Imagine combining the creamy comfort of macaroni and cheese with the handheld convenience of a calzone, and then adding crispy bacon for extra flavor. This Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Calzone is the ultimate fusion comfort food, perfect for a hearty meal or a fun twist on traditional pizza. Follow this recipe to create a deliciously cheesy, bacon-studded calzone that will have everyone raving.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Mac ‘n’ Cheese Filling:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4-6 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
For Assembly:
- Olive oil, for brushing
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Dried oregano or basil (optional, for garnish)