Mini Calzone

Mini Calzone with Bacon and Mushrooms - A Delicious Treat Easy to Prepare

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Today, I invite you to discover the perfect recipe for mini calzone with bacon and mushrooms, a delicious appetizer that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. These mini calzones are ideal for a gathering with friends, a family meal, or simply to treat yourself.

A Brief History of Calzone

Calzone is a delicious variation of pizza, with origins in traditional Italian cuisine. It is essentially a "package" of dough filled with various ingredients, from cheeses to cold cuts and vegetables. Over time, calzones have become popular worldwide, with each culture contributing its own twist on the fillings. With a crispy crust and savory filling, mini calzones are an excellent choice for any occasion.

Ingredients

- 500g pizza dough (you can use classic pizza dough)
- 150g diced bacon
- 150g Delaco cheese (or another preferred type of cheese)
- 70g canned mushrooms, sliced
- 20 pitted olives, halved
- 10 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 200g tomato puree (for brushing the mini calzones)
- Oregano (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- Olive oil (for greasing the work surface)

Step by Step - Preparing the Mini Calzones

1. Preparing the dough: If using store-bought pizza dough, move to the next step. Otherwise, prepare the pizza dough according to your favorite recipe, allowing it to rise until it doubles in size.

2. Dividing the dough: Once the dough is ready, sprinkle some flour on the work surface and divide the dough into pieces of about 100g each. You can adjust the size according to your preferences, but larger mini calzones are usually more satisfying.

3. Forming the circles: Take a piece of dough and, with oiled hands, roll it out on the work surface into a circle, ensuring an even thickness. Repeat the process with all pieces of dough.

4. Filling the calzones: On each dough circle, spread a tablespoon of tomato puree, leaving one centimeter free at the edges to seal the calzone. Sprinkle oregano, salt, and pepper over the tomatoes. Then, add grated cheese to half of the circle, followed by the diced bacon, sliced mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and olives.

5. Sealing the calzones: Fold the empty side of the dough over the filling and press the edges with your fingers. Use a fork to seal the edges well so that the filling doesn't leak during baking.

6. Preparing for the oven: Place the mini calzones on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them to allow for expansion. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius.

7. Baking: Bake the mini calzones for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy. Five minutes before removing them, brush them with tomato puree for an appetizing color.

8. Serving: Mini calzones are served hot, but they are just as delicious cold. You can accompany them with a fresh salad or yogurt or mayonnaise sauces for an extra burst of flavor.

Practical Tips

- Vegetarian option: You can replace the bacon with vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Also, add feta or mozzarella cheese for a richer taste.
- Diverse fillings: Experiment with different filling combinations, such as tuna, kalamata olives, goat cheese, or grilled vegetables.
- Finding the perfect balance: Don't overfill, as it can make sealing the calzones difficult and lead to leaks during baking.

Nutritional Benefits

Mini calzones are an excellent source of protein from bacon and cheese, while mushrooms and olives provide vitamins and antioxidants. If you use whole wheat dough, you'll also add fiber to your diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make pizza dough at home?
Yes, pizza dough can be made at home with simple ingredients: flour, water, yeast, olive oil, and salt.

2. Can I freeze mini calzones?
Sure, you can freeze them before baking. Place them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer them to a plastic bag. When you want to bake them, let them thaw before baking.

3. What drinks pair well with mini calzones?
A cold beer, a white wine, or a light cocktail like a spritz are excellent choices to accompany these mini calzones.

These mini calzones with bacon and mushrooms are not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to experiment with various fillings. So, let's get cooking and enjoy a savory meal full of love and goodwill! Enjoy your meal!