Calzone with Meatballs or Spinach

Indulge in the heavenly flavors of the Calzone with Meatballs or Spinach—a savory Italian delight that combines a perfectly rolled-out 8-ounce dough ball with scrumptious fillings. This versatile recipe offers two mouthwatering choices: a tempting combination of cooked meatballs, mozzarella, ricotta, garlic, and seasonings, or a delightful blend of mozzarella and sautéed spinach, drizzled with garlic oil and sprinkled with oregano. The magic of calzone lies in the art of properly sealing the dough, ensuring a perfect pocket of goodness to savor. Mastering the calzone opens up endless possibilities to experiment with various pizza ingredients, always keeping the cheese and filling quantities in check to prevent overstuffing. Whether you crave the comforting flavors of meatballs or the refreshing taste of spinach, the Calzone with Meatballs or Spinach promises an exquisite Italian culinary adventure that will have you craving more.

INGREDIENTS:

• One 8-ounce (225-gram) ball Master Dough, preferably with starter, made with Poolish
• 1 part flour mixed with 1 part semolina, for dusting
• 4 ounces (115 grams) cooked Meatballs, broken into quarter-size pieces (1 cup) for Meatball Calzone
• 2½ ounces (70 grams) part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded (2/3 cup) for Meatball Calzone
• 1½ ounces (45 grams/3½ tablespoons) whole-milk ricotta cheese, preferably New York–style Polly-O or Ricotta Cream for Meatball Calzone
• ½ teaspoon (1.5 grams) minced garlic for Meatball Calzone
• Grated Pecorino Romano cheese and dried oregano for Meatball Calzone
• 1 egg (optional), for egg wash
• Garlic Oil, for brushing and drizzling
• Red pepper flakes for Meatball Calzone
• ½ cup (125 grams) Meatball Marinara, warm for Meatball Calzone
• 2½ ounces (70 grams) part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded (2/3 cup) for Spinach Calzone
• ½ cup (95 grams) well-drained Sautéed Spinach for Spinach Calzone

PREPARATIONS:

1. Remove the dough ball from the refrigerator and leave wrapped at room temperature until the dough warms to 60°F to 65°F.
2. Set up the oven with two pizza stones or baking steels and preheat to 500°F for 1 hour.

YIELD:

• One 10-inch Calzone

GRILLING INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Dust the work surface with the dusting mixture and move the dough to the surface.
2. Roll out the dough into a 10-inch round.
3. To make the Meatball Calzone, arrange the meatballs, mozzarella, ricotta, garlic, and seasonings over half of the dough. Fold the dough over to enclose the toppings, seal with a decorative edge, and brush with the egg wash if desired. Slide the calzone onto the top stone and bake.
4. To make the Spinach Calzone, spread mozzarella over half of the dough, add sautéed spinach, drizzle with garlic oil, and season with pecorino and oregano. Fold, seal, and brush with egg wash if desired. Bake.

TIPS:

• Avoid overstuffing the calzone to prevent blowouts from excessive steam.

The Calzone with Meatballs or Spinach is a delightful Italian creation that elevates the art of pizza-making to new heights. With an 8-ounce dough ball perfectly rolled out, you have the canvas to craft an irresistible pocket of goodness filled with your choice of savory flavors. In this recipe, you have the option to indulge in the comforting taste of cooked meatballs, mozzarella, ricotta, garlic, and seasonings in the Meatball Calzone, or embrace the refreshing notes of sautéed spinach, mozzarella, garlic oil, pecorino, and oregano in the Spinach Calzone. Whichever filling you choose, the calzone experience is one that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.

The magic of calzone lies in its simplicity and the importance of avoiding overstuffing. As you perfect the technique of rolling out the dough and sealing it properly, you unlock endless possibilities to experiment with various pizza ingredients. Whether you’re tempted by the classics or eager to explore bold new combinations, calzone allows you to infuse your personal touch into each pocket of deliciousness.

As you savor each bite of the Calzone with Meatballs or Spinach, you’ll appreciate the symphony of flavors that unfold—a harmony of cheese, seasonings, and fillings coming together in perfect balance. The calzone is not only a sumptuous meal but also an art form—a culinary creation crafted with care and precision.

This Italian classic offers a unique dining experience, whether you enjoy it as a cozy meal for one or share the joy with friends and family. Its versatility allows you to adapt the recipe to suit your preferences, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.

In conclusion, the Calzone with Meatballs or Spinach is a culinary adventure that allows you to explore the wonders of Italian flavors within a perfect pocket of dough. Embrace the art of calzone-making, experiment with fillings, and discover the joy of savoring each slice of this Italian masterpiece.