Vegetarian calzones is a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional meat-filled calzones. These cheesy, crispy pockets of dough are the perfect way to enjoy a meat-free meal that is packed with flavour and nutrition.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking for a new way to enjoy this classic dish, this guide will help you find the best vegetarian calzone fillings for your next meal.
What is a vegetarian calzone?
A vegetarian calzone is a dish that is a folded pizza-like pastry that is filled with various vegetables and cheese. It is a great option for lunch, dinner, or even a snack.
The crust of a vegetarian calzone is usually made with simple ingredients such as flour, yeast, salt, olive oil, and water. The dough is then rolled out, filled with a variety of vegetables, and topped with cheese before being baked in the oven.
Some common fillings of vegetarian calzones include bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, and spinach. The cheese used in a vegetarian calzone can vary depending on personal taste. However, mozzarella and ricotta are the most commonly used.
One of the best things about vegetarian calzones is their versatility. They can be made with a variety of vegetables, so they can be customised to suit individual tastes. For those who are looking for a meat-free meal, vegetarian calzones are a great option as they are filling, nutritious, and delicious.
In addition to being a delicious and healthy meal option, Vegetarian Calzones are also easy to make. They can be prepared in advance and heated up for a quick and convenient meal. They can also be frozen for later use, making them an ideal meal for busy families.
What are the best vegetarian calzone fillings?
Spinach and feta
Spinach and feta are a classic combination that works perfectly in a calzone. The creamy, tangy cheese pairs perfectly with the slightly bitter spinach to create a filling that is both flavorful and healthy. Simply sauté fresh spinach leaves and mix with crumbled feta cheese, a little bit of garlic, and some herbs such as basil or oregano.
Mushroom and Onion
Mushrooms and onions are another great filling for a vegetarian calzone. The earthy, umami flavor of the mushrooms pairs well with the sweet, caramelized onions to create a filling that is both rich and savory. Simply sauté sliced mushrooms and onions in a little bit of oil until they are tender, and then fill your calzone with this mixture.
Roasted bell peppers and mozzarella
Roasted bell peppers and mozzarella work well as a filling for vegetarian calzone. The sweet, smoky flavor of the roasted peppers pairs perfectly with the creamy, melted mozzarella cheese.
Simply roast your bell peppers in the oven or on a grill until they are charred and tender. Then mix them with shredded mozzarella cheese and some herbs such as basil or oregano.
Grilled zucchini and ricotta
Grilled zucchini and ricotta are another delicious and healthy filling for a vegetarian calzone. The tender, smoky zucchini pairs well with the creamy, tangy ricotta cheese to create a filling that is both flavourful and nutritious.
Simply grill your zucchini until tender, and then mix with ricotta cheese and some herbs such as basil or oregano.
Artichokes and parmesan
We think that artichokes and parmesan are an amazing filling for a vegetarian calzone. The earthy, nutty flavor of the artichokes pairs well with the salty, sharp parmesan cheese to create a filling that is both flavourful and satisfying.
Simply sauté canned artichoke hearts in a little bit of oil until they are tender, and then mix with grated parmesan cheese. You can also add some herbs into the mixture such as basil or oregano.
How to make vegetarian calzone?
Follow these steps to make delicious vegetarian calzones with fillings of your choice.
- Choose the vegetables you wish to include in your calzone and sauté them with garlic and Italian spices.
- Mix in mozzarella and parmesan cheese and let the mixture cool.
- Divide the 2-pound dough into 8 equal parts. Then roll each out into a 6-inch round.
- Add the vegetable mixture for the filling on top.
- Fold the dough over and seal the edges, creating a half-moon shape.
- Bake until golden and serve with your favorite pizza sauce.
Tips for making the ideal vegetarian calzone
Make the broccoli florets the same size as the diced mushrooms and bell peppers. The vegetables will all cook at the same rate in this manner.
Avoid adding marinara sauce to the fillings. Despite the fact that several calzone recipes call for marinara sauce to go within the crust, the liquid sauce can just leak out when baking. Dip the oozy, steamy calzones in cold, freshly cooked marinara sauce for a far more enjoyable experience.
Be creative with the pizza cheeses. As it doesn’t melt and creates a delicious, almost fluffy filling, ricotta is a natural choice for calzoni. The mozzarella and/or parmesan cheeses may, however, be replaced with any other shredded hard or semi-hard cheese. Fresh mozzarella should be avoided since it will melt too quickly and potentially leak out during baking.
Conclusion
For those who are looking for a meat-free meal option that is both delicious and healthy, vegetarian calzones are a great choice. With their tasty filling and crispy crust, they are sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Whether it’s for lunch, dinner, or a snack, vegetarian calzones are a great way to get in some extra veggies while enjoying a delicious meal.
We hope our guide for the best vegetarian calzone fillings will help you make great calzones. Whether you prefer your calzone filled with spinach and feta, roasted bell peppers and mozzarella, or more, there is a filling out there that will satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling satisfied. So, why not give one of these fillings a try and see for yourself why vegetarian calzones are so delicious and nutritious!
