Easy Wood-Fired Calzones You’ll Want to Make Every Pizza Night

There’s something deeply satisfying about a calzone. It’s the ultimate hand-held comfort food: a golden, folded pocket of chewy pizza dough, bubbling with gooey cheese, rich sauce, and your favorite toppings. But here’s the secret sauce bake them in a wood-fired oven, and you’ll unlock a whole new level of flavor. The high heat and dancing flames add a smoky char and crisp finish that makes these calzones unforgettable.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or throwing a casual backyard pizza party, these wood-fired calzones are a guaranteed hit. They’re easy to customize for picky eaters (kids love to make their own!) and bring that rustic pizzeria feel right into your backyard. I’ve made these for years, and they never fail to bring big smiles to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Calzone

These calzones deliver the flavors of pizza in a fun, portable form. The smoky, blistered crust from the wood-fired oven adds a rustic touch you just can’t get from a regular oven. With their cheesy center and crisp outer shell, they’re satisfying, crowd-pleasing, and easily tailored to everyone’s favorite fillings.

Simple Ingredients

Let’s talk about the key players in this recipe they’re simple, but they really shine together.

• Pizza Dough
  Flexible and chewy, the dough creates the perfect pocket that crisps up beautifully in the high heat of a wood-fired oven.
• Ricotta Cheese
  Soft and creamy, ricotta adds a mellow richness that balances stronger flavors like marinara and pepperoni.
• Mozzarella Cheese
  This is your melty, stretchy, cheesy hero essential for that gooey bite!
• Parmesan Cheese (Affiliate)
  Sharp and salty, it brings bold flavor and adds depth to the cheese mix.
• Marinara or Pizza Sauce
  Tangy and herby, sauce adds moisture and brings everything together with a classic Italian flavor.
• Garlic & Italian Herbs
  These bring savory aromatics and seasoning to the filling don’t skip them!
• Fillings (pepperoni, sausage, veggies)
  Totally customizable pick your favorites to mix and match.
• Olive Oil
  A quick brush post-bake gives the crust a lovely sheen and enhances the blistered look.

Recipe Time + Servings

• Servings: 4 medium calzones
• Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus resting time for dough)
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 38 minutes

What is Needed

• 1 batch pizza dough (enough for 4 small balls, about 600–700g total)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• ¾ cup marinara or pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Optional fillings: sliced pepperoni, cooked sausage, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, olives, etc.
• Olive oil, for brushing
• Flour or semolina, for dusting

Instructions

Divide and Rest the Dough

Divide your pizza dough into 4 equal balls. Let them rest at room temperature for 30 minutes so they become easy to roll.

Preheat the Wood-Fired Oven

Fire up your wood oven to 500–550°F (260–290°C). Let the flames calm slightly to ensure steady radiant heat.

Roll the Dough

Roll each dough ball into an 8–9 inch circle on a floured surface.

Make the Filling

In a bowl, mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, and Italian seasoning.

Assemble the Calzones

Spread 2–3 tablespoons of sauce on half of each dough circle. Top with cheese mixture and optional fillings. Leave a 1-inch border.

Fold and Seal

Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Press edges to seal and crimp tightly.

Bake

Dust a pizza peel with flour or semolina. Place calzones on it and transfer to the oven. Bake for 6–8 minutes, rotating for even browning.

Top Tips

• Let the dough rest so it’s easier to shape this helps avoid tearing.
• Use parchment on the pizza peel if you’re nervous about sticking.
• Involve the kids let them build their own mini calzones!
• Don’t overfill the calzones or they may leak during baking.
• Watch them closely in the oven wood-fired baking goes fast!

Recipe Variations

• Swap ricotta for cream cheese for extra tang.
• Try BBQ sauce and shredded chicken for a smoky twist.
• Add chopped olives or artichokes for a Mediterranean vibe.
• Go veggie with spinach, mushrooms, and caramelized onions.
• Make dessert calzones with sweetened ricotta and chocolate chips!

Recommended Equipment

• Wood-fired pizza oven
• Pizza peel
• Rolling pin
• Mixing bowls
• Silicone brush
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Flour sifter or scoop

Make-Ahead Tips

• Fill and seal calzones ahead of time, then refrigerate up to 4 hours before baking.
• You can freeze assembled uncooked calzones and bake from frozen just add a few extra minutes.

How to Store and Reheat

• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a hot oven or toaster oven until crisp and heated through.
• Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that crisp crust.

What to Serve With This Recipe

• A crisp Caesar or garden salad
• Roasted veggies or a simple antipasto platter
• Lemonade or Italian soda for the kids
• A chilled glass of red wine for the grown-ups

More Recipes

Looking for other recipes? Try these:

Recipe Card: Wood-Fired Calzones

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