Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Calzone is a fun, sweet twist on the classic Italian calzone, traditionally filled with savory ingredients like cheese and meats. Instead of the usual, this version is stuffed with rich, gooey chocolate and sometimes other indulgent ingredients like hazelnuts or bananas. It’s like a dessert pizza pocket. a warm, crispy dough shell filled with molten chocolate. Imagine biting into a golden, crispy crust and getting hit with that sweet, velvety chocolate lava. It’s pure comfort food. It’s the kind of treat that’s both simple to make and hard to forget once you’ve tried it.
Jamie Oliver Chocolate Calzone Recipe
Ingredients Needed
Making this dessert treat doesn’t require too many ingredients but what you do use has to be high quality because it’s all about the chocolate!
- Pizza Dough: This is the base of the calzone. Jamie’s recipe often uses a standard pizza dough recipe. You can use store-bought or make your own from scratch.
- Chocolate: Good quality dark or milk chocolate is a must here. The type of chocolate will determine how sweet or rich the filling will be. A mixture of both dark and milk chocolate can also add some depth.
- Hazelnuts (optional): If you like a bit of crunch and flavor contrast, toasted hazelnuts are a great addition. They add texture and a lovely nuttiness.
- Banana (optional): For a more fruity and creamy filling, adding banana slices can make the dessert even more decadent.
- Sugar (optional): Just a little bit of sugar can help balance the bitterness of dark chocolate if that’s the route you go.
- Butter: A bit of butter for greasing the dough and adding richness to the chocolate filling.
- Egg (for egg wash): This gives the calzone that perfect golden, glossy finish when baked.
Equipment Needed
The equipment you need is pretty minimal but there are a few things to keep in mind for the best results.
- Baking Tray: You’ll need a tray to bake the calzone on. Make sure it’s lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Rolling Pin: To stretch out the dough into a nice, round shape, a rolling pin will make your life easier.
- Knife: You’ll need a sharp knife to slice the banana (if using) and to cut the dough into the right size.
- Pastry Brush: For brushing the egg wash onto the dough to give it that crispy, golden exterior.
- Bowls: One for preparing the chocolate and any fillings and another for the egg wash.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Calzone
Here’s where the magic happens. Making Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Calzone is surprisingly simple.
- Prepare the Dough: If you’re using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature. If making it from scratch, you’ll need to follow a basic pizza dough recipe which involves combining flour, water, yeast, a pinch of salt and olive oil, then kneading until smooth. Let it rise for about an hour.
- Roll the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out your dough into a circle, about 1/4 inch thick. It doesn’t need to be perfect. the rustic look just adds to the charm!
- Prepare the Filling: While the dough is resting, melt your chocolate in a bowl over simmering water (double boiler style) or in the microwave. Stir it until it’s smooth and glossy. If you’re using bananas, slice them up. If adding hazelnuts, chop them roughly and toast them in a dry pan for extra flavor.
- Assemble the Calzone: Place your rolled-out dough on a baking tray. Spoon the melted chocolate into the center, leaving a little space around the edges. Add your banana slices and hazelnuts if you’re using them. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, sealing the edges by pinching them together.
- Egg Wash and Bake: Brush the top of the calzone with a beaten egg for a shiny, golden crust. Bake in a preheated oven at around 200°C (400°F) for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and crispy.
- Serve: Let it cool for a minute or two (but don’t wait too long. the chocolate will be molten!). Slice it open and enjoy that chocolatey goodness!
What I Learnt
What’s interesting about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily make it your own by switching up the fillings or even the type of dough you use. I also learned that while it seems like a complex dessert, it’s actually pretty straightforward. The key is in the quality of the chocolate and not overfilling the dough (because you don’t want that filling spilling out while baking).
The other lesson? It’s important to make sure the dough is sealed well. If you don’t pinch the edges tightly enough, there’s a good chance the chocolate will escape while baking. Another fun thing I discovered is that the calzone tastes even better the next day. The chocolate firms up a little, giving it a fudgy texture that’s still delicious.
