Mellow Mushroom's Calzone features a golden, crispy crust filled with a savory blend of mozzarella cheese, tangy marinara sauce, and your choice of fresh vegetables or Italian meats, delivering a warm and hearty taste with every bite.
Equipments
- Oven
- Pizza peel
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Dough cutter
- Pastry brush
- Ladle
- Cheese grater
- Baking sheet or pizza screen
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) pizza dough
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup diced green peppers
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup baby spinach leaves
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup sliced Italian sausage (cooked)
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- All-purpose flour (for dusting)
- Olive oil
Using fresh vegetables like mushrooms, green peppers, onions, spinach, and black olives ensures a vibrant flavor and texture in your Calzone. Mozzarella cheese should be shredded for even melting, while the marinara sauce provides a tangy base that complements the savory Italian meats such as sausage and pepperoni. Applying an egg wash on the dough before baking helps achieve the golden, crispy crust characteristic of Mellow Mushroom's signature Calzone. Be sure to dust your work surface with all-purpose flour to prevent sticking when rolling out the dough. Your homemade Calzone from the Mellow Mushroom copycat menu will capture the warm, hearty taste of the original with each delicious bite.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin.
- Roll out pizza dough into a 10-12 inch circle.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on half of the dough, leaving a 1-inch edge.
- Evenly layer mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Add your choice of prepared vegetables and/or Italian meats.
- Fold dough over fillings to form a half-moon shape.
- Pinch and seal the edges tightly.
- Transfer calzone to a floured baking sheet or pizza screen.
- Beat egg and brush over the calzone surface.
- Cut a few small slits in the top for steam to escape.
- Bake in oven for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown.
- Remove from oven, brush lightly with olive oil.
- Let cool briefly on cooling rack.
- Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Substitution
Mellow Mushroom's Calzone boasts a golden crisp crust packed with mozzarella, tangy marinara, and your choice of fresh vegetables or Italian meats for a hearty flavor. You can substitute fresh vegetables with roasted vegetables or swap Italian sausage with cooked ground beef or turkey for a different protein option. If you don't have a pizza peel, a flat baking sheet can work to transfer the calzone into the oven. Use water instead of olive oil for brushing the crust if you want a less rich finish, and brush the top with egg wash for a glossy golden appearance. Dust your working surface and rolling pin with all-purpose flour to prevent sticking when shaping the dough.
Tips
Dusting your work surface and rolling pin with all-purpose flour prevents the dough from sticking and tearing when rolling it out. Make sure to seal the edges of the calzone tightly by pinching them together, as this traps steam and prevents the filling from leaking during baking. Cutting small slits on the top allows steam to escape, helping the crust stay crisp instead of soggy. Brushing the calzone with egg wash before baking and finishing with olive oil after baking enhances the golden color and adds a subtle, flavorful sheen you'll appreciate.
Nutritions
Mellow Mushroom's Calzone provides a balanced mix of macronutrients from mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, and Italian meats, supplying protein, calcium, and healthy fats. Fresh vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and green peppers contribute dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants to support your immune system. The golden crust made from pizza dough offers carbohydrates for energy, while olive oil adds beneficial monounsaturated fats. Your choice of toppings allows customization to meet specific nutritional preferences or dietary needs.
Storage
Store your leftover Mellow Mushroom Calzone in an airtight container to maintain its crispy crust and prevent moisture buildup. Refrigerate within two hours of baking to keep the mozzarella cheese and Italian meats fresh, and consume within 3-4 days. For best reheating results, warm it in a preheated oven at 350degF (175degC) for about 10 minutes to restore the golden, crispy texture.
Variation or Alternatives
For a crispier crust, try baking the calzone at 500degF (260degC) for a shorter time of 8-10 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. Swap out mozzarella for provolone or fontina to introduce a richer, creamier cheese flavor that melts beautifully. If you prefer a vegetarian option, load your calzone with artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and caramelized onions instead of Italian meats. Your calzone will gain a burst of freshness by adding fresh basil or oregano leaves just before folding the dough.
Allergies
Mellow Mushroom's Calzone contains common allergens such as dairy from mozzarella cheese, eggs used in the egg wash, and wheat in the pizza dough. The inclusion of Italian sausage and pepperoni may introduce allergens like pork and certain spices, which could trigger sensitivities for some individuals. You should exercise caution if you have allergies related to dairy, gluten, eggs, or specific meats and always check ingredient labels or consult restaurant staff to avoid adverse reactions.
Why this recipe?
Mellow Mushroom's Calzone menu is celebrated for its perfectly folded dough, which locks in a flavorful blend of fresh mozzarella, ricotta, and savory toppings like pepperoni or mushrooms. The balance of crispy crust and gooey cheese creates a satisfying texture that appeals to pizza lovers and comfort food seekers alike. You'll appreciate how replicating this recipe at home allows customization with high-quality ingredients and spices, delivering an authentic, restaurant-style experience. Trying a copycat version is worth it for the opportunity to enjoy this iconic, hearty meal anytime while savoring the unique Mellow Mushroom taste.