These Halloween Witch Hat Calzones are the perfect spooky treat, filled with a delicious blend of cheeses, pepperoni, and optional veggies or sausage. Shaped to resemble witch hats, they’re brushed with an egg wash and sprinkled with Italian seasoning, with fun pepperoni decorations on top. These calzones are baked until golden and served with warm marinara sauce, making them a festive addition to any Halloween gathering.
These Halloween Witch Hat Calzones are the perfect spooky treat for any Halloween gathering, filled with cheese, pepperoni, and optional veggies or sausage. Shaped to resemble witch hats, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat!
INGREDIENTS
- Pepperoni (1/2 cup, sliced small): Adds savory, spicy flavor to the filling and can be cut into shapes to decorate the hats.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1/2 cup): Melts inside the calzones, creating a gooey, cheesy center.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the filling.
- Cream Cheese (4 ounces, softened): Combines with the other cheeses for a creamy texture.
- Crescent Rolls (2 packages, 8 oz each): Forms the base and shape of the witch hats, turning golden and flaky when baked.
- Egg (1, slightly beaten): Mixed with water to create an egg wash, giving the hats a shiny, golden finish.
- Water (1 tablespoon): Added to the egg wash for easier application.
- Kosher Salt (3/4 teaspoon): Seasons the calzones, balancing the flavors.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a mild kick to the filling.
- Italian Seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the filling with a blend of herbs for added flavor.
- Marinara Sauce (served warm): Perfect for dipping, bringing out the flavors in each bite.
- Optional Add-Ins:
- Sautéed Peppers & Onions (1/4 cup): Adds a hint of sweetness and texture to the filling.
- Cooked Italian Sausage (1/2 cup): Provides extra flavor and heartiness to the filling.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Cook the sausage, peppers, and onions if using.
- Step 2: Prepare Pepperoni and Seasoning
- Slice 1/2 cup of pepperoni into small pieces and cut 8-10 additional slices into fun shapes (like diamonds, triangles, or crescent moons) for decorating the hats.
- In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning for added flavor.
- Step 3: Make the Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, sautéed peppers, onions, sausage, 1/2 cup pepperoni, and a sprinkle of the seasoning mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Step 4: Prepare Crescent Rolls
- Unroll the crescent rolls and separate into triangles. Place four triangles on the baking sheet and set the remaining four aside to be the tops of the calzones. (If using two baking sheets, place four triangles on each sheet to prevent crowding.)
- Step 5: Add Filling and Seal Calzones
- In a small bowl, beat the egg and mix in 1 tablespoon of water. Brush the egg wash along the edges of the crescent rolls on the baking sheet. Spoon 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture onto the center of each crescent roll.
- Place the reserved triangles on top of each filled triangle and gently press the edges together to seal in the filling.
- Step 6: Shape and Decorate Witch Hats
- Fold up the bottom of each crescent roll to form a “brim” for the witch hat, and shape the top into a pointed hat. Brush the entire hat with egg wash and place the decorative pepperoni shapes on the brim.
- Sprinkle any remaining seasoning mixture over the hats.
- Step 7: Bake and Serve
- Bake the calzones in the center of the oven at 425°F for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Optionally, sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese for a finishing touch.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve these calzones warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping to enhance the flavors.
- Use a sharp knife to cut them in half for easy sharing, if needed.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Helpful Notes
- Keep the crescent roll dough chilled until ready to use, as warmer dough can tear easily.
- Press edges firmly to seal and prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
- Brush with egg wash before baking for a golden, shiny finish on the witch hats.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Gordon Ramsay suggests using high-quality cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Chef Rachael Ray recommends decorating with fun shapes to make the dish more festive and appealing for kids.
- Chef Jamie Oliver advises brushing dough with egg wash to achieve a golden-brown finish and added texture.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Fun and festive, perfect for Halloween gatherings and kids’ parties.
- Customizable with different fillings to suit everyone’s taste.
- Easy to make with minimal ingredients and requires just a few steps.
- Perfectly sized for handheld snacking and dipping.
VARIATIONS
- Substitute pepperoni with diced ham or cooked bacon for a different flavor.
- Use marinara sauce mixed with a bit of hot sauce for a spicier dipping option.
- Try using crescent roll dough sheets instead of pre-cut triangles for easier assembly.
- Experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a unique twist.