Growing up, my mom would make calzones for us every Friday night. They were always a huge hit – warm, cheesy, and so satisfying. But one year, when I was about 10 years old, she decided to get a little creative with the Jack-O’-Lantern Calzones recipe. She shaped the dough into little pumpkins, added some orange food coloring, and even carved spooky faces into the tops. From the moment I saw those adorable Jack-O’-Lantern Calzones come out of the oven, I was hooked. The combination of the savory fillings and the festive pumpkin shape was just too perfect.
Ever since then, Jack-O’-Lantern Calzones have been a staple in our house, especially around Halloween. They’re easy to make, incredibly tasty, and always a hit with both kids and adults. In fact, I love them so much that I’ve perfected the recipe over the years and can now proudly call it my go-to.
Table of Contents
Why This Jack-O’-Lantern Calzones Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Jack-O’-Lantern Calzones
What makes this Jack-O’-Lantern Calzones recipe so special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The dough is light and flaky, with just the right amount of chewiness. The filling is a delectable mix of savory meats, gooey cheese, and aromatic herbs. And of course, the pumpkin shape adds a festive touch that’s sure to delight your guests. This recipe yields 6 servings, with each serving being 1 calzone, so it’s the perfect size for a family or small gathering.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these incredible Jack-O’-Lantern Calzones, you’ll need:
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 egg, beaten
Step-by-Step Jack-O’-Lantern Calzones Instructions
Preparing Your Jack-O’-Lantern Calzones
This recipe takes 35 minutes total – 15 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. You’ll need a baking sheet, a rolling pin, and a paring knife for carving the faces. Let’s get started!
1- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Roll out the pizza dough into 6 equal-sized circles, about 6 inches in diameter.
2- In a skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbled, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3- In a bowl, combine the cooked sausage, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and chopped basil. Mix well.
4- Place a heaping 1/2 cup of the filling onto the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling and crimp the edges to seal.
5- Using a paring knife, carefully carve jack-o’-lantern faces into the top of each calzone. (Optional: Add a few drops of orange food coloring to the dough before rolling it out for an extra festive touch.)
6- Place the calzones on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Pro Tips for Success
- Make sure to seal the edges of the calzones well to prevent any leakage during baking.
- For an extra crispy crust, brush the tops of the calzones with a little olive oil before baking.
- If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made pizza dough or even crescent roll dough instead of homemade.
Serving and Storing Your Jack-O’-Lantern Calzones
Perfect Pairings for Jack-O’-Lantern Calzones
These Jack-O’-Lantern Calzones are the perfect main dish for a Halloween party or a cozy fall dinner. Serve them with a fresh green salad and a side of garlic knots for a complete and satisfying meal. They also pair beautifully with a crisp, refreshing apple cider or a rich, spicy hot chocolate. This recipe makes 6 servings, with each serving being 1 calzone.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you have any leftover Jack-O’-Lantern Calzones, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also make the calzones ahead of time and freeze them for up to 2 months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Jack-O’-Lantern Calzones
Creative Jack-O’-Lantern Calzones Variations
While the classic sausage and cheese filling is delicious, you can easily switch things up with different fillings. Try adding diced pepperoni, crumbled bacon, or even roasted vegetables for a twist. You can also experiment with different cheeses, like cheddar or provolone, or add some spicy kick with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Making Jack-O’-Lantern Calzones Diet-Friendly
For a healthier version, you can use a whole-wheat pizza dough and opt for lean ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage. To make them gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free pizza dough or wrap the fillings in large lettuce leaves instead of dough. And for a vegan take, swap the cheese for a dairy-free alternative and use plant-based “meat” crumbles in the filling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use pre-made pizza dough instead of homemade?
A: Absolutely! Using pre-made pizza dough is a great time-saver. Just be sure to roll it out into 6 equal-sized circles.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes exactly 6 servings, with each serving being 1 calzone.
Q: Can I make the calzones ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the calzones ahead of time and freeze them for up to 2 months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Q: What if I don’t want to carve the faces?
A: No problem! The calzones will still be delicious without the carved faces. You can simply leave them plain or brush the tops with a little melted butter or olive oil for a golden-brown finish.
Jack-O’-Lantern Calzones
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
These festive Jack-O’-Lantern Calzones are the perfect Halloween treat! Filled with savory ingredients and baked to golden perfection, they’re sure to delight your guests.
Ingredients
– 1 package refrigerated pizza dough
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
– 1/4 cup diced bell peppers
– 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. 2. Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 12×8 inches.
3. 3. In a bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, bell peppers, basil, garlic powder, and oregano.
4. 4. Spoon the filling mixture onto one half of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
5. 5. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and crimp the edges to seal.
6. 6. Use a sharp knife to cut pumpkin-shaped designs into the top of the calzone.
7. 7. Brush the top of the calzone with the beaten egg.
8. 8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
9. 9. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For a spicier filling, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. You can also experiment with different fillings, such as spinach and feta or sausage and mushroom.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Bites & Finger Foods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Jack-O’-Lantern Calzones are the perfect way to add some spooky fun to your Halloween festivities. With their festive shape, irresistible flavors, and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. So grab your ingredients, get ready to get creative, and enjoy these delightful calzones all season long. Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions – I’m always happy to help!
