Homemade calzone is usually time consuming to prepare. However, with an automatic bread machine, the dough almost makes itself, and requires very little hands-on time from the cook. This Shortcut Calzone relies on homemade dough made in the automatic bread machine set to the dough cycle; the filling starts with Italian Meat Mix from the Italian Meat Mix Module which can be made months ahead and stored in the freezer. Packaged, sliced pepperoni and packaged shredded mozzarella cheese are filling additions that take no time to prepare. The sauce is simply a jar of store-bought spaghetti sauce.

For those who don’t own an auto bread machine (they are often available for under $8 at thrift stores), or who are extra short on time, frozen dough may be used in a pinch. French bread dough will come out crisper and more like pizzeria calzone, but regular bread dough may be used in a pinch. For a complete meal, just add a tossed salad.

Don’t be surprised if this becomes a favorite family meal. Kids even like to help roll the dough, and they can add their own additions to the filling.

6 Servings

Crust
1 1/2 cups water
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons salt
3 1/2 cups flour
1 tablespoon yeast

2 cups Italian Meat Mix from the Basic Italian Meat Mix Module
2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
1 cup sliced pepperoni, (optional)

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 26 oz. jar spaghetti sauce

1. Place the crust ingredients in the order given in the pan of an automatic bread machine.


2. Set the cycle to dough cycle and start.


3. After five minutes of running, check the dough to make sure it forms a soft ball. If it is too soft, add a little more flour; if the ball of dough is too stiff, add a little more water and start the cycle over.


4. When the cycle is finished, transfer it to a floured surface, preferably a lightly floured pastry cloth .


5. Divide the dough into 6 pieces.


6. Form each piece into a ball and let rest a few minutes.


7. Roll each ball of dough into an 8" circle.
   
8. Spoon 1/3 cup of the Italian Meat Mix in the center, top with 1/3 cup mozzarella cheese, and cover with a few slices of pepperoni.














9. Spray the edges of the dough with a little water and fold in half, pressing to seal the edge.











10. Flute the edge and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet; brush each with olive oil.


11. Let the calzones rise while the oven heats to 425°.


12. Bake 15-20 minutes or until the top is crisp and golden brown.


13. Heat the spaghetti sauce; serve over the calzones.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 622 Calories from Fat 228
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 37% Protein 15% Carb. 48%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 25 g
Saturated Fat 8 g
Cholesterol 51 mg
Sodium 2008 mg
Total Carbohydrate 75 g
Dietary Fiber 2 g
Sugars 1 g
Protein 23 g

Vitamin A 30% Vitamin C 26% Calcium 0% Iron 11%