3 Cheese Broccoli Calzones

If you ask Jeff what his favorite food is, he'll probably say "food inside of other food," which is a category that I believe he made up. It might be made up, but it's hard to argue with. Pot pie: food inside of other food. Stuffed french bread: food inside of other food. Bacon-wrapped anything: food inside of the best food.

So with this knowledge, I guess it goes without saying that calzones are a popular dinner around here. My all-time favorite recipe is my mom's Sausage and Veggie Calzones, but these 3 Cheese Broccoli Calzones are a delicious alternative that taste really light and fresh for spring.

But listen, please don't judge them by my very unflattering photo. I did my best. A professional photographer I am not. *single tear emoji* Despite the picture, they really are delicious--gooey and cheesy without being overwhelming or greasy, with a fresh, crisp veggie bite. So good.

You can use frozen, store bought pizza dough for these calzones, or you can make your own. I'm sure any recipe will do nicely, but this is my go-to recipe for pizza dough. Quick and delicious and it always turns out great.

3 Cheese Broccoli Calzones

1 recipe pizza dough (or 1 loaf store bought frozen pizza dough, thawed and ready to use)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 head broccoli, finely chopped (about 2 cups)

1/2 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese

1 tablespoon dried parsley

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/3 cup parmesan cheese

2 cups mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 425 degrees, and prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick baking sheet (or just lightly grease it--but I am crazy in love with my Silpat and highly recommend that you get one!). 

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and saute onions and broccoli until softened. Add garlic, and saute an additional 30 seconds or until fragrant.

In a large bowl, combine all remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Add broccoli and onion mixture, and stir to combine. 

Pull off sections of pizza dough and roll into circles (roughly 6 inches across and 1/2 inch thick, although come on, there's no need to break out a ruler). Place a generous scoop of filling off-center, fold dough over the filling the create a semicircle, and pinch the edges to seal. Place calzones on prepared baking sheet, roughly 2 inches apart, and bake in preheated oven for 10 to 13 minutes or until golden brown.

Makes about 12 calzones (depending on size).