How To Roll Out Pizza Dough For Calzones (2024)

Mastering the Art of Rolling Out Pizza Dough for Calzones

Calzones are a delicious and satisfying meal that combines the flavors of pizza with the convenience of a handheld pocket. One of the key elements to creating the perfect calzone is mastering the art of rolling out the pizza dough. With the right technique and a little practice, you can achieve the ideal thickness and shape for your calzone crust. Here are some tips to help you roll out pizza dough for calzones like a pro:

Start with the Right Dough

Before you can begin rolling out your pizza dough for calzones, it’s important to start with the right type of dough. You’ll want a dough that is elastic and easy to work with. Whether you’re using store-bought dough or making your own from scratch, be sure to let the dough come to room temperature before you begin rolling it out. This will make it more pliable and easier to shape.

Prepare Your Work Surface

Before you start rolling out the dough, prepare your work surface to prevent sticking. Lightly flour the surface to create a non-stick barrier for the dough. You can also lightly flour your rolling pin to ensure that the dough doesn’t adhere to it as you roll.

Divide and Conquer

Divide the dough into equal portions, depending on how many calzones you plan to make. Working with smaller portions of dough will make it easier to roll out and shape each calzone. Use a sharp knife or a dough cutter to divide the dough evenly.

Rolling Out the Dough

Now it’s time to roll out the dough for your calzones. Follow these steps for a perfect crust:

  1. Place one portion of dough on the floured surface and press it into a flat disc with your hands.
  2. Using a rolling pin, start in the center of the dough and roll outward, applying even pressure as you go. Rotate the dough frequently to ensure an even thickness and round shape.
  3. Continue rolling the dough until it reaches the desired thickness, typically around 1/4 inch. Be careful not to roll the dough too thin, as it may tear when filled and folded.

Shaping the Dough

Once the dough is rolled out to the proper thickness, it’s time to shape it for your calzone. Place the filling on one half of the dough, leaving a border around the edges. Carefully fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Use your fingers to press and seal the edges of the calzone, ensuring that no filling escapes during baking.

Practice Makes Perfect

Rolling out pizza dough for calzones may take some practice to get it just right. Don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts aren’t perfect. With time and experience, you’ll develop a feel for the dough and be able to roll it out with confidence.

Remember, the key to success is using the right dough, preparing your work surface, dividing the dough into manageable portions, and rolling it out with care. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating delicious, perfectly rolled calzones every time.

So, the next time you’re craving a satisfying and flavorful meal, roll out your pizza dough with confidence and enjoy the delicious results!

Want to learn more about rolling out pizza dough for calzones? Join the discussion in the Cooking Techniques forum and share your tips and tricks with fellow cooking enthusiasts!

FAQ:

What type of flour should I use for rolling out pizza dough for calzones?

You should use all-purpose flour for rolling out pizza dough for calzones. All-purpose flour has a moderate protein content, which helps create a tender and slightly chewy texture for the calzone dough.

How thin should I roll out the pizza dough for calzones?

Roll out the pizza dough for calzones to about 1/4 inch thickness. This thickness allows the dough to hold the filling without becoming too dense or tough when baked.

Should I let the pizza dough rest before rolling it out for calzones?

Yes, it’s best to let the pizza dough rest for about 10-15 minutes before rolling it out for calzones. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out and preventing it from shrinking back when rolled.

Can I use a rolling pin to roll out the pizza dough for calzones?

Yes, you can use a rolling pin to roll out the pizza dough for calzones. Roll the dough gently and evenly, starting from the center and working your way outwards to achieve an even thickness.

How do I prevent the pizza dough from sticking to the rolling surface?

To prevent the pizza dough from sticking to the rolling surface, lightly dust the work surface and the top of the dough with flour. This will help the dough to roll out smoothly without sticking.

How To Roll Out Pizza Dough For Calzones (2024)

FAQs

How to roll out dough for calzones? ›

Rolling Out the Dough

Now it's time to roll out the dough for your calzones. Follow these steps for a perfect crust: Place one portion of dough on the floured surface and press it into a flat disc with your hands. Using a rolling pin, start in the center of the dough and roll outward, applying even pressure as you go.

