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Mini Sausage Calzones (OAMC)

The aroma of warm, yeasty dough mingled with savory sausage and herbs… It instantly transports me back to my Nonna’s kitchen. Every Sunday, she’d be elbow-deep in flour, orchestrating a symphony of flavors. While her signature was a massive, shareable calzone, these mini versions remind me of her playful spirit – a perfect handheld delight, ready to be devoured with a mischievous grin. This recipe captures that same comforting essence, scaled down for a quick and easy treat, perfect for busy weeknights or a fun family baking session.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 16
Yield: 16 mini calzones
Dietary Type: Varies (can be adapted for dairy-free)

Ingredients

2 lbs frozen bread dough, thawed
8 ounces sweet Italian sausage
1 cup chopped onion
4 garlic cloves, minced
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup pizza sauce
1 cup grated lowfat mozzarella cheese
4 teaspoons parmesan cheese
2 eggs
4 tablespoons milk

Equipment Needed

Large skillet
Baking sheet
Rolling pin
Small bowl
Pastry brush

Instructions

Begin by dividing the thawed bread dough into 16 equal portions. This ensures each calzone is uniformly sized and cooks evenly.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will give the calzones a beautifully golden-brown crust. Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking.
Lightly grease a baking sheet. This prevents the calzones from sticking and makes for easy removal after baking. Parchment paper is also a great option for lining the baking sheet.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sweet Italian sausage.
Cook the sausage until it is brown and crumbly, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Removing the excess fat will prevent the calzones from becoming greasy.
Stir in the chopped onion, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, and pizza sauce into the skillet with the cooked sausage.
Simmer the sausage mixture for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough piece into a 5-inch circle. Aim for a consistent thickness to ensure even cooking.
Spoon the sausage mixture onto each circle, leaving a small border around the edge. Don’t overfill the circles, as this can make them difficult to seal.
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese over the sausage mixture in each circle.
Moisten the edges of the dough with water. This acts as a glue to help seal the calzones.
Fold the dough over to enclose the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Press firmly to seal the edges. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative and secure seal.
Place the sealed calzones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each.
In a small bowl, beat the eggs with the milk. This mixture will create a golden-brown glaze on the calzones.
Brush the egg wash over the top of each calzone. Ensure the entire surface is coated evenly.
Bake the mini calzones for about 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture for a touch of heat.
Dough Handling: If the dough is too sticky, lightly flour your hands and rolling surface.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the sausage filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day you plan to bake the calzones.
Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Place the baking sheet on the lowest rack in your oven for the last few minutes of baking to ensure the bottoms are crispy.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the mini sausage calzones warm, either on their own as a snack or as part of a larger meal. They pair perfectly with a side salad or a dipping sauce like marinara or ranch.

To store leftovers, allow the calzones to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag for up to 1 month.

To reheat, thaw the calzones in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may become slightly softer.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	220 kcal	11%
Total Fat	8g	10%
Saturated Fat	3g	15%
Cholesterol	40mg	13%
Sodium	350mg	15%
Total Carbohydrate	25g	9%
Dietary Fiber	1g	4%
Sugars	3g	–
Protein	10g	20%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Vegetarian Option: Substitute the sausage with cooked mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini for a vegetarian version.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free mozzarella cheese and brush the calzones with olive oil instead of egg wash.
Spicy Calzones: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sausage mixture or use spicy Italian sausage.
Crust Variation: Experiment with different types of dough, such as whole wheat or gluten-free pizza dough.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use pre-made pizza dough instead of frozen bread dough?
A: Yes, pre-made pizza dough works well in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the rolling time accordingly.

Q: How do I prevent the calzones from bursting while baking?
A: Ensure you seal the edges tightly and don’t overfill the calzones. You can also poke a small hole in the top of each calzone to allow steam to escape.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time and freeze them?
A: Absolutely! These mini calzones are perfect for freezing. Just bake them as directed, let them cool completely, and then wrap them individually before freezing.

Q: What dipping sauces go well with these calzones?
A: Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a simple garlic aioli are all great options for dipping.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
A: Of course! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or even a sprinkle of feta for a unique flavor.

Final Thoughts

Now, go forth and create your own batch of these irresistible mini sausage calzones! Whether you’re packing them for a lunch, serving them at a party, or simply enjoying a cozy night in, they’re sure to be a hit. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings and flavors to make them your own. And most importantly, share your creations with loved ones and enjoy the simple pleasure of good food and good company. Perhaps serve them with a crisp Italian salad and a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio – buon appetito!

Mini Sausage Calzones (Oamc) Recipe