Fried calzones, or as some people call them “panzerottis,” are a delicious Italian treat that has been enjoyed for generations. These deliciously crisp, golden pockets of dough are filled with a variety of savory ingredients, such as mozzarella cheese, meats, and vegetables, making them a great snack or meal option for any occasion. They are relatively easy to make and can be customized to suit individual tastes, making them a popular choice among foodies and Italian cuisine enthusiasts alike.
Known for their delicious combination of flavors and textures, fried calzones are a must-try for anyone looking to experience the best of Italian cuisine. Whether you prefer traditional fillings such as tomato sauce, cheese, and pepperoni, or more unique combinations like smoked salmon, cream cheese, and capers, fried calzones are the perfect canvas for your culinary creativity. And while they may not be the healthiest food option out there, they sure are a delicious indulgence that is worth every calorie.
In this article, we will explore the fascinating history of fried calzones, from their humble beginnings in Naples, Italy, to their rise in popularity throughout the world. We’ll take a look at the various ways you can make this mouth-watering Italian treat, and we’ll even share some tips and tricks to elevate your fried calzone game to the next level. So, buckle up and get ready to dive into the wonderful world of fried calzones, and discover for yourself what this delicious Italian treat is called.
Types of Calzone
Calzone, a folded Italian pizza, has gained popularity in different parts of the world for its unique taste and portability. Its filling usually consists of different pizza ingredients, such as cheese, tomato sauce, and various toppings. However, different regions in Italy and other parts of the world have their variations, resulting in various types of calzone.
- Calzone Fritto: A fried calzone, also known as ‘panzerotto’ in Southern Italy and ‘calzone di rezza’ in Sicily. In Naples, it is called ‘calzone fritto al forno’ or oven-baked fried calzone. Its dough is thicker than the regular pizza, allowing it to hold the filling correctly. It is a popular street food in Italy and eaten as a snack or quick lunch.
- Calzone di Cipolla: Onion calzone, also known as ‘calzone di cipolle.’ It is a specialty of Puglia, Southern Italy, and has a filling of caramelized onions, tomatoes, olives, and mozzarella. The onions give it a sweet taste and a unique flavor.
- Calzone Ripieno: A classic calzone with a filling of tomato sauce, mozzarella, mushrooms, and ham or other meats.
Below is a table summarizing the different types of calzone and their fillings:
| Type of Calzone | Origin | Fillings |
|---|---|---|
| Calzone Fritto | Southern Italy | Tomato sauce, mozzarella, and various fillings such as ham, sausage, and vegetables |
| Calzone di Cipolla | Puglia, Southern Italy | Caramelized onions, tomatoes, olives, and mozzarella |
| Calzone Ripieno | Italy | Tomato sauce, mozzarella, mushrooms, ham, and other meats |
No matter the type, calzone offers a delicious and portable meal that can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences.
How to Make a Calzone
In its simplest form, a calzone consists of pizza dough folded over a savory filling and baked to perfection. Making a calzone is easy and can be done in three simple steps: preparing the dough, adding the filling, and baking the calzone.
Ingredients Needed
- Pizza dough- You can use store-bought pizza crust or make your own at home.
- Filling- The filling can be made up of your favorite pizza toppings or any other savory ingredients like sausage, cheese, tomato sauce, and more.
- Egg wash- Use an egg wash to brush over the calzone before baking. This helps the crust get that crispy golden color.
Preparing the Dough
Start by laying out the pizza dough and forming it into a circle or rectangle shape, depending on your preference. You can use a rolling pin to flatten the dough or just use your hands. Once the dough is flattened, add the filling in the center of the dough
Adding the Filling
There are endless possibilities when it comes to calzone fillings. It’s best to use cooked fillings so that the calzone will bake evenly. Some popular fillings include pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Depending on the size of your calzone, you can add as much filling as you like. Just make sure not to overstuff it, or the dough will not bake properly.
Baking the Calzone
Use a fork to seal the edges of the dough together, creating a pocket for the filling. Then, brush an egg wash over the top of the calzone. This helps the dough get nice and crispy. Bake the calzone in the oven at 425 degrees for around 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
| Tips for Making Perfect Calzones |
|---|
| Do not overfill the calzone. |
| Make sure the filling is fully cooked before adding. |
| Use an egg wash to create a crispy crust. |
| Be sure to seal the edges of the dough properly to prevent the filling from leaking out. |
Now that you know how to make the perfect calzone, give it a try at home and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.
