Pepperoni Calzones

Start with your favorite Pizza Dough Recipe. If you don't have one, see below for my recipe.







Let dough rise for about 20 minutes.








Divide into 6 equal parts (Yes, I can count. :) 5 are pictured here because one is on the board rolled out)







Roll the dough out into a 6 inch circle. Flour the dough a little to keep the dough from sticking to the board.







Spread your favorite Tomato Sauce (I used Hunt's Spaghetti Sauce) which has nice seasonings in the sauce -- or use plain tomato sauce and add seasonings such as garlic, basil, oregano, and pepper





Top the sauce with sliced canned mushrooms and sliced black peppers (or your favorite toppings)







Top with a thin layer of pepperoni slices (or you could use cooked crumbled sausage if you wish)







Top with about 1/4 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese








Fold dough over and pinch sides to seal the crust








Carefully transfer to a baking pan, or pizza stone.

Let rest for 15 minutes.






Whisk an egg to brush the tops just before putting in the oven








Brush tops with eggwash.
I sometimes sprinkle the dough with oregano and Parmesan cheese before baking -- feel free to play with the recipe. It makes it more fun.







Bake at 375 F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Serve with extra heated Tomato sauce.






Pepperoni Calzone Recipe
Serves 6

Dough
1 package Yeast, Active Dry
1 cup Water -- warm
1 Tbsp Sugar
2 Tbsp Oil
1 tsp Salt
3 cups Flour

Toppings:
8 ounces Tomato Sauce
4 ounces Mushrooms, Canned -- stems and pieces
1 tsp Basil, Dried
1 tsp Oregano
1 clove Garlic -- crushed
4 ounces Olives, Ripe -- sliced
8 ounces Pepperoni -- I like Hormel mild
1 small Green Bell Pepper -- chopped (optional)
1 - 1 1/2 cups Cheese, Mozzarella -- shredded
1 large Egg -- beaten

Instructions

Dough preparation:

Disolve yeast in warm water. Add sugar, oil, salt and 1 cup of flour. Mix together well. Add flour ½ cup at a time to make a nice dough. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Put in a greased bowl and cover; allow to rise about 20 minutes. Divide into six equal portions and roll out into 6 to 7-inch circle on a lightly floured board.

Mix tomato sauce, mushrooms, basil, oregano, garlic, and olives together and spread over half of each circle within one inch of the edge. Top with pepperoni, green peppers and cheese. Carefully fold dough over filling and pinch edges to seal securely. Place on a greased cookie sheet and allow to rest about 15 minutes.Brush with beaten egg to give dough a nice sheen. Bake in 375° F oven for 20-25 minutes. Enjoy!