Ingredients

• For the Dough:
  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, divided
  • 1 cup warm water (100° to 110°)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons dry yeast
  • Dash of sugar
  • 1 tablespoon extravirgin olive oil
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• For the Filling:
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 2 cups thinly sliced red bell pepper
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 pound hot-Italian sausage
  • 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¾ cup tomato sauce or pizza sauce
  • ¼ cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper

Directions

1. To make the Dough: Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine 1/2 cup flour, 1 cup warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl; let stand 15 minutes.
2. Gradually add 1 3/4 cups flour, 1 tablespoon oil, and 3/4 teaspoon salt; stir until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 8 minutes); add enough of remaining 1/2 cup flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands.
4. Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in size. (Gently press two fingers into dough. If indentation remains, dough has risen enough.)
5. To make the Filling: Heat 1 teaspoon oil over medium-high heat in a large nonstick skillet. Add bell pepper, onion, garlic, oregano and sausage; sauté 10 minutes or until tender.
6. Spoon mixture into a bowl; cool slightly. Add mozzarella and remaining ingredients to sausage mixture; stir well.
7. Preheat oven to 450°. Punch dough down; cover and let rest 5 minutes.
8. Divide into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a 6-inch circle on a lightly floured surface.
9. Spoon about 1/2 cup sausage mixture onto half of each circle, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
10. Fold dough over filling; crimp edges of dough with fingers to seal.
11. Place calzones on a large baking sheet lined with foil and coated with cooking spray. Pierce the tops of the dough once with a fork.
12. Lightly coat the calzones with cooking spray.
13. Bake at 450° for 14 minutes or until browned.
14. Remove from oven. Serve hot.

Notes