Cheats’ Pizza Calzone

A quick and healthy twist on the classic calzone, this version uses soft flour tortillas instead of pizza dough for a speedy, lighter alternative. Filled with cheesy grilled vegetables and served with fresh salad, it’s a satisfying meal ready in minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in under 20 minutes.
• Lighter than a traditional calzone.
• Perfect for using up leftover vegetables.
• Customisable with endless filling options.
• Great for lunch, dinner, or a quick snack.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 soft flour tortillas (wholewheat if possible)
• 4 tomatoes, chopped
• 80 g hard cheese, grated (reduced-fat if possible)
• 1 red pepper, deseeded and thinly sliced
• 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and thinly sliced
• 150 g closed-cup mushrooms, sliced
• 4 handfuls mixed salad leaves
• 1 carrot, grated
• 2 celery sticks, chopped
• 3 teaspoons dried Italian mixed herbs (optional)
• 1 pinch ground black pepper (optional)

Swap Tip: Replace the vegetable filling with any fresh, frozen, or tinned veg you have on hand. Add chopped tinned pineapple for a Hawaiian twist.

Directions

1. Prepare The Vegetables
   • Preheat the grill. Place peppers and mushrooms on a baking sheet and grill for 4–5 minutes, turning once.
   • Add tomatoes and Italian herbs, season with black pepper, and keep warm.
   • Optional: Add torn basil leaves for extra flavour.
2. Assemble The Calzone
   • Place one tortilla in a dry frying pan. Sprinkle a quarter of the cheese over it.
   • Cook over medium heat for 30–40 seconds until melted.
   • Spoon a quarter of the vegetable mixture over one half of the tortilla. Fold in half to cover the filling.
   • Cook briefly to warm through, then transfer to a serving plate. Keep warm.
3. Repeat And Serve
   • Repeat with remaining tortillas.
   • Serve with salad leaves, grated carrot, and chopped celery.

Servings And Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 8–10 minutes
• Total time: 18–20 minutes

Variations

• Spicy: Add sliced chili or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the vegetable mixture.
• Meaty: Add cooked chicken strips or lean ham.
• Vegan: Use vegan cheese and plant-based tortillas.
• Mediterranean: Add olives and sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy kick.
• Breakfast version: Fill with scrambled eggs, spinach, and mushrooms.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Best eaten fresh, but can be kept in the fridge for up to 1 day.
• Reheating: Warm in a frying pan over low heat or in the oven until hot.
• Not suitable for freezing, as tortillas may become soggy.

FAQs

Can I Use White Flour Tortillas?

Yes, but wholewheat tortillas add more fibre.

Can I Use Pre-Grated Cheese?

Yes, any cheese that melts well will work.

Can I Make These Ahead?

Yes, prepare the vegetable filling ahead, then assemble and heat when ready to eat.

Can I Cook The Vegetables In A Pan Instead Of Grilling?

Yes, sauté them in a little oil until tender.

Can I Add Meat To The Filling?

Yes, cooked chicken, turkey, or ham are great options.

What Other Cheeses Work Well?

Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheddar–mozzarella mix work nicely.

Can I Make This Gluten-Free?

Yes, use gluten-free tortillas.

Can I Serve Without Salad?

Yes, but the fresh salad adds crunch and freshness.

Can I Add Sauce Inside?

Yes, a spoonful of tomato passata or pesto inside works well.

How Do I Keep Tortillas From Splitting?

Don’t overfill and heat gently to keep them pliable.

Conclusion

This cheats’ pizza calzone is a fast, flexible recipe perfect for busy days. With its cheesy vegetable filling and crisp tortilla shell, it delivers all the comfort of pizza in a lighter, speedier format.

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