calzone
A calzone is a folded, oven-baked pizza originating from Italy. Unlike a traditional flat pizza, the dough is folded over a filling—typically ricotta, mozzarella, and meats—to create a crescent-shaped pocket that traps steam and juices inside while baking, resulting in a distinct, tender texture. While it is essentially a "stuffed pizza," it is treated as a distinct handheld meal. It is commonly served in casual dining settings and is often eaten with a fork and knife, though it can be held by hand once it has cooled slightly. It is frequently associated with comfort food or late-night takeout.
In conversation
Ordering at a restaurant
I can't decide between the pepperoni pizza or the calzone.
I can't decide between the pepperoni pizza or the calzone.
If you want something a bit cheesier and messier, go for the calzone.
If you want something a bit cheesier and messier, go for the calzone.
Calzones are often described as 'messier' because of the molten cheese inside.
Sharing lunch
Are you going to finish that whole calzone?
Are you going to finish that whole calzone?
Probably not, it’s huge. Want a bite?
Probably not, it’s huge. Want a bite?
Calzones are often quite large and filling, making them common items to share.
Examples
I ordered a spinach and ricotta calzone for lunch.
I ordered a spinach and ricotta calzone for lunch.
Be careful when you cut into it, as the steam inside the calzone is extremely hot.
Be careful when you cut into it, as the steam inside the calzone is extremely hot.
The restaurant gained popularity for its massive, golden-brown calzones stuffed with house-made sausage.
The restaurant gained popularity for its massive, golden-brown calzones stuffed with house-made sausage.
