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crispy sausage filled phyllo calzone

Crispy Phyllo Calzone With Spicy Sausage

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These crispy phyllo calzones feature a shatteringly crisp exterior that's a delightful departure from traditional doughy versions. Filled with spicy chicken sausage, Canadian bacon, and melty mozzarella, then wrapped in delicate, flaky phyllo layers, these golden triangular packets are both impressive and delicious.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 calzones
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 4 cloves garlic crushed
  • 2 (14 ounce) cans plum tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 lb spicy chicken sausage casings removed
  • 1/2 cup Canadian bacon diced
  • 3/4 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1 (8 ounce) box phyllo dough about 18 sheets
  • olive oil cooking spray
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 3 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning

Equipment

  • Wire rack
  • Baking sheet
  • Nonstick saucepan

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a nonstick saucepan over medium-high heat. Add crushed garlic and sauté until just soft, about 1 minute.
  2. Add crushed red pepper flakes and cook for another minute before adding the plum tomatoes. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves. Set aside to cool slightly.
  4. In a nonstick pan, cook the chicken sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Cook thoroughly, about 1½ minutes, then drain any excess grease.
  5. In a bowl, combine the cooked sausage with diced Canadian bacon and shredded mozzarella. Add ¼ cup of the prepared tomato sauce to the mixture and stir to combine.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  7. Layer 3 sheets of phyllo dough, lightly spraying each sheet with olive oil cooking spray and sprinkling with salt and Italian seasoning between layers.
  8. Place a portion of the filling in one corner of the phyllo stack and fold into triangular packets. Make a small slit in the top of each calzone.
  9. Place the calzones on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil cooking spray.
  10. Bake for 35 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  11. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with the remaining warm tomato sauce for dipping.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcal

Notes

For best results, thaw the phyllo dough properly according to package instructions before using. The wire rack baking method ensures even crisping on all sides of the calzones. These calzones can be customized with different fillings - try adding sautéed spinach or roasted peppers for a vegetable variation, or substitute the chicken sausage with spicy Italian pork sausage. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in a 350°F oven until crisp and heated through.

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