Traditional Calzone Fillings
Calzones are a type of Italian pastry that originated in Naples. Traditionally, a calzone is made using pizza dough and filled with a variety of savory ingredients such as meats, cheeses, and vegetables. Fried calzones, in particular, are a popular version of this pastry. They are cooked by deep-frying the calzone until it is crispy and golden brown on the outside, while the filling remains deliciously hot on the inside.
- Meat Filling: One of the most common fillings for a calzone is meat. Ground beef, sausage, and pepperoni are popular options to fill the dough. Adding cheese, tomato sauce, and some vegetables like onions and peppers makes for a tasty meat calzone.
- Cheese Filling: For those who like cheese, there is no better combination than mozzarella and ricotta. A calzone filled with a mixture of these two cheeses, some garlic, spinach, and pepperoni is a classic and delicious choice for a filling.
- Vegetable Filling: For vegetarians or even health-conscious eaters, vegetables like mushrooms, peppers, onions, olives, and broccoli can be used. Adding some feta cheese, tomato sauce, and basil would make a perfect calzone filling for them.
Experimenting with different fillings is the best way to discover your favorite calzone flavor. Additionally, it is a great opportunity to use leftovers in a creative way. Below is a table of ingredients that can quickly become your favorite filling for a traditional fried calzone.
| Meat | Cheese | Vegetables |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | Mozzarella | Mushrooms |
| Sausage | Ricotta | Peppers |
| Pepperoni | Feta | Onions |
| Ham | Provolone | Olives |
| Chicken | Cheddar | Broccoli |
A fried calzone with a delicious filling is a perfect snack or meal. It can be enjoyed on-the-go or at home with your favorite dipping sauce. The possibilities of fillings are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite flavors, spices, and ingredients.
Tips for Perfect Calzone Dough
Ingredients may be the stars of many recipes, but when it comes to making calzones, the dough can make or break the dish. This subsection will provide tips on making the perfect calzone dough every time.
- Invest in high-quality flour. Using a strong bread flour will give your dough the gluten it needs to stretch and hold its shape without tearing.
- Measure your ingredients precisely. For consistent results, use a kitchen scale to measure your flour and water in grams. This ensures that you have the right ratio of flour to water for a perfect texture.
- Knead the dough well. Don’t rush this step – it’s important to develop the gluten in the dough to create the right texture. Knead for at least 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Another important factor in making perfect calzone dough is the temperature of your ingredients. When making dough, it’s best to use room temperature water and flour. This will help to ensure that the dough rises properly and yields a light and fluffy crust.
If you’re short on time or want to make calzones on a whim, there’s nothing wrong with using pre-made pizza dough. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before you start wrapping your calzones.
| Ingredient | Measurement |
| Bread flour | 500 grams |
| Water | 325 grams |
| Active dry yeast | 7 grams (one packet) |
| Salt | 10 grams |
Use these tips and recipe to create the perfect calzone dough every time. Whether you’re making traditional calzones or putting your own twist on the recipe, a good dough is the foundation of any great calzone.
Regional Variations of Calzone
When it comes to calzones, different regions and countries have their own versions of this beloved dish. Here are five regional variations of calzone:
- Italy: In the home country of calzone, the dish is typically filled with a combination of mozzarella, ricotta, and sometimes tomato sauce and cured meats like prosciutto or salami. In Naples, the birthplace of calzone, they even have a version called calzone fritto, which is a fried calzone that is served as street food.
- United States: The American version of calzone is often bigger in size and more stuffed with ingredients. Popular fillings include pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and different types of cheese. It’s typically served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
- Argentina: In Argentina, calzone is known as empanada cerrada and is usually filled with ground beef, onions, and sometimes olives and raisins. It’s smaller in size than a typical Italian calzone and is often served as a snack or appetizer.
- Brazil: In Brazil, calzone is called pastelão and is often made with a dough that includes cassava flour. The filling can range from cheese and ham to chicken and vegetables, and it’s typically deep-fried for a crispy exterior.
- India: In India, calzone is known as samosa and is a popular street food. The dough is made with wheat flour and filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat. It’s typically shaped like a triangle rather than a typical calzone shape.
As you can see, calzone has evolved into different versions of itself in different parts of the world. Regardless of its origin, one thing is for sure – calzone is a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
History of Calzone
The calzone is a staple food in Italy and a popular dish around the world. This savory pastry pocket is filled with a variety of ingredients, including meats, cheeses, and vegetables. For many, the calzone is a quick and easy meal that can be eaten on the go or enjoyed as a sit-down meal.
The history of the calzone is closely tied to the history of pizza. Pizza, which originated in Naples, Italy, in the late 18th century, quickly became a popular street food. It wasn’t until the 19th century that the calzone was born. The name calzone comes from the Italian word for “stocking” or “trouser,” referring to the shape of the pastry.
