Italian Meatball Calzones

A completely homemade calzone, from the dough to the meatballs. I choose to use my homemade marinara sauce and a homemade pizza dough, but you could use store bought ones if you choose. 

Italian Meatball Calzones

Ingredients:

• 1 pound hot Italian sausage
• 1/2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley
• black pepper, to taste
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 pound pizza dough
• 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 egg, beaten

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350º F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl combine the sausage, bread crumbs, dried parsley, black pepper and egg. Combine until everything is mixed.
3. Using a tablespoon measure, scoop out the mixture and roll into balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15 minutes or until done. Once cooked, allow to cool to the touch.
5. Increase the oven heat to 425º F. Flip two baking sheets over and spray the bottoms with cooking spray.
6. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces.
7. On a lightly floured surface roll each dough pieces out into approximately a 10 inch circle.
8. Spread half of each dough circle with 2 tablespoons of ricotta cheese. Top the ricotta cheese with 6-8 meatballs.
9. Spoon some marinara sauce over top of the meatballs, then top with 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.
10. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges together. Fold the edge underneath the calzone and crimp the edges.
11. Transfer the calzones to the prepared baking sheets.
12. Brush with the beaten egg and bake for 18-20 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, or until the tops a golden brown.
13. Allow the calzones to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy!!!

Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 951
Total Fat		50g
Saturated Fat		21.6g
Polyunsaturated Fat		1.1g
Monounsaturated Fat		6.5g
Trans Fat		0g
Cholesterol		227.9g
Sodium		2,230.3g
Potassium		429.8g
Total Carbohydrates		75.1g
Dietary Fiber		4.8g
Sugars		8.3g
Protein		47.3g
Vitamin A 33.3% Vitamin C 22.1%
Calcium 42.9% Iron 35.5%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from Simply Scratch.