Shortcut Calzones

Are you ready for a super simple "semi homemade" calzone recipe?
I needed some ideas to use up my bag of frozen roll dough.  I swear, even if they aren't expired, after a while the rolls won't rise right or taste right.  Does that happen to anyone else??? So, I try to use them up fairly quickly.  Since I prefer making homemade rolls, I don't use the frozen kind very often unless I am making my favorite Orange Rolls or my Mom's Parmesan Rolls . . . and now these calzones.  We have already made them several times and they are the perfect size and they taste SO GOOD!

All you do is get out some frozen roll dough, allow them to thaw and roll them out a bit

Fill with toppings

Fold over and pinch edges shut with a fork

Brush with egg wash and bake

Now, everyone in your family can be happy, because they can create their own little calzone with whatever fillings they want.  No giving in to adding pepperoni or salami, because Dad likes it.  Or mushrooms, because Mom likes them.  Nope, not anymore.  You can have WHATEVER you want.  I experimented with several different versions.  My favorite is still ham, cheese and chopped bell pepper!!  

Shortcut Calzones
From: Jenn@eatcakefordinner
(Printable Recipe) or (Printable with Picture)

10 frozen Rhodes rolls

pizza sauce

whatever toppings you desire (meat and/or veggies)

shredded cheese (We like Cheddar and Parmesan)

beaten egg

Italian seasoning

garlic powder

Place frozen rolls on a baking sheet, cover with a tea towel and let thaw and rise 2-3 hours.  When rolls are thawed and risen, preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface.  Top each dough circle with pizza sauce, desired toppings and shredded cheese, trying to leave a small border around the outside.  Pull empty half up and over and crimp edges shut, using a fork.  Brush the top of each with a beaten egg and sprinkle with some Italian seasoning and garlic powder (or Johnny's Garlic Spread if you have it).  Cut a few slits on top of each pocket and  place onto a lightly greased baking sheet.  Bake 10-15 minutes or until nice and golden and crispy.  Serves: 5   

Jenn's Notes: I recommend filling the pockets a little fuller than you think with toppings, because it won't seem like as much after they are baked.  You can use the traditional toppings for pizza or you could create a gourmet style like cheeseburger, taco, BBQ chicken or chicken alfredo.  

idea from: The Pioneer Woman