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Calzone
Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Calzone is a sweet, indulgent dessert that takes pizza to a whole new level. If you’re looking to put your personal spin on it, there are plenty of ways to tweak the recipe. Here are some ideas:
- Dough Variations: While Jamie’s calzone uses a classic pizza dough, you can make it extra soft by adding a touch of sugar or honey to the dough. This will help balance out the richness of the chocolate. Alternatively, use a croissant dough for a flakier, buttery texture, giving it a more decadent twist.
- Chocolate Choices: The recipe calls for a dark or milk chocolate filling but you can mix things up based on your preferences. Try using a combination of milk and white chocolate for a creamy, swirly effect. For a richer flavor, opt for high-quality dark chocolate with a cocoa percentage above 70%. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, go for a spiced chocolate with hints of chili or cinnamon for a surprising kick.
- Stuffing Add-ins: While chocolate is the star, you can add other fillings to make your calzone stand out. A spoonful of peanut butter or hazelnut spread pairs perfectly with chocolate. If you like textures, chopped nuts (hazelnuts, almonds or walnuts) give it some crunch. For something fruity, try adding fresh raspberries, bananas or even caramelized pears for a sweet contrast.
- Finish with Flavor: After baking, drizzle the calzone with a bit of warm, melted chocolate or even a dash of powdered sugar. A sprinkle of sea salt can enhance the sweetness and provide a touch of sophistication.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
Chocolate calzones are rich and you might not always finish them in one sitting. Luckily, they store well and you can enjoy them later! Here are some tips for keeping them fresh:
- Cool and Wrap: Let the calzones cool completely before storing them. If you store them while still warm, they can get soggy. Wrap them in plastic wrap or foil to keep moisture out and preserve the dough’s crispness.
- Refrigeration: Store your wrapped calzone in the fridge if you plan to eat it within 2-3 days. It’ll stay fresh and maintain its texture without losing flavor. Just make sure to keep it tightly sealed to prevent the dough from drying out.
- Freezing for Later: If you’re thinking ahead, you can freeze them. Just wrap each calzone in plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, pop them in the oven for a few minutes to reheat. this helps restore the crispy crust.
- Reheating Tips: The best way to reheat your calzone is in the oven. Preheat it to around 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes or until it’s warm throughout. If you’re in a rush, the microwave will work in a pinch but it might make the dough a little soft.
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Calzone?
The calzone is pretty filling on its own but if you’re serving it at a dinner party or want to balance out the richness, here are some complementary dishes and sides to consider:
- Light Salads: A simple, crisp salad with fresh greens can cut through the sweetness. A tangy dressing like balsamic vinegar or lemon vinaigrette will bring a refreshing contrast to the rich, chocolatey dessert.
- Gelato or Ice Cream: Pair your calzone with a scoop of creamy gelato or vanilla ice cream. A light flavor, such as vanilla bean or coconut, works best to avoid overpowering the chocolate.
- Fresh Fruit: Something fruity like strawberries, raspberries or citrus can add freshness to balance the indulgence. You could also serve the calzone with a compote of berries or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Espresso or Coffee: Chocolate and coffee are a match made in heaven. A rich espresso or strong coffee complements the dessert’s sweetness and gives you a bit of caffeine to fuel your evening.
- Wine Pairing: If you’re serving this calzone at a more formal gathering, try pairing it with a dessert wine. A rich, fruity port or a sweet Muscat can elevate the entire experience.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Calzone?
You’ll need pizza dough, chocolate (dark or milk), sugar, a bit of cinnamon, and egg wash for a golden finish.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Chocolate For The Calzone?
Yes, you can swap dark chocolate for milk or white chocolate, or even try a chocolate spread like Nutella!
How Long Do I Need To Bake The Chocolate Calzone?
Bake it for about 10-12 minutes at 200°C (or 400°F), until the dough is golden and crispy.
