Image by Roberto Valdivia

Pizza Calzone

Ah, the Pizza Calzone. A delicacy that is sure to ignite your taste buds and have you coming back for more! This delectable Italian-style dish is essentially a folded pizza with a filling of cheese, meats, or vegetables. It can be round, square, or even an elongated rectangle, sure to satisfy any hungry person’s craving.

Pizza Calzone


The origins of the Pizza Calzone are quite obscure, however, it’s believed they were first created in the 19th century by Neapolitan street vendors. It has since become a beloved dish across the world, with most of the innovation coming from modern pizza parlors.

The beauty of the Pizza Calzone lies in its versatility. Each chef has their own distinct style, creating options for any gastronomical palate. Whether you’re looking for a delicious savory filling, or a sweet and fruity treat, there is something for everyone. Consider classics such as the traditional margherita, or go wild with chicken, bacon, and jalapenos.

Moreover, you can customize your Pizza Calzone to fit your dietary needs. Whether you’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, or gluten-free, many pizza parlors offer gluten-free and vegan crusts, as well as meatless, cheese-free fillings.

What makes the Pizza Calzone even more inviting, however, is its portability. Unlike standard pizzas, Calzones can be eaten on the go, eliminating the need for cutlery or plates. Plus, it’s a great way to keep your hands clean while enjoying a delicious meal.

If you’re looking for a truly saporous experience, then the Pizza Calzone is the dish for you! With its diverse options and convenience, you’re virtually guaranteed to find one that will tantalize your taste buds and have you coming back for more.

The origin of Pizza Calzone

Pizza calzone is one of the most scrumptious Italian dishes out there; a savory, mouthwatering meal made up of dough, sauce and cheese. But where did this delicious dish originate from?

Though the exact origin of pizza calzone is uncertain, its roots in traditional Italian cooking are undeniable. It's thought that it may have first been invented by the chefs at the prestigious “Ristorante da Michele” restaurant in Naples, who, in the early 1800s, created the recipe from leftover pieces of dough and ingredients. In this form, the dish was known by many different names, including “calzoni”, or “stuffed pizzas.”

As for how the beloved item made its way to the United States, the answer lies in 19th century Italian immigrants. In the early 1900s, many Italian immigrants to the States brought their traditional cuisine with them, and pizza calzone was no exception. Embittered with the difficult process of acclimating to a culture that was so starkly different from theirs, they relied on these shared dishes as a powerful symbol of solidarity and community. The dish became so prominent in the Italian culture that soon enough, everyone was calling it “calzone”, instead of its original name.

Today, pizza calzone has a strong international presence, popularized on social media platforms and amongst foodies alike. Its success comes as no surprise, as this hearty, cheesy dish can be prepped quickly and with minimal ingredients — a recipe for success.

Who knew that such a exquisite dish had such humble beginnings? As the old adage goes, “the best things come in small packages”, and pizza calzone is certainly no exception!

FAQs about Pizza Calzone

How is calzone different from pizza?

Calzones are similar to pizza but are folded over into a semi-circle shape and sealed shut with either a brushed egg or melted cheese. They usually contain the same ingredients as pizza such as marinara sauce, cheese, and various meats and vegetables, but some may also include ricotta or other creamy fillings. Calzones are typically served hot, often with a side of additional marinara sauce for dipping.


Is a calzone just a folded pizza?

Yes, a calzone is essentially a folded pizza. It is a type of Italian oven-baked turnover consisting of pizza dough folded in half over a filling such as cheese, vegetables, and various meats.


Is calzone healthier than pizza?

Calzones can be healthier than pizza depending on what ingredients you put in them. Calzones tend to have more filling and less dough than pizza, making them a healthier option. If you fill your calzone with lean meats, low-fat cheese, and plenty of vegetables, it can be a much healthier choice than pizza.


What's in the pizza calzone?

A typical pizza calzone is a folded over pizza dough that typically contains cheese, meats, and vegetables inside, such as pepperoni, sausage, olives, mushrooms, and onions.


Types of Pizza Calzone

The pizza calzone is an Italian delicacy that can be found in many pizzerias across the world. Its doughy crust and delicious fillings make it a favourite amongst pizza-lovers everywhere. But what exactly is a pizza calzone – and what kind of fillings are available?

At its core, a pizza calzone resembles a turnover or folded pizza. The dough is thick and crispy on the outside yet light and fluffy within, providing the perfect base for delicious fillings. Calzones can be crammed full with vegetables like mushrooms, peppers and aubergines, and meats like ham, chicken and salami. Cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta and gorgonzola can also be added to the mix.

The choice of fillings is vast – from classic combinations like pepperoni and cheese to more daring options like chilli beef and sweetcorn. The possibilities for creating unique flavours and combinations are quite literally endless!

The basics of creating a pizza calzone are relatively simple. Start by rolling out the dough, then add your preferred fillings before folding one side over the other. Crimp the edges together to seal in all the flavours, brush the top with egg yolk or olive oil, sprinkle with herbs and bake at around 200°C until golden brown.

But the pizza calzone isn't just limited to savoury fillings. Sweeter versions are also popular, particularly in Southern Italy. Sweet ricotta cheese mixed with chocolate chips, juicy blueberries or creamy Nutella all make for delicious alternatives – the only limit is your own imagination.

Pizza calzone is truly a crowd-pleaser. Easy to make, highly versatile, and always scrumptious, it's no wonder why this delicious treat has become a pizza staple. So whether you're after something a little different, or just want to enjoy a classic combination, there's sure to be a pizza calzone perfect for you!