The vegan calzone was one of the dishes Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria called out on its homepage. That is a good sign a plant-based calzone can stand on its own rather than feel like a compromise. Here is how to build one.
Three things to change
- The dough: use a basic lean dough of flour, water, yeast, salt and olive oil. Skip milk and butter.
- The wash: instead of egg wash, brush with olive oil, or with plant milk for a golden finish.
- The cheese: use a dairy-free mozzarella shred plus a vegan “ricotta”.
Easy vegan ricotta
Blend firm tofu (or soaked cashews) with lemon juice, garlic, salt, olive oil and a little nutritional yeast until creamy but slightly textured. Stir in chopped basil. It gives the calzone the creamy center a traditional one gets from dairy ricotta.
Best vegan calzone fillings
| Combination | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Spinach, garlic and vegan ricotta | The classic Florentine flavor |
| Roasted mushrooms, caramelized onion and thyme | Deep, savory, meaty |
| Roasted peppers, zucchini and olives | Sweet, briny and Mediterranean |
| Plant-based sausage, peppers and onions | Hearty, like a sausage sub |
| Artichoke, sun-dried tomato and basil | Tangy and bright |
How to avoid a soggy calzone
- Sauté watery vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach and zucchini, then drain well.
- Keep sauce out of the filling and serve marinara for dipping.
- Leave a 1-inch border, crimp firmly, and cut two steam vents.
- Bake at 450–475°F on a preheated stone or tray until deeply golden.
Ordering a vegan calzone at a pizzeria
Ask whether the dough is dairy-free, request no egg wash, and check whether vegan cheese is available. More ordering questions are covered in the vegan pizza guide, and the calzone vs. stromboli guide explains the basics of both.
Frequently asked questions
Is calzone dough vegan?
Plain calzone dough usually is. The common non-vegan additions are egg wash on top and butter or milk in some recipes.
What can replace ricotta in a vegan calzone?
Blended tofu or cashew ricotta seasoned with lemon, garlic and nutritional yeast.
How long does a calzone take to bake?
About 15 to 20 minutes at 450 to 475°F, until the crust is deep golden.
This guide is published by the team preserving the Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria website. Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria at 521 W 98th St, Bloomington, MN has permanently closed; this page offers general food information and is not an offer to order.
