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Spooky Bat-Shaped Calzones

These playful bat-shaped calzones are made with chewy pizza dough filled with melty mozzarella, savory tomato sauce, and your choice of ham or pepperoni. Baked until golden and crispy, they feature fun wing and ear details created from leftover dough, making them an entertaining and delicious treat for Halloween or any fun dinner night. Their crispy edges and gooey insides make for a satisfying, edible sculpture that sparks joy in the kitchen.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups warm water around 110°F (43°C)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons dry active yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar to activate yeast
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for filling
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce tomato sauce bright and slightly sweet
  • 1/2 cup diced ham or pepperoni smoky and savory
  • 1 egg egg beaten for egg wash (optional)
  • black olives or spinach for decoration for eyes or details contrast and fun
  • dough scraps for wings and ears dough scraps for shaping wings and ears

Equipment

  • Rolling pin
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Sharp knife or scissors
  • Fork

Method
 

  1. Mix the warm water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl, then let sit until frothy, about 5 minutes. This activates the yeast and starts the dough.
  2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, pulling together the ingredients.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until it feels smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
  4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Punch down the dough to release air, then divide it into 6 equal pieces.
  6. Roll each dough piece into a 15cm (6-inch) circle using a rolling pin, ensuring even thickness.
  7. Spread a spoonful of tomato sauce on half of each circle, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and your choice of ham or pepperoni.
  8. Fold the dough over the filling to create a semi-circle, then seal the edges by pinching or crimping with a fork.
  9. Cut out bat wings and ears from the leftover dough scraps with a sharp knife or scissors, then attach to the calzones with a little water to secure.
  10. Place the shaped calzones on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush lightly with beaten egg for a shiny finish, if desired.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy, filling your kitchen with warm, cheesy aroma.
  12. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Decorate the eyes with sliced olives or spinach, creating fun expressions before serving.

Notes

Ensure the edges are well sealed to prevent fillings from escaping during baking. For extra shine, brush with egg wash before baking. Feel free to get creative with the decorations—think tiny wings or ears made from leftover dough for a spookier effect.