If you’re a fan of comfort food classics like macaroni and cheese, bacon, and pizza, this Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Calzone is about to become your new favorite recipe. Combining creamy, cheesy macaroni and crispy bacon inside a golden, crispy pizza dough crust, it’s a decadent, hearty meal perfect for sharing or indulging all to yourself.
This recipe is straightforward but yields an impressive dish, perfect for casual dinners, game day snacks, or even a fun weekend treat. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this cheesy, bacon-packed calzone that’s sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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The Ultimate Comfort Food Combo: Mac ‘n’ cheese + bacon + pizza crust = pure happiness.
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Easy to Make: Uses basic ingredients with simple steps.
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Customizable: Add your favorite extras like veggies or spices.
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Great for Sharing: Perfect for feeding a family or guests.
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Satisfying & Filling: Rich in flavor and texture for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need, measured in US standard cups and units for convenience:
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1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
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2 cups cooked macaroni and cheese (preferably creamy and cheesy)
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4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for that melty, gooey texture)
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½ cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
Ingredient Notes and Tips
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Pizza Dough: You can buy pre-made dough from most grocery stores or pizzerias. For extra flavor, try homemade dough or artisan varieties. Make sure the dough is at room temperature before rolling.
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Macaroni and Cheese: Use your favorite recipe or even store-bought prepared mac ‘n’ cheese. Homemade versions with sharp cheddar or a mix of cheeses work wonderfully.
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Bacon: Crisp bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch. Cook it until crisp but not burnt, then crumble for easy mixing.
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Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and helps hold the filling together.
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Marinara Sauce: Use a quality marinara or pizza sauce for dipping. Homemade or store-bought both work.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by mixing the creamy macaroni and cheese with the crumbled bacon in a large bowl. Ensure the mixture is well combined so every bite has a perfect balance of cheesy pasta and bacon.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large circle or oval about ½ inch thick. This will form the base for your calzone.
Step 3: Assemble the Calzone
Spoon the mac ‘n’ cheese and bacon mixture onto one half of the rolled dough, leaving about 1 inch border around the edges. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the filling to add extra cheesiness.
Step 4: Seal the Calzone
Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal. To ensure a tight seal, you can crimp the edges with a fork or twist the dough slightly.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the calzone on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from oven and let cool slightly for 5 minutes. Slice the calzone into portions and serve hot with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Prep and Cooking Time
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
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Servings: 4
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Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving
Variations and Add-Ons
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Veggie Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or spinach to the filling for extra nutrition and flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes inside for heat lovers.
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Different Cheeses: Swap mozzarella for provolone, gouda, or pepper jack to change flavor profiles.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pizza dough and gluten-free breadcrumbs in your mac ‘n’ cheese recipe.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
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Calories: 450 kcal
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Protein: 22g
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Carbohydrates: 38g
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Fat: 22g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sodium: Moderate, depending on bacon and cheese
Tips for Perfect Calzones Every Time
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Make sure the dough is not too thin or it will tear when folding.
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Avoid overfilling to prevent leaking during baking.
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Use an egg wash (beaten egg brushed on edges) for a shiny golden crust.
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Let the calzone rest a few minutes after baking so the filling firms up.
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Serve immediately for the best gooey cheese experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the calzone, then refrigerate before baking. Bake when ready to serve.
Can I freeze the calzone?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly and freeze. Bake from frozen by adding extra baking time.
What type of macaroni and cheese works best?
Creamy, slightly thickened mac ‘n’ cheese works best to avoid a soggy crust.
Why This Recipe Works
The marriage of creamy mac ‘n’ cheese with crispy bacon and melty mozzarella inside a perfectly baked calzone crust delivers a satisfying bite every time. The marinara dip adds a bright acidity to balance the richness.
Perfect Pairings
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Fresh garden salad with vinaigrette
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Roasted or steamed vegetables
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Garlic bread or breadsticks
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A cold, crisp soda or light beer
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Calzone is comfort food elevated to a new level. It’s fun to make, delicious to eat, and customizable to suit any taste. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends, this recipe brings warmth and satisfaction to the table.
Give it a try and enjoy the ooey-gooey, bacon-packed goodness!