If you’re looking for a delicious alternative to traditional pizza, this puff pastry calzone is sure to impress. Packed with flavorful ingredients like cooked beef, salami, bell peppers, and gooey cheese, this dish combines the flaky, buttery goodness of puff pastry with the savory heartiness of a calzone. It’s easy to make and perfect for any meal. Let’s dive into the details of how you can make this tasty dish.
Ingredients
Servings: 4 portions
For the Calzone:
- 120 g cooked beef, cubed
- 8 slices of puff pastry (frozen, thawed) – 2 slices per portion
- 100 g salami, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 150 g cheese, grated (use your favorite, such as mozzarella or cheddar)
- Oregano, to taste
- 2 egg yolks, beaten
- Tomato paste, a few tablespoons
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- A few fresh tomatoes, diced
- 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Begin by allowing the frozen puff pastry slices to thaw at room temperature. Once thawed, gently prick the surface with a fork. This helps prevent the pastry from puffing up too much in the oven. After this, let the pastry rest for a few minutes.
Tip: Keep the puff pastry cool during the process to ensure it remains easy to work with and doesn’t become sticky.
Step 2: Prep the Baking Sheet
Line your baking tray with baking paper or rinse the tray with cold water to prevent the puff pastry from sticking. Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F), ensuring it reaches the correct temperature before you bake the calzones.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
While the puff pastry rests, prepare the filling. Dice the bell pepper, cooked beef, salami, and tomatoes into small, even pieces.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the beef, bell peppers, salami, and tomatoes. Season this mixture generously with oregano, salt, and pepper. If you like a bit of a kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of paprika for extra flavor.
Mince the garlic finely and stir it into the mixture.
Step 4: Grate the Cheese
Next, take 150 g of cheese and grate it. Set this aside for the final step, as it will be the topping for your calzone filling.
Step 5: Assemble the Puff Pastry Calzones
Take each slice of thawed puff pastry and spread a thin layer of tomato paste over the surface. Be sure to leave a 1 cm border around the edges to allow for easy sealing later.
Now, spoon the prepared filling of beef, bell pepper, tomatoes, salami, and garlic onto the center of each puff pastry slice. Be generous with the filling, but ensure you don’t overfill the pastry to prevent leakage.
Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top of the filling, giving each calzone a nice cheesy layer that will melt into a deliciously gooey texture.
Step 6: Seal the Calzones
Take another slice of puff pastry and place it on top of the filling. Carefully press the edges together, ensuring they are sealed tightly to avoid any filling spilling out during baking.
Tip: You can moisten the edges with a bit of water to ensure the two layers stick well together. Once the edges are sealed, gently press them down with a fork to create a decorative crimped edge.
Step 7: Egg Wash
Beat the egg yolks in a small bowl and brush the tops of the calzones with the egg wash. This will give the puff pastry a lovely golden-brown shine once baked.
Step 8: Bake the Puff Pastry Calzones
Place the prepared calzones on the lined baking sheet. Transfer the sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes at 200°C (390°F). Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to ensure they don’t burn, as every oven can vary slightly in temperature.
The calzones are done when they are crispy and golden brown on the outside, with the cheese inside fully melted.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the calzones from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot, paired with your favorite dipping sauce such as marinara or garlic aioli.
Nutritional Information (per portion, approximate)
- Calories: 490 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Fat: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
These puff pastry calzones are a delightful alternative to traditional pizza, offering the same savory flavors but in a fun, flaky, and portable format. Perfect for a quick dinner, family gathering, or even a snack, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!