Jamie Oliver Chocolate Calzone Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

I still remember the first time I tried making a chocolate calzone. It was a rainy Saturday afternoon, and I wanted something cozy, something special, but not too complicated. I stumbled upon Jamie Oliver’s recipe and thought, “Why not”? The smell of melting chocolate and warm dough filling my kitchen was pure magic. That day, I learned how a simple twist on classic Italian calzone could become a decadent dessert.

If you love chocolate and comfort food, this recipe is a game-changer. It’s easy to make, fun to share, and every bite feels like a hug wrapped in chocolatey goodness.

Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Calzone Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s take on the chocolate calzone is a brilliant mix of classic Italian cooking with a sweet, indulgent twist. He takes simple ingredients like fresh dough and high-quality chocolate and turns them into something irresistible. What makes his version stand out is the balance between the crispy, golden crust and the gooey, melted chocolate inside.

This isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. The recipe invites you to get your hands a little messy, to knead dough, fold in chocolate, and watch it puff up in the oven like a warm chocolatey pillow.

Ingredients Needed

Before you jump in, gather these simple ingredients. You don’t need anything fancy – just basics that combine beautifully:

• Strong bread flour or all-purpose flour (about 300 grams)
• Instant dry yeast (1 teaspoon)
• Warm water (about 180 ml)
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon, Jamie’s twist for softness)
• A pinch of salt
• Good quality dark or milk chocolate bars (150-200 grams)
• A handful of chopped nuts (optional, for crunch)
• Icing sugar for dusting (optional)

These ingredients form the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The yeast makes the dough light and airy, while the chocolate melts into a luscious center. Simple, yet special.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Calzone

The process is surprisingly straightforward – and here’s how it goes:

1. Make the dough: Mix flour, yeast, salt, olive oil, and warm water. Knead for about 10 minutes until soft and stretchy.
2. Let it rise: Cover with a tea towel and leave it in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
3. Prepare the filling: Chop the chocolate into chunks. Add nuts if you like.
4. Shape the calzones: Divide the dough into portions. Roll out each into a circle about 6-7 inches across.
5. Fill and fold: Place a good amount of chocolate on one half of the dough, fold the other half over, and seal the edges well.
6. Bake: Pop them in a preheated oven at 220°C (430°F) for 12-15 minutes until golden and puffed.
7. Serve: Dust with icing sugar and enjoy warm.

The smell alone makes the wait worth it. You’ll find the chocolate melting inside like a delicious surprise waiting to be devoured.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Here’s where it gets fascinating. The dough’s texture depends largely on gluten, a protein in wheat flour. When you knead the dough, gluten strands form and trap gases from the yeast, making the dough rise and become elastic. This elasticity is what gives the calzone its chewy, light crust.

Chocolate behaves differently depending on its cocoa butter content. Higher cocoa butter means smoother melting and a creamier texture inside your calzone. Using good-quality chocolate ensures your filling is rich but not greasy. The optional nuts add texture contrast and a hint of flavor complexity.

Olive oil in the dough softens the crumb and adds subtle richness, making your calzone even more enjoyable.

Expert Tips

From personal trials and Jamie’s hints, here’s how to make your chocolate calzone even better:

• Don’t overfill the dough or it might burst while baking.
• Use room temperature ingredients to help yeast activate evenly.
• Let the dough rest enough – patience is key for that perfect rise.
• Seal the edges tightly with a little water to avoid leaks.
• Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or orange zest to the chocolate filling for extra flavor.
• Serve immediately for the best gooey chocolate experience.

Recipe Variations

Want to mix it up? Try these creative spins:

• Nutella calzone: Swap chopped chocolate for a generous spread of Nutella.
• Berry surprise: Add fresh or frozen raspberries inside with the chocolate.
• Savory sweet: Mix chocolate with a pinch of chili powder for a spicy kick.
• Vegan twist: Use a plant-based chocolate and olive oil in the dough.
• Breakfast calzone: Add sliced bananas and drizzle with honey before folding.

Each variation brings a new personality to this already delicious recipe.

Final Words

Making Jamie Oliver’s chocolate calzone is more than baking – it’s creating a memory. It’s about the warmth of your kitchen, the joy of hands-on cooking, and the simple happiness a gooey bite of chocolate can bring. This recipe proves that sometimes, the best desserts are the ones you make from scratch with a little love.

FAQs

What Is A Chocolate Calzone?

A chocolate calzone is a sweet version of the classic Italian calzone, filled with chocolate and sometimes fruits or nuts, then baked until golden and gooey.

Can I Use Store-bought Dough For Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Calzone?

Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough, but homemade dough will give you the freshest, best flavor.

What Kind Of Chocolate Works Best For The Filling?

A good quality dark chocolate works great, but you can also use milk chocolate or a mix of both for a sweeter filling.

How Long Do I Need To Bake The Calzone?

You’ll need to bake the calzone for about 12-15 minutes at 200°C (400°F), or until the dough is golden and crispy.

Can I Add Fruit To The Chocolate Calzone?

Definitely! Sliced bananas, strawberries, or raspberries pair beautifully with the chocolate.

Can I Make The Dough Ahead Of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and store it in the fridge, just make sure to let it come to room temperature before using.

How Do I Seal The Calzone Properly?

Fold the dough over the chocolate filling and pinch the edges together firmly, then crimp with a fork to make sure it stays sealed during baking.

Can I Freeze The Chocolate Calzone?

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked calzone and bake it straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What Should I Serve With Chocolate Calzone?

Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for a decadent treat.

Can I Add Nuts To The Chocolate Calzone Filling?

Absolutely! Chopped hazelnuts, almonds, or even crushed pistachios would add a nice crunch to the smooth chocolate filling.