Homemade Sausage, Mushroom & Olive Calzones: Your Go-To Portable Pizza
Imagine your favorite pizza, but perfectly folded and sealed into a golden-brown pocket of deliciousness. That’s exactly what you get with these incredible sausage, mushroom, and olive calzones. They’re the ultimate answer to making pizza night portable, easy to pack, and delightfully personal. Say goodbye to messy slices and hello to a handheld marvel!
My Culinary Journey: From Sweet Treats to Savory Pizzas
If you know one thing about me, it’s my undeniable passion for baking sweets. From intricate pastries to comforting cookies, the sweet side of the kitchen truly captures my heart. Just take a look at some of my other creations! But if you were to learn a second fundamental truth about my culinary preferences, it would be my profound love for baking pizza. Pizza night isn’t just a meal in our home; it’s a cherished, near-weekly tradition, a ritual of gathering and enjoying homemade goodness.
Why Choose Calzones Over Traditional Pizza?
While traditional pizza holds a special place, sometimes you crave something a little different, something a little more contained and convenient. That’s where calzones shine! Often dubbed the “original hot pocket,” calzones take all the beloved elements of a pizza – the crispy crust, gooey cheese, and flavorful fillings – and enclose them in a perfectly portioned, half-moon package. This ingenious design makes them incredibly versatile. You can fill them with virtually any ingredients your heart desires, transforming them into a personalized culinary adventure. However, I must confess, this specific combination of savory sausage, earthy mushrooms, and briny black olives is one I’m particularly fond of, and I believe you will be too.
The Perfect Portable Meal: Versatility and Convenience
These calzones are more than just a delicious dinner; they’re incredibly practical for a variety of occasions. Imagine bringing them to a festive picnic, packing them as a hearty and satisfying lunch box meal, or serving them as an impressive dish at a game day potluck. Their individually portioned nature means no fuss with plates and forks – just grab and enjoy! You have complete control over their size, allowing you to tailor them to your needs, whether you’re preparing a few for your small family or a large batch to feed a hungry crowd.
Mastering the Filling: Sausage, Mushrooms & Olives
The heart of any great calzone lies in its filling, and this combination is a true winner. The savory, slightly spicy notes of ground sausage perfectly complement the earthy depth of cremini or button mushrooms. The addition of sliced black olives introduces a briny counterpoint, cutting through the richness and adding a delightful tang. Minced garlic and fresh herbs like sage, rosemary, or thyme elevate the flavors, creating an aromatic blend that’s simply irresistible. Finally, a generous mix of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese ensures every bite is loaded with gooey, cheesy goodness. Don’t skip the step of browning the sausage and sautéing the mushrooms; this process deepens their flavors and ensures no excess moisture makes your calzones soggy.
Crafting the Perfect Calzone: Tips for Success
Making calzones is a rewarding experience, and a few simple tips can ensure yours turn out perfectly every time:
- The Dough is Key: While this recipe pairs wonderfully with a dedicated all-butter pizza crust, you can use your favorite homemade pizza dough recipe or even a good quality store-bought one. Ensure your dough is at room temperature for easier rolling.
- Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to load up your calzones, but overfilling can lead to bursting during baking or difficulty in sealing. Aim for about ½ cup of filling per 6-inch dough round.
- Seal it Tight: The crimping step is crucial for keeping all that delicious filling inside. Use a fork to press down firmly along the edges after folding the dough into a half-moon. This not only seals the calzone but also creates a beautiful decorative edge.
- The Egg Wash Advantage: Brushing your calzones with an egg wash (egg mixed with a little water) before baking gives them that gorgeous, golden-brown crust and a slight sheen, making them even more appealing.
- Baking Temperature: A hot oven (400°F) is essential for quickly cooking the dough and melting the cheese without drying out the filling.
How to Freeze Calzones for Later: Your Future Self Will Thank You!
One of the best things about these calzones is how well they freeze, making them an ideal candidate for meal prepping. Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick and easy meal later, saving you time and effort on busy days!
Here’s how to properly freeze your homemade calzones:
- Cool Completely: After baking your calzones according to the recipe instructions, allow them to cool down completely to room temperature. This is crucial to prevent condensation and ice crystals from forming inside the packaging, which can lead to a soggy texture when reheated.
- Wrap Tightly: Individually wrap each cooled calzone tightly in plastic wrap. Ensure there are no air gaps, as air is the enemy of freezer burn.
- Secondary Protection: Place the plastic-wrapped calzones into a freezer-safe plastic bag or an airtight container. This provides an additional layer of protection against freezer burn and helps maintain their freshness and flavor.
- Label and Store: Label the bag or container with the date. Store them in the freezer for up to 2 months for best quality.
- Reheating Instructions: When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen calzone, remove it from the plastic wrap.
- Microwave Method: For a quick reheat, microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through. Be aware that the crust might not be as crispy.
- Oven Method (Recommended for Crispy Crust): For a crisper crust, warm them in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until thoroughly heated and the cheese is melty.
This delightful recipe was developed in partnership with Go Bold with Butter, who also provided this awesome all-butter pizza crust recipe that perfectly complements the rich flavors of the calzone filling. Using a butter-rich crust adds an incredible depth of flavor and flakiness that sets these calzones apart.
Calzones with Sausage and Mushrooms
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Ingredients
- 1 recipe Pizza Crust
- ½ pound ground sausage
- 2 cups cremini or button mushrooms , sliced
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- Salt and pepper , to taste
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 2.25 ounce can sliced mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs such as sage, rosemary or thyme , chopped
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese , shredded
- ½ cup parmesan cheese , grated
- 1 egg + 1 teaspoon water , for egg wash
- 2 cups marinara sauce , for serving
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F. Line 2 sheet pans with parchment paper.
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Prepare Butter Pizza Crust. Divide dough into 8 equal pieces and roll out into thin circle about 6 inches wide. Transfer to sheet pans.
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In large skillet set over medium high heat, brown sausage. Transfer to paper towel lined plate to drain. Drain all but 1 tablespoon of sausage grease from pan. Return pan to heat, add sliced mushrooms, olives and garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until mushrooms are browned. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
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In bowl, combine sausage, mushrooms, herbs, mozzarella and parmesan. Spoon about ½ cup of mixture into center of each pizza dough round.
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Fold dough over to make half-moon shape. Crimp edges to seal. Brush with egg wash and bake until golden, 25-30 minutes. Serve with marinara sauce, for dipping.
Thank you for supporting partnerships with brands I believe in, which make it easier for me to bring you new and exciting content. All opinions are always my own.
Conclusion: A Calzone for Every Occasion
Whether you’re looking for a fun twist on pizza night, a practical meal to take on the go, or a make-ahead option that simplifies your week, these Sausage, Mushroom, and Olive Calzones are sure to become a cherished recipe in your culinary repertoire. Their comforting flavors, satisfying textures, and inherent portability make them an ideal choice for any occasion. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Italian-American comfort that’s both classic and conveniently modern. Happy baking!