Serpent-Shaped Halloween Calzone

Serpent-Shaped Halloween Calzone

This Halloween-inspired calzone is shaped like a serpent and filled with a delicious mix of cheeses, pepperoni, and vegetables, making it a fun and tasty dish for the holiday.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons yeast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup pepperoni
• 1/4 cup parsley
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup olives
• 1 medium green pepper
• 1 cup mushrooms
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water

Method

1. In a mixing bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water with sugar and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it rest for 5 minutes until bubbly.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms. Gradually incorporate another cup of flour, adding 1/4 cup at a time, kneading until the dough detaches from the bowl. Continue kneading for 3 to 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
3. Grease a large bowl lightly, place the dough inside, and turn it to coat with oil. Cover with a cloth and allow it to rise in a warm area until it has doubled in size, which will take about an hour.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, diced pepperoni, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, olives, chopped green pepper, and mushrooms. Stir until well combined and set aside.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a long rectangle, roughly 9 inches wide and 30 inches long. Spoon the filling mixture down the center, leaving about an inch on each side for sealing. Fold the dough edges over the filling and pinch to create a serpentine shape on the parchment-lined sheet. Tuck the ends under to secure the shape.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together an egg and 1 tablespoon of water, then brush this mixture over the calzone for a golden finish.
8. Bake the calzone in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until it turns a lovely golden brown. Let it cool for 5 minutes before cutting it into pieces.