Is calzone dough different from pizza dough? ›

Both are prepared with flour, water, salt, and yeast; that's the solution. In contrast, the eggs and olive oil used in most calzone dough give it a deeper flavor and a softer texture. Eggs and oil are not common ingredients in pizza dough, contributing to its crispiness and durability.

How to roll out pizza dough without it shrinking? ›

Press your pizza dough before you stretch it.

Next, use the middle three fingers on each of your hands to press the dough out from the center, widening that flat disc into a large circle about 6 inches across and about 1/2 inch thick. The dough should be soft and pliable and shouldn't shrink back when you press it.

How do you keep calzones from getting soggy? ›

Cut several slits in the calzone to allow steam to escape. Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden and bubbling. Check the calzones halfway through baking and rotate the pan to evenly brown all of them. Allow calzones to cool on a cooling rack to prevent the bottom from getting soggy.

Is a calzone just a folded pizza crust? ›

A calzone is an Italian dish that features a circular piece of pizza or yeasted bread dough that's folded in half over a filling that includes ricotta, and often mozzarella and Parmesan, too, cured meats, vegetables and herbs, then sealed shut using a crimping technique.

Does a calzone take longer to cook than a pizza? ›

Calzone does take slightly longer than standard pizza to cook because of the folded dough, so allow a couple of extra minutes. Once you have a puffed crust which is darkly charred in spots, remove from the oven with your turning peel and slide into a serving platter.

Do calzones have pizza sauce inside? ›

Calzones never have tomato sauce inside the dough. They're always dipped. While stromboli is also dip-able, it's totally cool to put some sauce inside stromboli, pre-roll. Whether you're team stromboli or team calzone, these distinctions shouldn't inspire hate.

Should pizza dough be warm or cold to roll out? ›

Under-proofed pizza dough is hard to stretch and dense. An over-proofed dough will stretch too thin and won't spring up when you put it in the oven. Warm-up your dough: Cold dough is hard to stretch and more prone to tearing. Let your dough warm up to at least room temperature before stretching for best results.

How long should pizza dough rest before rolling? ›

If you're planning to make pizza today, then give the dough a rise. Clean out the mixing bowl, coat it with a little oil, and transfer the dough back inside. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let the dough rise until doubled in size, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

Why is pizza dough so hard to roll out? ›

Why pizza dough snaps back: gluten. The culprits of this doughy push-and-pull are the tight and stubborn gluten strands within the dough. Actions like kneading, folding, and shaping all strengthen the gluten network, but sometimes they make it so strong that the dough becomes resistant to stretching.

How to roll out pizza dough without rolling pin? ›

You can use a clean, empty wine bottle, a tall drinking glass, or a cylindrical jar with smooth sides as a makeshift rolling pin. These items can be effective for rolling out dough if you don't have a traditional rolling pin on hand.

Is a calzone just a rolled up pizza? ›

A calzone is an Italian dish that features a circular piece of pizza or yeasted bread dough that's folded in half over a filling that includes ricotta, and often mozzarella and Parmesan, too, cured meats, vegetables and herbs, then sealed shut using a crimping technique.

What do you roll out dough on? ›

Silicone pastry mats are excellent nonstick work surfaces. Dough that would normally require a lot of flour to prevent sticking, suddenly does not. The dough will slide and turn and roll easily. It works for literally everything—cookies, pie dough, babka dough, Danishes.

Can I fold a pizza in half to make a calzone? ›

A Calzone essentially is a pizza folded in half to form a pizza pocket.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Neely Ledner

Last Updated:

Views: 6167

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (62 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Neely Ledner

Birthday: 1998-06-09

Address: 443 Barrows Terrace, New Jodyberg, CO 57462-5329

Phone: +2433516856029

Job: Central Legal Facilitator

Hobby: Backpacking, Jogging, Magic, Driving, Macrame, Embroidery, Foraging

Introduction: My name is Neely Ledner, I am a bright, determined, beautiful, adventurous, adventurous, spotless, calm person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.