gluten-free creations, like my gluten-free pizza crust and my gluten-free lasagna. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Let me know in the comments if you make any fun modifications of your own. I’m always looking for new ideas!
gluten-free calzones
Ingredients
Dough
- 1.5 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.75 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Filling
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup cooked Italian sausage crumbled
- 0.25 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt. Add warm water and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a 6-inch circle.
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian sausage, and marinara sauce.
- Spoon about 1/4 of the filling onto one half of each dough circle. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to form a calzone. Pinch the edges to seal.
- Place the calzones on the prepared baking sheet. Cut a few slits in the top of each calzone to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
