Broccoli and Cheese Calzone

You don't need your local pizza shop to enjoy a calzone! I make them all the time and change the fillings (I often stuff leftovers inside - chicken, beef, vegetables, cheese). When you take advantage of frozen bread or pizza dough, the preparation is a snap. You can also pick up fresh pizza dough from your local pizza shop.

Broccoli and Cheese Calzone

1 pound frozen bread or pizza dough, thawed according to the package directions (for me, that was 3 hours on the counter)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups broccoli florets, steamed until crisp-tender (for me, that was 3 minutes in the microwave)
Olive oil (about 2 teaspoons)
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
Warm pasta sauce for dunking, optional

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Coat a baking sheet with parchment paper or cooking spray. 
Roll the dough out into a large oval, about 9x14 inches. Sprinkle the garlic powder all over the dough. Top half of the dough with the cheese and broccoli. Here's what it will look like: 

Fold the un-topped side of the dough over the filling and pinch around the edges to make a good seal (you don't want the calzone to open in the oven!). Here's what it will look like: 

Transfer the calzone to the prepared pan and brush with olive oil. Sprinkle the parmesan cheese all over the top. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden brown. Check it out - it's smiling! 

Serve with warm pasta sauce for dunking if desired.

Serves 4