Week 3 #KickUpLunch Challenge

Homemade Calzones

By Henry Hunter

Introduction

Welcome to Week 3 of our #KickUpLunch Challenge! This week, we’re taking your lunch game to the next level with homemade calzones. These delicious, portable pockets of joy are perfect for a hearty lunch that will keep you satisfied all afternoon. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile – you can fill them with your favorite ingredients for a personalized lunch experience. Let’s dive into making these Italian-inspired treats!

Calzone Dough Recipe

Ingredients:

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 7g (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
• 10g (2 tsp) sugar
• 10g (2 tsp) salt
• 30ml (2 tbsp) olive oil
• 300ml (1 1/4 cups) warm water

Method:

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. Add olive oil and warm water. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
5. Punch down the dough and divide into 4 equal portions.

Classic Italian Filling

Ingredients:

• 200g (7 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 100g (3.5 oz) pepperoni, sliced
• 100g (3.5 oz) cooked Italian sausage, crumbled
• 120ml (1/2 cup) marinara sauce
• 60g (1/4 cup) ricotta cheese
• 30g (1/3 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Assembly and Baking:

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Roll each dough portion into a circle about 20cm (8 inches) in diameter.
3. Spread 2 tbsp marinara sauce on half of each circle, leaving a border.
4. Layer with mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage, and a dollop of ricotta.
5. Sprinkle with Parmesan, oregano, and basil.
6. Fold the dough over and crimp edges to seal.
7. Place on a baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and cut small slits for venting.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Tips for Calzone Success:

1. Don’t overfill your calzones – it can lead to bursting during baking.
2. Experiment with different fillings – try vegetarian options or your favorite pizza toppings.
3. Make a double batch of dough and freeze half for quick future lunches.
4. Serve with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve just mastered the art of homemade calzones. These delicious pockets are sure to #KickUpLunch and impress your coworkers or family. Remember to share your calzone creations on social media with the hashtag #KickUpLunch – we can’t wait to see your unique combinations and perfect golden crusts!

Happy baking and enjoy your gourmet lunch upgrade!

Thank you for being the best part of Baking Great Bread at Home. If you’re not a subscriber yet, consider joining our community where you’ll find exclusive benefits like our Sourdough Starter Guide, quizzes, and more.

Ready to take your bread-making journey to the next level? Check out all our resources below, and if you’re not a member of our private Facebook community, join us here: Baking Great Bread at Home. https://bit.ly/3srdSYS

Happy baking!