Dinner

Savory Italian Sausage and Veggie Calzones Recipe

Name: Savory Italian Sausage and Veggie Calzones Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz. Italian sausage, cooked into crumbles; 1 cup pizza sauce; ½ cup pepperoni, sliced; ½ cup chopped onion; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 1 cup sliced mushrooms; 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 lbs. pizza dough (store-bought or homemade); 1 egg; 2 tsp water

ByMaya Arden November 23, 2025November 23, 2025

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Introduction

Calzones are a delicious, portable twist on pizza that’s perfect for a cozy meal or a fun gathering. Filled with savory sausage, fresh vegetables, and melted mozzarella, these golden pockets of flavor are sure to please the whole family.

A close-up view of two golden-brown calzones resting on crinkled parchment paper over a white marbled surface, one calzone cut open showing a gooey layer of melted cheese stretching between the halves, the crust smooth and shiny with small green herb sprinkles on top adding texture and contrast; in the background, a white bowl filled with rich red marinara sauce and another white bowl with chopped green herbs are partially visible photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz. Italian sausage, cooked into crumbles
2 lbs. pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup pizza sauce
½ cup pepperoni

½ cup chopped onion
1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 cup sliced mushrooms
1½ cups shredded mozzarella
1 egg + 2 tsp water (for the egg wash)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal pieces and shape each into a ball.
Step 3: On a floured surface, roll out each dough ball into a circle.

Step 4: Spoon the pizza sauce onto half of each dough circle, then add Italian sausage, pepperoni, onion, green bell pepper, mushrooms, and mozzarella on top of the sauce.
Step 5: Dip your finger into water and run it along the edges of the dough to moisten.
Step 6: Fold the dough over the fillings to form a half-moon shape, and pinch the edges tightly to seal.

Step 7: Use a sharp knife to cut two small slits on the top of each calzone to allow steam to escape.
Step 8: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the tops of the calzones for a golden finish.
Step 9: Bake the calzones in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, skip the sausage and pepperoni and add extra vegetables like spinach or olives.
Try adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano inside for an extra burst of flavor.
Make sure to seal the edges well to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.

Storage

Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep the crust crisp. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Four golden brown baked calzones rest on a baking sheet lined with light brown parchment paper; each calzone has a slightly shiny, crisp crust with darker brown spots and sprinkled small green herbs on top, their folded edges sealed and textured. The baking sheet is placed on a white marbled surface, with parts of a white bowl with green herbs at the top left and a white bowl with red sauce at the top right just visible. A striped cloth in white and red lays partially at the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze calzones?

Yes, calzones freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes.

What can I use instead of pizza dough?

You can substitute pizza dough with puff pastry or biscuit dough for a different texture, though traditional pizza dough offers the best classic calzone experience.