I remember the first time I came across Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Calzone recipe. I was flipping through a cookbook, and it immediately grabbed my attention. The combination of chocolate and pizza dough sounded indulgent yet comforting. I couldn’t resist trying it out. What started as a fun experiment in the kitchen turned into one of my go-to dessert recipes. There’s something magical about the simplicity of this calzone. The crispy, golden dough encasing gooey, melted chocolate is a treat that never gets old.
Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Calzone Recipe
Jamie Oliver has always had a knack for making cooking approachable. His Chocolate Calzone recipe is no exception. It’s playful, creative, and the perfect balance between savory and sweet. I recall trying to impress a few friends with it at a casual gathering. I wasn’t sure how they would react, but their faces lit up when they took their first bite. They couldn’t believe something so simple could be so delicious!
The recipe is perfect for those times when you want to make something a little extra but don’t have hours to spare. It’s surprisingly easy and involves just a few basic ingredients. You can get it on the table in no time, and each bite is a satisfying combination of crispy crust and rich chocolate.
Ingredients Needed
Gathering the ingredients for Jamie’s Chocolate Calzone is a breeze. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Dark chocolate (around 70% cocoa for that rich taste)
- Milk chocolate (for a creamier texture)
- Butter (unsalted, to brush on the dough for a glossy finish)
- Icing sugar (for a dusting at the end)
The ingredients are pretty basic, but each one plays a crucial role in making the calzone so indulgent. The balance between dark and milk chocolate gives it a nice contrast in flavor, while the pizza dough provides the perfect vehicle for all that goodness.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Calzone
Making Jamie’s Chocolate Calzone is as easy as it gets! Here’s the process I follow:
- Prepare the dough: Whether you’re using store-bought or homemade pizza dough, roll it out into circles, about 10-12 inches in diameter. I usually use my hands for this to keep the dough soft and pliable.
- Chop the chocolate: Break up the dark and milk chocolate into chunks. I like a mix of large and small pieces, so you get both melting pockets and small bits to bite into.
- Fill the dough: Place the chopped chocolate on one half of the dough circle. Make sure you leave a little space around the edges for sealing.
- Seal the calzone: Fold the dough over the chocolate to create a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges together, making sure it’s tightly sealed. You can crimp the edges with a fork to give it a little extra flair.
- Brush with butter: Melt the butter and brush it over the top of the calzone for a golden finish when it bakes.
- Bake: Pop the calzone into a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for about 10-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the dough is golden and crispy.
- Dust with icing sugar: Once out of the oven, give it a light dusting of icing sugar. This adds a little sweetness on top of the rich, gooey chocolate inside.
It’s a straightforward process, but there’s something deeply satisfying about watching the dough puff up and turn golden, knowing a chocolatey surprise is waiting inside.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
The magic of Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Calzone comes down to the way the ingredients work together:
- Pizza Dough: The dough provides a neutral canvas that contrasts with the richness of the chocolate. The gluten in the dough creates a chewy texture, which is perfect for holding all the gooey filling inside.
- Chocolate: The type of chocolate you choose makes a big difference. Dark chocolate, with its intense cocoa content, balances the sweetness of the milk chocolate. When it melts, it creates that irresistible gooey filling. Chocolate has a low melting point, which is why it turns into a delicious gooey center when baked at the right temperature.
- Butter: Brushing the calzone with butter gives it a crispy, golden exterior and adds richness to the dough. The fat in the butter also helps the dough to brown evenly, resulting in that perfect finish.
- Icing Sugar: The final dusting of icing sugar adds an extra touch of sweetness that makes the calzone look even more tempting.
It’s all about contrasts-crispy dough with soft, melty chocolate. Simple ingredients, but they come together in a way that feels special.
Expert Tips
After making this recipe a few times, I’ve picked up a couple of tips that make it even better:
- Don’t overfill: It can be tempting to load up your calzone with as much chocolate as possible, but too much filling can make it hard to seal. A little chocolate goes a long way!
- Use room-temperature dough: If you’re using store-bought dough, let it sit out for 15-20 minutes before working with it. Cold dough can be tough to stretch, and you want it to be soft and pliable.
- Bake in a hot oven: Preheat your oven properly. The high temperature helps the calzone bake quickly, keeping the chocolate molten without overcooking the dough.
- Add a pinch of sea salt: A tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the chocolate before sealing it in can elevate the flavor even more. It balances out the sweetness and brings out the richness of the chocolate.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is quite flexible, and you can switch things up based on your preferences:
- Nutty Chocolate Calzone: Add chopped hazelnuts, almonds, or walnuts to the filling for a crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
- Fruit and Chocolate: Try adding sliced bananas, strawberries, or raspberries to the filling. The fruit’s sweetness will complement the chocolate perfectly.
- Spiced Chocolate: For a little kick, add a pinch of cinnamon, chili powder, or even a dash of espresso powder. It gives the chocolate a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Vegan Option: Swap the butter for coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate. You can also use store-bought vegan pizza dough to make it fully plant-based.
The beauty of this recipe is that you can adjust it to suit your tastes and dietary preferences.
Final Words
This Chocolate Calzone is one of those recipes that feels like a treat but isn’t a total hassle to make. It’s a great dessert for gatherings, but I also love whipping it up when I need a cozy night in. Each bite is like an edible hug, comforting and sweet. The flexibility of the recipe means you can experiment with different fillings, making it your own every time.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Calzone?
You’ll need pizza dough, chocolate (like dark or milk), sugar, butter, and an egg for glazing.
How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Calzone?
It takes around 40 minutes in total-15 minutes for prep and 25 minutes to bake.
Can I Use Different Types Of Chocolate For The Calzone?
Yes, you can use any chocolate you prefer. Dark, milk, or even white chocolate will work great!