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Bat-Shaped Calzones

These playful bat-shaped calzones are made with tender pizza dough filled with gooey mozzarella, savory ham or salami, mushrooms, and spinach. They are shaped into cute bats, baked until golden and crispy, with bubbling cheese and a flaky crust, perfect for parties or a fun family meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Rolling pin
  • Cookie cutter or small knife
  • Baking sheet
  • Pastry brush

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour for the dough
  • 1 packet instant dry yeast for rising the dough
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3/4 cup warm water around 40°C/104°F
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup ham or salami diced
  • 1/2 cup mushrooms sautéed and sliced
  • 1/2 cup spinach wilted and drained
  • 2 tablespoons garlic oil for brushing crust
  • 1 egg egg beaten with a splash of water for wash

Instructions
 

  • Mix warm water with a pinch of sugar and the yeast; let sit until frothy, about 5 minutes. This activates the yeast and starts the dough.
  • In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil, then knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
  • Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled in size.
  • Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Divide the risen dough into small portions, about the size of a tennis ball, and roll each into a thin circle, roughly 15cm across.
  • Use a cookie cutter or small knife to cut out bat-shaped silhouettes from each dough circle, creating wings and body shapes.
  • Spread a small amount of mozzarella on one side of each bat shape, then add diced ham, sautéed mushrooms, and wilted spinach on top of the cheese.
  • Fold each bat shape over to enclose the fillings and pinch the edges tightly to seal, shaping the wings and body as desired.
  • Transfer the filled calzones to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a shiny finish.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. The cheese should be bubbling inside.
  • Remove from the oven, brush with garlic oil for extra flavor, and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these fun, crispy bat calzones!

Notes

Ensure fillings are not too wet to prevent soggy crust. Seal edges thoroughly to keep fillings inside during baking.