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Bat-Shaped Calzones

These playful bat-shaped calzones are made by shaping dough into mini creatures with wings and ears, filled with gooey cheese, savory meats or roasted vegetables, and tomato sauce. Baking them until golden and crispy creates a fun, visually appealing dish with melty insides and crisp crusts, perfect for a spooky-themed dinner or a creative food adventure.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 package store-bought or homemade pizza dough soft enough to shape
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese optional, grated
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce good quality marinara
  • 1 cup pepperoni slices or roasted peppers, sautéed mushrooms
  • 1 egg egg beaten for egg wash
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • a pinch red pepper flakes
  • as needed flour for dusting

Equipment

  • Rolling pin
  • Sharp knife or pizza cutter
  • Baking sheet
  • Basting brush
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Gather your fillings and ingredients within easy reach. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 0.5cm thick, creating a smooth, even rectangle.
  2. Use a glass or cookie cutter approximately 10cm in diameter to cut out circles from the dough. Place each circle on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
  3. Spread a spoonful of tomato sauce on half of each dough circle, leaving about a 1cm border around the edges. This keeps the filling contained and prevents leaks during baking.
  4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the sauce, then add your choice of pepperoni slices or roasted vegetables for flavor and variety.
  5. Fold each dough circle over to enclose the filling, then pinch and crimp the edges tightly to seal everything inside, ensuring no filling escapes during baking.
  6. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut out small wing shapes on each side of the circle to resemble bat wings. Gently press and shape the wings to create a cute, winged silhouette.
  7. Brush the tops of each calzone with beaten egg for a shiny, golden finish. Arrange small triangles or semi-circles at the top of each calzone to serve as bat ears, pressing them lightly into the dough.
  8. Bake the calzones in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until they are deep golden brown and crispy, with bubbling cheese visible inside.
  9. Once baked, remove the calzones from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. The crust should be crisp and the cheese gooey and melted inside, ready to be enjoyed.
  10. Serve warm, perhaps with extra tomato sauce on the side. These playful calzones make a delightful snack or main dish, with crispy crusts and cheesy, flavorful fillings.

Notes

Feel free to customize fillings with your favorite meats or vegetables. For a vegan version, substitute cheese with plant-based options and use vegetable-based fillings.