Calzone Dough Vs Pizza Dough: What’s The Diffence?

Calzone Dough Vs Pizza Dough: Point out the differences

Are you a fan of calzones and pizzas? Do you know the difference between calzone dough vs pizza dough? If not, don’t worry – many people don’t.


Both calzone dough and pizza dough are made from flour, water, yeast, and salt. But there are some key differences in the way these two doughs are prepared that give each its own unique flavor and texture.


In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at what makes calzone dough different from pizza dough, and we’ll share some tips for how to make the perfect calzone every time. Stay tuned!

What Is Calzone Dough?

Calzone dough is a type of bread dough that is typically used to make calzones, which are crescent-shaped pizzas that are stuffed with various fillings and then baked.

The dough is made from flour, water, yeast, and salt, and it is typically kneaded by hand or with a stand mixer until it is smooth and elastic. The main difference between the two is the ratio of ingredients – calzone dough has a higher ratio of water to flour, which gives it a softer and more pliable texture.

This higher ratio of water also allows the dough to rise more than pizza dough, resulting in a lighter and airier finished product.



Once the dough has been kneaded, it is typically left to rise for 30 minutes to an hour before it is shaped into calzones and filled. When made correctly, calzone dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but not so sticky that it is difficult to work with.

What Is Pizza Dough?

Pizza dough is also a type of bread dough that is used to make pizzas. The dough is made from flour, water, yeast, and salt, and it is typically kneaded by hand or with a stand mixer until it is smooth and elastic.


However, pizza dough is typically left to rise for a longer period of time than calzone dough – sometimes up to 24 hours. This extended rising time gives pizza dough a more complex flavor and a slightly chewy texture.

Pizza dough can be used to make various types of pizzas, including thin-crust pizzas, deep-dish pizzas, and everything in between.


Calzone Dough Vs Pizza Dough: Some Key Differences

Now that we’ve gone over what each type of dough is and how it is made, let’s take a closer look at some of the key differences between calzone dough vs pizza dough.

The main difference between calzone dough and pizza dough is the ratio of ingredients – calzone dough has a higher ratio of water to flour, which gives it a softer and more pliable texture. This higher ratio of water also allows the dough to rise more than pizza dough, resulting in a lighter and airier finished product.

Pizza dough is typically left to rise for a longer period of time than calzone dough – sometimes up to 24 hours. This extended rising time gives pizza dough a more complex flavor and a slightly chewy texture.



Pizza dough can be used to make various types of pizzas, including thin-crust pizzas, deep-dish pizzas, and everything in between.

Calzone dough is typically used to make calzones, which are crescent-shaped pizzas that are stuffed with various fillings and then baked.

So, what’s the bottom line? Both calzone dough and pizza dough can be used to make delicious pizzas and calzones. But the key difference is in the texture – calzone dough is softer and more pliable, while pizza dough has a more chewy texture.

Now that we’ve taken a closer look at what makes calzone dough and pizza dough different, let’s summarize some of the key differences between the two:

  • Calzone dough has a higher ratio of water to flour, which gives it a softer and more pliable texture.
  • Pizza dough has a longer rising time, which gives it a more complex flavor and a slightly chewy texture.
  • Calzone dough is typically used to make calzones, while pizza dough can be used to make various types of pizzas.

Now that you know the difference between these two types of doughs, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test!

Head to your nearest pizzeria and order a calzone or pizza made with each type of dough. Or, better yet, try making your own at home.

Experiment with different types of fillings and toppings, and see for yourself which dough you prefer. There’s no wrong answer – it’s all about personal preference!

The Verdict – Calzone Dough Vs Pizza Dough

Pizza dough vs calzone dough are very similar. The main difference is that pizza dough is usually rolled out thinly, while calzone dough is generally a bit thicker.

Other than that, they use the same ingredients and require similar preparation time and cooking temperature. So whether you’re making pizza or calzones, the dough is really up to you.

When it comes to taste, there is a subtle difference between pizza vs calzone dough.

🔸 Pizza dough is slightly more savory, while calzone dough has a sweeter flavor. This is due to the difference in how the two doughs are prepared.

🔸 Pizza dough is typically made with olive oil and salt, while calzone dough is made with butter and sugar.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make either pizza or calzones, then using store-bought dough is probably your best bet.

However, if you want to make things from scratch, then it’s not much more work to make either type of dough from scratch. And if you’re feeling really ambitious, you can even make both types of dough and have a pizza-calzone night. No matter what you choose, you can’t go wrong with either option.

Some Of The Benefits Of Using Calzone Dough Instead Of Pizza Dough

Now that we’ve gone over some of the key differences between calzone dough vs pizza dough, let’s take a look at some of the benefits of using calzone dough instead of pizza dough.

