Hey there, Jason Griffith here! Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner or your next pizza night into an absolutely luxurious experience. Today, we’re diving into the incredible world of the Million Dollar Bacon Indulgent Stuffed Calzone Fontina Frenzy! Imagine a perfectly golden, crispy pizza dough crust, generously stuffed with a rich blend of savory bacon, tangy marinara, fresh basil, Parmesan, and a glorious overflow of melty Fontina cheese. This isn’t just a calzone; it’s a true culinary indulgence that will have you saying “Grazie!” after every bite.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it takes the comforting familiarity of a pizza and elevates it into a deeply satisfying, handheld feast. The combination of salty, crispy bacon with the rich, nutty flavor of Fontina cheese is truly a million-dollar pairing. The tang of the marinara and the freshness of the basil perfectly balance the richness, while the golden-brown crust offers that irresistible crunch. It’s surprisingly easy to assemble, making it a fantastic choice for a fun family dinner or a casual get-together where you want to impress. If you’re into delicious, cheesy, and hearty meals, you’ll also love my Instant Pot Lasagna, my favorite way to make comfort food fast or these Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter!

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredibly indulgent calzone:

• 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 pound (about 2 cups) fontina cheese, shredded
• 1/2 pound cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce (your favorite jarred or homemade)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Swaps and Notes

• Pizza Dough: High-quality store-bought pizza dough is a fantastic shortcut. If you’re adventurous, homemade pizza dough is always a treat!
• Fontina Cheese: Fontina is key here for its nutty, buttery flavor and excellent melt. If you absolutely can’t find it, a blend of mozzarella and a little Gruyère or provolone could be a substitute, but it won’t be quite the same “Fontina Frenzy.”
• Bacon: Cooked until crispy, the bacon adds a crucial salty crunch. Use regular or thick-cut based on your preference.
• Marinara Sauce: Use a good quality marinara sauce. If you like a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling mixture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a sharper, saltier kick than pre-grated.
• Fresh Basil: Don’t skip the fresh basil! Its aromatic quality really brightens the rich flavors. Other fresh herbs like oregano or parsley could be added, but basil is paramount.
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the overall flavor.
• Optional Additions: Sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even some thinly sliced cooked chicken could be added to the filling for extra richness and flavor.

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Steps for the Recipe

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Dough: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the 1 pound of pizza dough into a large circle, about 1/4-inch thick. The size will depend on how large you want your calzone (usually around 12-14 inches in diameter).
2. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded fontina cheese, cooked and crumbled bacon, marinara sauce, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are well distributed.
3. Fill the Calzone: Spread the prepared filling mixture evenly over one half of the pizza dough circle, leaving a clear border of about 1 inch around the edge of the half-circle. This border is essential for sealing the calzone.
4. Fold and Seal: Carefully fold the other half of the dough over the filling, aligning the edges. Firmly crimp the edges together to seal the calzone, either by pressing with your fingers or using a fork to create a decorative pattern. Ensure it’s sealed tightly to prevent filling from escaping.
5. Vent the Calzone: Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut a few small slits (2-3) in the top of the calzone. These vents will allow steam to escape while baking, preventing the calzone from bursting.
6. Bake the Calzone: Carefully transfer the calzone to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully golden brown and the cheese is visibly bubbly (you might see some oozing – that’s the “frenzy!”).
7. Cool and Serve: Remove the calzone from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes (5-10 minutes) before slicing. This allows the filling to set slightly and prevents burns from the hot cheese. Slice into individual portions and serve hot. Enjoy this incredibly indulgent and cheesy Million Dollar Bacon Stuffed Calzone Fontina Frenzy!

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Tips for Success

• Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to load it up, overfilling can make it difficult to seal and may cause the calzone to burst during baking.
• Proper Seal: Ensure the edges are well-crimped and sealed tightly. This keeps all that delicious filling inside.
• Hot Oven: A high oven temperature ensures a crispy crust and a thoroughly cooked interior.
• Watch for Browning: Keep an eye on the calzone, especially towards the end of baking, to achieve a perfect golden crust without burning.
• Rest Before Slicing: Allowing the calzone to rest for a few minutes after baking helps the hot cheese filling to set slightly, making for cleaner slices and preventing burns.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Million Dollar Bacon Indulgent Stuffed Calzone is a meal in itself! For a complete Italian-inspired dinner, serve it with a simple side salad tossed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A small bowl of extra marinara sauce for dipping is always a good idea! For other Italian-style comfort foods, you could also make a side of my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce. For drinks, a robust red wine like a Chianti or Sangiovese would pair wonderfully, or a crisp lager or sparkling water.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftover calzone can be stored tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap it loosely in foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crisp again. A toaster oven also works great for individual slices. Microwaving is possible but will result in a softer crust.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the cheesy, comforting goodness of this calzone, you’ll find plenty more delicious inspiration on Chef Maniac!

• Looking for another great recipe that uses that awesome Marinara sauce? Try my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter – they’re a huge hit!
• For another easy, cheesy crowd-pleaser, check out These Sheet Pan Quesadillas.

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Final Thoughts

The Million Dollar Bacon Indulgent Stuffed Calzone Fontina Frenzy is truly a culinary delight that proves you don’t need a million dollars to eat like a million bucks! It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, bringing a gourmet touch to your table with relative ease.

I hope you give this amazing recipe a try and experience the fontina frenzy for yourself! What are your favorite calzone fillings? Share your ideas and culinary adventures in the comments below, or tag us on social media. And don’t forget to keep following Chef Maniac for more delicious inspiration! Happy cooking!