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Bat-Shaped Calzones

Bat-Shaped Calzones

These playful bat-shaped calzones are made with soft pizza dough filled with gooey cheese, pepperoni, and vegetables. They are baked until crispy with a golden crust and fun wing or ear shapes that make dinner both a visual treat and a delicious, cheesy comfort food. Perfect for gatherings or spooky snack times, they reheat easily from frozen for quick bites.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour for softer crust
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 packet active dry yeast about 2 1/4 teaspoons
  • 3/4 cup warm water about 110°F or 45°C
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese melts beautifully gives gooey stretch
  • 1/2 cup pepperoni slices or your favorite filling
  • 1/2 cup chopped vegetables sautéed mushrooms and olives optional
  • 1 egg beaten egg for egg wash

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Rolling pin
  • Baking sheet
  • Pastry cutter or sharp knife
  • Pastry brush

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. In a separate small bowl, sprinkle the yeast into warm water and let sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms.
  2. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
  3. Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, and cover with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  4. Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  5. Punch down the risen dough gently to release air, then divide it into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin circle about 6 inches in diameter.
  6. Place a generous spoonful of cheese, pepperoni, and vegetables on one half of each circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
  7. Fold the dough over the filling to create a semi-circle, then pinch and seal the edges tightly to prevent filling from leaking out.
  8. Use a pastry cutter or sharp knife to carefully cut out bat wings and ears from the edges of each calzone, shaping them into fun, spooky forms.
  9. Arrange the shaped calzones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg to give a shiny, golden finish.
  10. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the calzones are crispy, puffed, and golden brown around the edges and shapes.
  11. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. These fun calzones are perfect for a spooky snack or party treat!

Notes

For an extra crispy crust, bake on a preheated pizza stone or cast-iron skillet. Feel free to experiment with different fillings and shapes for variety!