Mortadella and Cheese Calzone Witch

Experience the mouthwatering fusion of a calzone and an Italian deli sandwich with the Mortadella and Cheese Calzonewich—a creation that originated during my days at Pyzano’s pizzeria. This culinary masterpiece combines an 8-ounce dough ball filled with thinly sliced mortadella and shredded mozzarella, baked to perfection. After emerging from the oven, the calzone is slit open and generously filled sandwich-style with prosciutto, lettuce, tomato, and a delightful vinaigrette dressing, resulting in an exquisite contrast of warm, cheesy goodness and cool, fresh flavors. The Calzonewich offers a delightful twist on traditional calzones, bringing together the best of both worlds—a harmonious blend of Italian flavors that is sure to delight your taste buds.

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
• 1 tablespoon (14 grams) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) red wine vinegar
• Dried oregano, for seasoning
• Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1½ ounces (45 grams) thinly sliced mortadella
• 2½ ounces (70 grams) part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded (2/3 cup)
• 1 egg (optional), for egg wash
• 1½ ounces (45 grams) thinly sliced prosciutto
• Dijon or spicy brown mustard, for spreading
• Mayonnaise, for spreading
• 4 small slices tomato
• 3 or 4 butter lettuce leaves

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. Position a rack in the center of the oven, place a pizza stone or baking steel on the rack, and preheat the oven to 500°F for 1 hour.

YIELD:

• One 10-inch Calzonewich

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. Fold the mortadella slices and arrange them on half of the dough, leaving a ½-inch border. Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the mortadella.
4. Fold the dough over to enclose the toppings and seal with a decorative edge. Brush with egg wash if desired.
5. Slide the calzone onto the top stone and bake.
6. Let the calzone rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
7. Cut the rounded edge horizontally from side to side without cutting through the straight side.
8. Open the calzone and fill sandwich-style with prosciutto, mustard, mayonnaise, tomato slices, lettuce, and vinaigrette.

TIPS:

• To prevent overstuffing, ensure a ½-inch border around the filling when folding and sealing the calzone.
• Experiment with different deli meats and condiments to personalize your Calzonewich.

The Mortadella and Cheese Calzonewich is a culinary marvel that takes the classic calzone to new heights by infusing it with the essence of a delightful Italian deli sandwich. With a perfectly rolled-out 8-ounce dough ball, you embark on a flavorful journey that celebrates the contrast between warm, cheesy goodness and cool, fresh ingredients. This creation was born during my days at Pyzano’s pizzeria, where we sought to craft a unique dish that beautifully marries the essence of both a calzone and a traditional Italian deli sandwich.

The beauty of the Calzonewich lies in its versatility and ability to cater to individual preferences. Thinly sliced mortadella and shredded mozzarella form the heart of this delectable creation, complemented by the exquisite flavors of prosciutto, lettuce, tomato, mustard, mayonnaise, and a delightful vinaigrette dressing. The sandwich-style filling creates an enchanting symphony of tastes that captivate the palate with every bite.

While the Calzonewich comes alive in the oven, yielding a beautifully browned and crisp crust, the real magic happens when it is gently slit open to reveal the treasure trove of flavors within. The warm, cheesy center plays in perfect harmony with the cool and fresh components, offering a delightful medley of textures and tastes.

As you savor the Mortadella and Cheese Calzonewich, you may find yourself inspired to experiment with various deli meats, condiments, and fillings to create your perfect combination. The Calzonewich is a canvas that invites your personal touch and culinary creativity, promising an exceptional dining experience tailored to your preferences.

Mortadella and Cheese Calzonewich is a culinary delight that brings together the best of both the calzone and Italian deli sandwich worlds. Its distinctive flavors and textures make it a standout dish that will undoubtedly become a favorite for pizza and sandwich enthusiasts alike. Embrace the contrast of warm and cool, the fusion of flavors, and the art of combining classic Italian ingredients into a harmonious masterpiece—the Mortadella and Cheese Calzonewich.