Delicious and Easy Pinwheel Italian Calzones Recipe

This recipe for Pinwheel Italian Calzones is a perfect combination of savory Italian flavors wrapped in a soft, homemade dough. These bite-sized calzones are great as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course. With a delicious filling of Italian sausage, cheese, and herbs, these pinwheels are sure to impress your family and friends. The dough is made from scratch, but don't worry, it's simple and requires only a few ingredients. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the taste of Italy in every bite!

Ingredients

• For the dough:
• - 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• - 1 teaspoon salt
• - 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• - 1 cup warm water
• - 2 tablespoons olive oil
• For the filling:
• - 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
• - 1 cup ricotta cheese
• - 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• - ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• - Salt and pepper to taste
• For the egg wash:
• - 1 egg
• - 1 tablespoon water

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. While the dough is rising, cook the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and let it cool.
6. In a bowl, combine the cooked sausage, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, basil, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
7. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface, about ¼ inch thick.
9. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
10. Starting from one long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
11. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 1-inch thick slices.
12. Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
13. In a small bowl, beat the egg with water to make the egg wash. Brush the pinwheels with the egg wash.
14. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
15. Serve warm and enjoy!

Interesting Facts