Traditional Italian Turnover

🕒 Prep: 1 hour
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Get ready to dive into a slice of Italian tradition with this scrumptious turnover. Filled with a cheesy, savory blend and wrapped in a golden crust, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether for a cozy dinner or a casual lunch, this recipe brings a delightful taste of Italy right to your kitchen.

Ingredients for Traditional Italian Turnover

The star of our dough is the all-purpose flour, forming the base for the turnover. Active dry yeast is the magic ingredient that gives our dough its rise, while a touch of sugar helps activate the yeast. A pinch of salt balances flavors, and warm water binds everything together. A dash of olive oil adds richness and helps keep the dough moist.

For the filling, ricotta cheese offers creaminess, shredded mozzarella provides that irresistible, stretchy melt, and Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth. Sliced salami introduces a meaty, slightly spicy element, and a sprinkle of black pepper brings a gentle kick. To finish, a beaten egg gives our crust a beautifully golden sheen.

Tips & Tricks

  • Make sure your water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
  • If you don’t have parchment paper, lightly oil the baking sheet instead.
  • For a more even bake, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the cooking time.
  • Let the calzones cool slightly before cutting to avoid cheese spillage.

Serving Suggestions

These turnovers pair beautifully with a fresh arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with a slice of lemon complements the flavors perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can make the dough a day ahead. Just let it rise in the fridge overnight instead of at room temperature.
Can I freeze these turnovers?
Absolutely! Freeze them after baking. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in the oven until warmed through.
What can I use instead of salami?
Pepperoni or cooked sausage are great alternatives. For a vegetarian option, try sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers.

Traditional Italian Turnover Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a large bowl and combining your dry ingredients: the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Once mixed, create a little well in the center and pour in the warm water and olive oil. Stir until a dough begins to form. It’ll be a bit sticky, but that’s just right.

Next, move the dough onto a floured surface and get ready to knead. Spend about 10 minutes kneading until it’s nice and smooth. You’ll feel it transform under your hands, becoming more elastic and less sticky. Once it’s smooth, place it in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for an hour.

While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Punch the risen dough down gently to deflate it a bit, then divide it into two equal parts. Roll each piece into an 8-inch circle on a floured surface — they don’t have to be perfect circles, just close enough.

Now for the filling: mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, salami, and black pepper in a bowl. Spoon this cheesy goodness onto half of each dough circle, keeping a 1-inch border clear. Fold the dough over the filling and crimp the edges to seal them tightly — you don’t want any of that lovely filling escaping!

Place your calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to ensure a shiny, golden crust. Bake them for 15-20 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy. Once out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the first bite as the cheese pulls and the flavors meld beautifully!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Simple yet authentic Italian flavors.
  • Perfectly crispy on the outside, deliciously gooey on the inside.
  • Easy to make and even easier to eat!
  • Great for meal prep or impromptu gatherings.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup warm water
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 ounces sliced salami
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 egg (beaten for egg wash)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. Add warm water and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Knead dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth.
4. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
6. Punch down the dough and divide into 2 equal parts.
7. Roll each piece into an 8-inch circle on a floured surface.
8. In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, salami, and black pepper.
9. Spoon cheese mixture onto half of each circle, leaving a 1-inch border.
10. Fold dough over filling and crimp edges to seal.
11. Place calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
12. Brush each calzone with beaten egg for a golden crust.
13. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
14. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

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