1-First Step: Preheat and Prepare Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F, and if you have a pizza stone, get that in there to heat up too or use an upside-down baking sheet as a handy substitute. While the oven warms, divide your 2 lbs of pizza dough into 8 equal portions on a floured surface. This step sets the stage for even cooking and makes handling the dough easier, taking just a few minutes of your prep time.

2-Second Step: Roll Out the Dough Roll each dough portion into a flat disk about 1/4 inch thick, aiming for a circle shape that’s roughly 8 inches across. This creates the perfect base for holding your fillings without tearing, and it’s a great moment to double-check that your workspace is clean and floured to prevent sticking. Take your time here to ensure uniformity, which helps the calzones bake evenly in 12-14 minutes.

3-Third Step: Add the Fillings On one side of each dough disk, add about 1/4 cup of your chosen toppings, including a generous sprinkle of the 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix and match fillings like pepperoni, cooked Italian sausage, or veggies such as chopped bell pepper for variety, but keep the total to 1/4 cup per calzone to avoid overflow. This layer is where the flavor shines, so have fun customizing while keeping portions balanced for optimal cooking.

4-Fourth Step: Fold and Seal Fold the dough over the fillings to create a half-moon shape, then press and seal the edges securely to lock everything in. Use your fingers or a fork to crimp the edges, which prevents leaks during baking and ensures a crispy finish. At this point, place the calzones on parchment paper, cut a small slit on top for steam to escape, and brush them lightly with the beaten egg for that golden glow.

5-Fifth Step: Add Finishing Touches Sprinkle the tops with 2 tablespoons of freshly grated parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning to taste, enhancing the aroma and adding extra flavor. Transfer the calzones along with the parchment paper to your hot pizza stone or baking sheet, spacing them out for even heat distribution. This step takes just a minute but makes a big difference in the final texture and taste.

6-Final Step: Bake and Serve Bake your calzones for 12-14 minutes until they’re golden brown and bubbly inside. Once done, let them cool for at least 10 minutes to set the fillings, then serve with warmed dipping sauces like marinara or homemade ranch for a complete meal. For about 20 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cook time, you’ll have a dish that’s perfect for sharing, and you can even link to our Italian sausage sheet pan dinner for more Italian-inspired ideas. Don’t forget to check out external resources like nutrition facts for mozzarella cheese to see how it fits into your diet.