Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone

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Here’s a big and detailed recipe write-up for your Delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone, including everything you requested: introduction, ingredients, instructions, methods, history, benefits, formation, conclusion, lovers, nutrition, and more.

🥖 Delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone

🌟 Introduction

The Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone is a mouthwatering fusion of Italian tradition and American comfort food. Calzones, which originated in Naples, Italy, were traditionally filled with simple cheese and cured meats. Over time, creative cooks adapted the dish to include regional favorites. This version combines juicy chicken, smoky bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and gooey cheese, all enveloped in golden, homemade dough. It’s a hearty meal perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or when you crave something indulgent yet satisfying.

📝 Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F / 45°C)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Filling

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
  • 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup ranch dressing (plus extra for dipping)
  • ½ cup ricotta cheese (optional, for creaminess)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Topping

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon garlic salt
  • Freshly grated Parmesan (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough
    • In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
    • Mix in olive oil, salt, and flour gradually. Knead until smooth (8–10 minutes).
    • Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
  2. Make the Filling
    • In a large bowl, combine chicken, bacon, mozzarella, cheddar, ranch dressing, ricotta (if using), and seasonings. Mix well.
  3. Assemble the Calzones
    • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
    • Divide dough into 4–6 portions. Roll each portion into a circle, about 7–8 inches wide.
    • Spoon filling onto half of each circle, leaving a 1-inch border.
    • Fold dough over and press edges tightly with a fork or by crimping.
  4. Bake the Calzones
    • Place calzones on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
    • Brush tops with olive oil or melted butter, sprinkle with parsley, garlic salt, and Parmesan.
    • Bake 18–22 minutes, until golden brown.
  5. Serve
    • Let cool slightly before cutting. Serve with extra ranch dressing or marinara sauce for dipping.

🏺 History

The calzone dates back to 18th century Naples, originally crafted as a portable meal for workers and travelers. Unlike pizza, which required utensils, the calzone could be eaten by hand. Over centuries, the Italian classic traveled worldwide and was adapted with regional flavors. The Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone is an American twist, inspired by the country’s love for creamy ranch dressing, crispy bacon, and hearty fillings.

💪 Benefits

  • Protein-rich: Chicken and bacon provide muscle-building protein.
  • Calcium boost: Cheese helps strengthen bones and teeth.
  • Homemade dough: Healthier and fresher than store-bought versions.
  • Family-friendly: A fun recipe to make with kids and customize with different fillings.

🏗️ Formation (How it Comes Together)

  • Base (dough): Provides the golden, crispy shell.
  • Filling (meats, cheese, ranch): Creamy, savory, and satisfying.
  • Seasoned topping: Adds aroma, texture, and flavor boost.
    Together, these create a pocket of pure comfort food bliss.

❤️ Lovers of This Dish

This calzone is loved by:

  • Pizza lovers who crave something handheld.
  • Bacon enthusiasts.
  • Ranch dressing fans.
  • Families who enjoy easy-to-share meals.
  • Anyone who enjoys a fusion of Italian and American comfort flavors.

🍽️ Nutrition (per serving, approx. 1 calzone out of 6)

  • Calories: ~480–520
  • Protein: 28g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 44g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Calcium: 20% DV

🏁 Conclusion

The Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone is a delightful harmony of crispy crust, gooey cheese, smoky bacon, and tangy ranch. It bridges Italian tradition with American comfort flavors, making it a dish that satisfies both nostalgia and modern cravings. Perfect for sharing, versatile in fillings, and loved by all ages—it’s a recipe worth keeping in your kitchen forever.

Would you like me to also give you a variation list (like BBQ chicken calzone, veggie ranch calzone, or spicy buffalo calzone) so you can swap flavors for different occasions?

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