✅ One of the main benefits of using calzone dough is that it is quicker and easier to make than pizza dough.

This is because the dough does not need to rise for as long, which means you can have your calzones on the table in less time.

✅ Calzone dough is also less damaged than pizza dough, which means it is less likely to become tough or chewy if it is not handled correctly.

This makes it a great option for beginner cooks or anyone who wants to create a perfect calzone without having to worry about making a mistake.

✅ Finally, calzone dough is less likely to become soggy than pizza dough, which means your finished product will be crispy and delicious.

So, if you’re looking for a quick, easy, and foolproof way to make calzones, then calzone dough is the way to go!

How To Make Calzone Dough At Home

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup olive oil

Instructions:

Making calzone dough is similar to making pizza dough, with a few key differences.

First, proof your yeast by combining it with the sugar and warm water in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes, or until the mixture is foamy.

Next, combine the flour, salt, and yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the hook attachment. With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour in the water and mix until the dough comes together.

You may need to add a bit more water or flour to get the dough to the correct consistency – it should be soft and slightly sticky, but not too wet or dry.

Once the dough is mixed, turn up the speed to medium and knead for about 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Then, transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes to an hour.

Once it has doubled in size, it is ready to be shaped into calzones and filled.

How to Make the Best Calzones

Now that you know how to make perfect calzone dough, it’s time to put it to good use! Here are a few tips for how to make the best calzones:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit before you start shaping your calzones. This will help ensure that they cook evenly.

2. When shaping your calzones, be sure to press the seams together tightly so that the filling doesn’t leak out during baking.

3. Fill your calzones with whatever you like – traditional toppings such as cheese and pepperoni work well, or you can get creative and fill them with things like chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing.

4. Bake your calzones for 10-12 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through. Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

There you have it – everything you need to know about making perfect calzone dough! Give it a try the next time you’re in the mood for a delicious pizza-inspired meal.

How to Make Pizza Dough At Home

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 to 2 cups lukewarm water (100°F to 110°F / 38°C to 43°C)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar or honey
  • 1 envelope active dry yeast
  • 4 to 5 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface and hands
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • Extra-virgin olive oil

Directions:

1. In a large bowl or in the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the water, sugar and yeast. Stir gently to combine and let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.

2. Add 4 cups of the flour and the salt and stir until the ingredients come together.

  • If you’re using a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, mix on low speed until the dough comes together, about 2 minutes.
  • If mixing by hand, use a large wooden spoon to stir until the dough comes together.

3. Slowly add up to 1 more cup of flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough is no longer sticky and is soft and pliable.

Knead the dough

✅ Knead the dough by hand: Dust a work surface with flour and turn the dough out onto it. Fold the far edge of the dough towards you, then use the heels of your hands to push it away, giving it a quarter turn as you go (fold-and-push method). Repeat this motion until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, 10 to 12 minutes.

✅ Knead the dough in a stand mixer: Mix on medium-low speed until the dough is smooth and elastic, 10 to 12 minutes. The dough should be tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time; if it’s too dry, add water 1 tablespoon at a time.

Let the dough rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl and turn it to coat all sides with oil. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 to 2 hours. Alternatively, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours; let it come to room temperature before proceeding.

Punch down the dough

Gently deflate the dough by pressing it down with your fist. Turn it out onto a lightly floured work surface and divide it into 2 pieces for thin crust or 4 pieces for thick crust. Shape each piece into a ball. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rest for 10 minutes.

Roll out the dough

Position one oven rack in the bottom third of the oven and another in the top third; preheat to 500°F (260°C). Place a baking stone or unglazed ceramic baking sheet on the lower rack to heat while you roll out the dough.

  • For thin crust: Working with one ball of dough at a time and keeping the others covered, roll out the dough on a lightly floured work surface to a 12-inch circle.
  • For thick crust: Working with one ball of dough at a time and keeping the others covered, roll out the dough on a lightly floured work surface to an 8-by-10-inch rectangle.

Note: If the dough springs back as you try to roll it out, let it rest for 5 minutes before continuing.

Transfer to a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal or semolina.

Add your favorite toppings and bake

Spread sauce over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border. Sprinkle with cheese and your favorite toppings.

Carefully transfer the pizza to the hot baking stone or unglazed ceramic baking sheet in the oven. Bake until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly, 10 to 12 minutes for thin crust or 15 to 20 minutes for thick crust.

Use a pizza peel or large spatula to transfer the pizza to a cutting board; let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips For Cooking With Calzone Dough Vs Pizza Dough

1. Use a pizza stone or unglazed ceramic baking sheet to cook your pizza or calzones on. This will help to make the dough nice and crispy.

2. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) before cooking. This will ensure that the dough cooks evenly throughout.

3. When rolling out the dough, make sure to dust your work surface with flour so that it doesn’t stick.

4. For thin crust pizza or calzones, roll the dough out to a 12-inch circle. For thick crust, roll it out to an 8-by-10-inch rectangle.

5. When adding toppings, be sure to leave a ½-inch border around the edge of the dough so that they don’t spill over while cooking.

6. Bake the pizza or calzones until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. This will take 10 to 12 minutes for thin crust or 15 to 20 minutes for thick crust.

7. Let the pizza or calzones rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This will help them to retain their shape and not fall apart when cutting.

Best Calzone Recipes With Pizza Dough

If you’re in the mood for a calzone but don’t have any calzone dough on hand, don’t worry – you can always use pizza dough instead. Here are a few recipes to get you started:

1) Pizza Dough Calzones with Pepperoni and Cheese

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound pizza dough
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup pepperoni, diced
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Marinara sauce, for dipping (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to a 12-inch circle.
  3. Spread the mozzarella cheese over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Top with the pepperoni and Parmesan cheese.
  4. Brush the beaten egg around the edge of the dough. Fold the dough over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
  5. Transfer to a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.

2) Ham and Cheese Calzones with Pizza Dough

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound pizza dough
  • 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
  • 1/2 cup diced ham
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg, beaten

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to a 12-inch circle.
  3. Spread the Swiss cheese over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Top with the ham and Parmesan cheese.
  4. Brush the beaten egg around the edge of the dough. Fold the dough over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
  5. Transfer to a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through. Serve warm.

3) Spinach and Artichoke Calzones with Pizza Dough

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound pizza dough
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
  • 1/4 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg, beaten

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to a 12-inch circle.
  3. Spread the mozzarella cheese over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Top with the spinach, artichoke hearts, and Parmesan cheese.
  4. Brush the beaten egg around the edge of the dough. Fold the dough over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
  5. Transfer to a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through. Serve warm.

There you have it – three delicious calzone recipes with pizza dough. As you can see, there are endless possibilities when it comes to filling your calzones with pizza dough. So what are you waiting for? Get creative and start experimenting!

FAQs

Is calzone a kind of a pizza?
A calzone is a type of pizza that is made by folding the dough over the toppings, similar to a turnover.
Can I use pizza dough for calzones?
Yes, you can definitely use pizza dough for calzones. In fact, many people prefer to use pizza dough because it is easier to work with and has a more consistent texture.
What is the difference between a pizza and a calzone?
The main difference between a pizza and a calzone is that a calzone is made by folding the dough over the toppings, while a pizza is left open-faced.

Additionally, calzones are often baked in a circular shape, while pizzas are typically baked in a rectangular or square shape.
What is the difference between a calzone and a stromboli?
A stromboli is similar to a calzone, but the dough is rolled into a log shape and then baked. Calzones are typically round in shape and have the filling enclosed by the dough, while strombolis have the filling running through the center of the log.
How did calzones originate?
Calzones are believed to have originated in Naples, Italy. The word calzone means “trouser” or “leg of a pant” in Italian, which is thought to be a reference to the shape of the food. Calzones were originally made as a quick and easy meal for working men to take with them on their lunch break.
60 vs 70 vs 80 % hydration pizza dough, which is best for calzone?
The dough recipe you use is really up to personal preference. However, many people find that a 60-70% hydration dough works best for calzones because it is not too sticky and is easy to work with.
What is the nutrition difference between calzones and pizza?
The nutrition content of a calzone will vary depending on the ingredients used. However, in general, calzones tend to be higher in calories and fat than pizza because of the dough and the cheese.
Can you use bread dough for making calzone?
No, bread dough is not suitable for making calzones because it is too dense and will not cook through properly. Pizza dough or homemade dough is a better option.

In Conclusion

So, what’s the difference between calzone dough vs pizza dough? The answer is that they are both made from flour, water, salt, and yeast. However, calzone dough typically contains eggs and olive oil which gives it a richer flavor and a softer texture. Pizza dough does not usually contain eggs or oil, making it crisper and more durable.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which type of dough you prefer- both recipes are easy to follow and produce delicious results!

Both types of dough can be stuffed with your favorite fillings, so why not try making a calzone next time you want to enjoy some homemade pizza? If you want to try your hand at making your own calzones at home, our recipe will show you how easy it is!

Have you ever tried making your own calzones or pizzas at home? What tips would you give other aspiring chefs? Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this article, please share it with your friends and family.