If you’re looking for a delicious bite-sized treat that’s perfect for a game day snack or a fun dinner option, Chicken Bacon Ranch Mini Calzones are the way to go! These little pockets of goodness are stuffed with savory chicken, crispy halal turkey bacon, zesty ranch dressing, and gooey cheese. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about making these tasty treats!
Why Choose Mini Calzones?
Mini calzones are great for a bunch of reasons:
- Perfect Portions: They’re small and easy to handle, making them awesome for parties or your kids’ lunchboxes.
- Customizable: You can tweak the filling to suit your taste buds—add veggies, or swap out the proteins.
- Easy to Make: Even if you’re not a culinary wizard, these calzones are simple to whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of what you’ll need to gather before you start rolling out your calzones:
For the Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¾ cup warm water
For the Filling
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (use halal chicken)
- 4 slices of halal turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- Optional: chopped green onions or spinach for some extra greens
For Topping
- Olive oil for brushing
- Italian seasoning or garlic powder to sprinkle
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the Dough
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center and add the olive oil and warm water. Mix until everything comes together into a sticky dough.
- Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 to 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Let it Rise: Place the dough in a bowl coated with olive oil, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Preparing the Filling
While the dough is rising, let’s get the filling ready:
- Cook the Bacon: Crisp up the halal turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Once crispy, chop it into small pieces.
- Mix Everything Together: In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped bacon, mozzarella cheese, ranch dressing, and any optional veggies. Stir it all up!
Assembling the Calzones
Now it’s time to put it all together:
- Preheat Your Oven: Turn your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll Out the Dough: Once your dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a log. Divide it into 8 equal pieces.
- Shape the Calzones: Roll each piece into a circle about 5 inches wide.
- Fill the Calzones: Add a scoop of filling onto one half of each circle. Leave a little space around the edge for sealing.
- Seal and Crimp: Fold the other half over the filling and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges and make sure they’re closed tight.
- Brush and Season: Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush them with olive oil and sprinkle a bit of Italian seasoning or garlic powder on top.
Baking the Calzones
Bake them in the preheated oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
Once out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. These mini calzones are fantastic served warm and paired with a side of ranch dressing or marinara sauce for dipping! They’re great for family movie nights, get-togethers, or just satisfying that late-night snack craving.
Storage Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before indulging again!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought dough for these calzones?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, pre-made dough works just fine.
What type of chicken should I use?
Look for halal chicken breast or thighs. Make sure it’s cooked and shredded before using.
Can I make these calzones vegetarian?
Yep! Swap out the chicken and turkey bacon for your favorite veggies or some sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers.
How can I make these spicier?
Try adding some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a kick.
What dipping sauces go well with mini calzones?
Ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or even buffalo sauce are great choices!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Mini Calzones are simply delightful! With their crispy outside and cheesy, flavorful inside, they’re bound to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So grab that apron, gather your halal ingredients, and make this easy recipe your new go-to snack. Happy cooking!
