This The Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Calzone is tender, savory, and full of bold flavors. It's the kind of recipe that makes any dinner feel special without requiring hours in the kitchen. Simple ingredients, amazing results — let's get cooking!
Did You Know?
Pro Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What dough should I use for calzones?
Pizza dough is the traditional choice — homemade or store-bought. Let it come to room temperature before shaping so it stretches easily without tearing.
2. What steak is used for a Philly cheesesteak filling?
Ribeye is the authentic choice for its marbling and flavor. Shave or slice it paper-thin. Sirloin or frozen shaved steak from the deli section works as a shortcut.
3. How do I seal a calzone so it does not leak?
Fold the dough over the filling, press the edges firmly with your fingers, then crimp with a fork. Do not overfill — leave a 1-inch border of dough for sealing.
4. What cheese goes in a Philly cheesesteak calzone?
Provolone is the most authentic, but American cheese or Cheez Whiz are also traditional Philly options. Mozzarella adds stretch if you prefer a classic calzone cheese pull.
5. What temperature and time for baking calzones?
425-450°F for 15-18 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and the cheese is melted inside. Brush with egg wash before baking for a shiny, professional finish.
6. Should I vent the calzone before baking?
Yes — cut 2-3 small slits in the top with a sharp knife. These steam vents prevent the calzone from puffing up too much and potentially bursting open in the oven.
7. What vegetables go inside a cheesesteak calzone?
Sauteed onions, green peppers, and mushrooms are the traditional Philly cheesesteak vegetables. Cook them before filling the calzone so they do not release water during baking.
8. Can I make calzones ahead and freeze them?
Yes — assemble, seal, and freeze unbaked calzones on a sheet pan. Transfer to bags once frozen. Bake from frozen at 400°F for 25-30 minutes.
9. What dipping sauce goes with cheesesteak calzones?
Warm marinara sauce is the classic calzone dipper. For a Philly twist, serve with a side of au jus made from the steak drippings, or a spicy ketchup.
10. How do I reheat a leftover calzone?
Reheat in a 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes until the crust is crispy again. The oven method restores the texture perfectly. A microwave makes the crust rubbery and soft.
Watch How to Make This
The Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Calzone
Ingredients
Method
- Dough Preparation:
- In a stand mixer, combine all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast using the hook attachment.
- Add lukewarm water and olive oil. Mix on low for 10 minutes until a smooth dough forms.
- Allow the dough to rise in a covered bowl for 1 hour in a dry place.
- Steak and Onion Filling:
- Freeze ribeye steak for 1 hour, then thinly slice.
- Sauté diced onion in avocado oil until soft and caramelized.
- Push onions to one side and add sliced steak. Cook until the pink is mostly cooked out.
- Mix steak with onions, season with kosher salt and black pepper, and add provolone cheese slices. Remove from heat.
- Calzone Assembly:
- Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C).
- Divide the risen dough into four equal pieces, shaping them into balls.
- Roll each ball into an 8 to 9-inch wide circle on a parchment-lined tray dusted with cornmeal.
- Add Philly cheesesteak filling to the center of each circle.
- Close the calzones by stretching one side over to the other. Seal edges with an egg wash.
- Baking:
- Cut small holes in each calzone with a paring knife.
- Dust with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 500°F for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Presentation:
- Transfer calzones to a wire rack to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy:
- Savor the gourmet goodness of your homemade Philly Cheesesteak Calzones. Pro tip: Brush up on the rich history of calzones while you relish each delightful bite!
- Happy eating!
- Philly Cheesesteak
- Classic Calzone
- French Dip Sliders
- Classic Italian Stromboli
Notes
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, in the microwave, or in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and preparation.
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