While the origins of the calzone are somewhat uncertain, it is said to have been created as a way to take pizza on the go. The calzone provided a portable, easy-to-eat alternative to pizza that could be enjoyed on the street or on the run.
- The calzone gained popularity in the United States in the 20th century, where it became a popular menu item in Italian restaurants.
- Today, the calzone is enjoyed around the world, with many variations on the classic dough-and-filling recipe.
- In some regions, calzones are known by different names. For example, in Scotland, a fried calzone is known as a “pizza crunch.”
The classic calzone is typically made with pizza dough and filled with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and various other ingredients. However, there are countless variations on this recipe. Some calzones are made with different types of dough, such as whole wheat or gluten-free. Others are filled with a wider variety of ingredients, such as meats, vegetables, and even fruit.
| Calzone Fillings | Description |
|---|---|
| Ham and Cheese | A classic calzone filling made with ham and mozzarella cheese |
| Spinach and Feta | A vegetarian option made with spinach and feta cheese |
| Pepperoni and Sausage | An all-meat calzone with pepperoni and sausage |
| Apple and Cinnamon | A sweet calzone made with apples and cinnamon |
Whether you prefer your calzone savory or sweet, there’s no denying that this pastry pocket is a delicious and satisfying meal.
Best Dipping Sauces for Calzone
One of the joys of eating calzone is being able to dip them in delicious sauces. Here are some of the best dipping sauces for calzone:
- Marinara sauce: This classic tomato-based sauce pairs well with almost any type of calzone. Its tangy flavor balances the richness of the cheese and meat.
- Garlic butter: This simple but tasty sauce is made by melting butter and adding garlic and herbs. It adds a buttery, garlicky flavor to the calzone that can enhance the taste of various meat fillings.
- Pesto: Made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, pesto adds a delicious and subtle herbal flavor to the calzone. It pairs particularly well with vegetable calzones.
If you are feeling adventurous, you can also try some other sauces that are not typically used for calzone:
- Hot sauce: If you like your food spicy, hot sauce can add some heat and flavor to your calzone. Try different types of hot sauce to find your favorite.
- BBQ sauce: BBQ sauce is tangy and sweet, and it can add a smoky flavor to your calzone. It pairs well with meat-filled calzone.
- Sour cream: Sour cream can add a creamy, tangy flavor to your calzone. It pairs well with chicken or vegetable-filled calzone.
Lastly, if you are planning to serve multiple dipping sauces with your calzone, consider creating a dipping sauce bar. You can use small bowls or ramekins to hold each sauce, and set them up on a platter or lazy Susan for easy access. This can be a fun and interactive way to enjoy calzone with friends and family.
| Sauce | Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marinara sauce (¼ cup) | 20 | 4g | 1g | 0g |
| Garlic butter (1 tablespoon) | 102 | 0g | 0g | 12g |
| Pesto (2 tablespoons) | 146 | 2g | 2g | 15g |
| Hot sauce (1 tablespoon) | 0 | 0g | 0g | 0g |
| BBQ sauce (2 tablespoons) | 50 | 12g | 0g | 0g |
| Sour cream (2 tablespoons) | 60 | 1g | 1g | 6g |
It is important to note that while dipping sauces can add flavor to your calzone, they can also add calories and fats. Be mindful of the amount of dipping sauce you use, and consider choosing lower calorie options when possible.
FAQs About What Is a Fried Calzone Called
1. What is a fried calzone called?
A fried calzone is typically called a panzerotti in Italy and in some parts of the United States.
2. What is the difference between a fried calzone and a panzerotti?
In Italy, a panzerotti is typically smaller than a fried calzone, and may also be baked instead of fried.
3. What are other names for a fried calzone?
In some parts of the U.S., a fried calzone may also be called a pizza fritte or simply a fried pizza.
4. Is a fried calzone unhealthy?
Like any fried food, a fried calzone can be high in calories and fat. It’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
5. Can you make a fried calzone at home?
Yes, you can make a fried calzone at home with the right ingredients and cooking equipment. There are many recipes available online to guide you.
6. What are common fillings for a fried calzone?
Common fillings for a fried calzone include cheese, tomato sauce, vegetables, and various meats such as sausage or pepperoni.
7. Where can you find a fried calzone?
Fried calzones can be found at Italian restaurants, food trucks, and some pizza shops. They may be called panzerotti, pizza fritte, or simply fried calzones.
Thanks for Reading!
We hope this article has answered your questions about what a fried calzone is called. Remember to enjoy this delicious treat in moderation and try making it at home for a fun and tasty cooking project. Keep checking back for more food-related articles and tips!