Italian Sausage Calzones

A few months ago while strolling through the freezer section of the grocery store, a package of frozen bread dough popped into view and I just had to buy it. Now, weeks later, I got sick of seeing them in my freezer so I decided that attempting calzones would be a great chance to use up one of the loaves. These turned out incredibly well and were actually really easy. I can't wait to make them again and experiment with different ingredients.

Italian Sausage Calzones
Source: Kitchen Escapes original

Ingredients:
1 lb. frozen bread dough, thawed according to package (I used Rhodes)
1 cup pizza sauce, plus more for dipping if you choose
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1/2-3/4 cup mozzarella cheese
1/2 lb italian sausage
10-15 pepperoni slices, cut in half
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tbls olive oil
Italian Seasoning, to taste

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees; lightly grease a baking sheet

Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Add italian sausage and cook until browned. Add 1 cup pizza sauce and pepperoni, heat through.

Meanwhile, combine ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella, a few dashes of italian seasoning, and half of beaten egg. Mix well and set aside.

Divide dough into 4 equal portions. Roll one piece into a roughly 8" circle. Add 1/4 sauce mixture and 1/4 cheese mixture over one half of circle, spread to within 3/4" of edge. Fold dough over so it completely covers filling, and edges line up. Crimp edges tightly with a fork, transfer to prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining 3 pieces of dough.

Combine remaining half of egg with a splash of water; brush top of each calzone with egg wash. Sprinkle more italian seasoning on top.

Bake for 20 minutes, until golden brown. Serve with extra sauce if you wish.

Enjoy.