Pulled Pork

Pulled Pork Calzone

Name: Pulled Pork Calzone
Prep time: 60 min
Cook time: 120 min
Total time: 240 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder; 6 slices of bacon; 1 cup (115g) all-purpose flour; 1 tsp (5g) active dry yeast; 1 tsp (5g) salt; 1 tbsp (15g) olive oil; 1 cup (115g) mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh parsley; 1/4 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg, beaten; 1 tsp (5g) black pepper

By Kira Velasquez · June 19, 2026 · Pulled Pork

Prep60 min

Cook120 min

Total240 min

Serves8

There's something special about a warm, cheesy calzone filled with tender, smoky pulled pork that just hits the spot on a chilly evening or during a casual gathering with friends. I still remember the first time I made pulled pork calzones for my family; it was like a taste explosion that left everyone wanting more. The combination of slow-cooked pork shoulder, crispy bacon, and melted mozzarella all wrapped up in a crispy pizza dough is a match made in heaven.

What makes this recipe truly special is the attention to detail in each step, from the low and slow cooking of the pork shoulder to the careful assembly of the calzones. It's not just about throwing ingredients together; it's about creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds dancing.

This pulled pork calzone recipe is perfect for anyone who loves comfort food, BBQ, and the joy of cooking from scratch. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, the steps are easy to follow, and the result is well worth the effort. So, let's dive into the world of smoky, cheesy goodness and explore how to make these incredible pulled pork calzones.

The best part about this recipe is its flexibility. You can make the pulled pork and the pizza dough ahead of time, which makes it ideal for busy days or when you're planning a party. Just assemble the calzones when you're ready, and bake them to perfection. It's a recipe that's both practical and delicious, making it a win-win for any home cook.

In the following pages, we'll walk through each step of the process, from preparing the pulled pork and making the pizza dough to assembling and baking the calzones. We'll also cover some tips and variations to help you make the recipe your own and troubleshoot any common issues that might arise.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for comfort food lovers, offering a warm, cheesy, and satisfying meal that's hard to resist.
It's great for backyard BBQ enthusiasts, as it combines the best of smoky, slow-cooked pork with the convenience of a calzone.
The recipe is highly versatile, allowing you to make the pulled pork and pizza dough ahead of time, which is ideal for busy schedules or party planning.
It's a fun and creative dish to make, with plenty of opportunities to experiment with different toppings and fillings.
The combination of textures, from the crispy calzone crust to the tender pulled pork and melted mozzarella, is a real winner.
This dish is perfect for crowds, as it's easy to make in large quantities and is sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to making great pulled pork calzones lies in the combination of low and slow cooking for the pork shoulder, the right balance of ingredients in the pizza dough, and the careful assembly of the calzones. The low and slow cooking method breaks down the collagen in the pork, making it tender and easy to shred. Meanwhile, the pizza dough, made with yeast, flour, and olive oil, provides a crispy crust that complements the soft, cheesy interior perfectly.

Another key factor is the resting time for the pulled pork. Allowing the pork to rest before shredding it helps the juices to redistribute, making the pork even more tender and flavorful. Similarly, letting the pizza dough rise gives it a light, airy texture that's essential for a great calzone.

The balance of flavors is also crucial. The smokiness of the pulled pork, the saltiness of the bacon, and the richness of the mozzarella cheese all come together to create a flavor profile that's both complex and comforting. By following the steps carefully and using high-quality ingredients, you can create pulled pork calzones that are sure to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making pulled pork calzones, the right ingredients are essential. You'll need a combination of high-quality meats, cheeses, and pantry staples to bring this dish to life. From the pork shoulder and bacon to the mozzarella cheese and pizza dough, each ingredient plays a vital role in the final product. In the following list, we'll break down exactly what you need to get started.

Shopping for the ingredients is relatively straightforward, with most items available at your local grocery store. For the best results, opt for high-quality meats and cheeses, and don't skimp on the pantry staples, as they can make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the final dish.

2 lbs (900g) pork shoulderLook for a pork shoulder with a good layer of fat, as this will help keep the meat moist and flavorful during the long cooking process. You can also use a boneless pork butt if that's what's available.
6 slices of baconThick-cut bacon works best for this recipe, as it provides a nice, smoky flavor and a satisfying crunch. Look for bacon that's low in added nitrates and nitrites for the best flavor.
1 cup (115g) all-purpose flourAll-purpose flour is the backbone of the pizza dough, providing structure and texture. Make sure to use a high-quality flour that's fresh and has good protein content for the best results.
1 tsp (5g) active dry yeastYeast is what makes the pizza dough rise, giving it a light, airy texture. Look for active dry yeast, as it's easy to work with and provides consistent results.
1 tsp (5g) saltSalt enhances the flavor of the dough and helps control the yeast. Use a high-quality salt, such as kosher or sea salt, for the best flavor.
1 tbsp (15g) olive oilOlive oil adds flavor and moisture to the dough, helping it to come together smoothly. Look for a high-quality olive oil that's fresh and has a good flavor.
1 cup (115g) mozzarella cheese, shreddedMozzarella cheese provides the melty, gooey center of the calzone. Look for a high-quality mozzarella that's fresh and has a good flavor.
1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh parsleyFresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor to the calzone. Look for parsley that's fresh and has good color, and chop it just before using for the best flavor.
1/4 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to the calzone. Look for a high-quality Parmesan that's fresh and has a good flavor.
1 egg, beatenThe egg helps to brush the calzone crust, giving it a golden brown color and a nice sheen. Make sure to beat the egg well before using to get the best results.
1 tsp (5g) black pepperBlack pepper enhances the flavor of the calzone, adding a nice depth and complexity. Use a high-quality pepper, such as freshly ground black pepper, for the best flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large Dutch oven or heavy pot with a lidInstant-read thermometerStand mixer or hand mixerPizza peel or baking sheetOvenSharp knife or pizza cutterCutting board

How to Make Pulled Pork Calzone

1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat it evenly.
2
Place the pork shoulder in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot with a lid, fat side up. Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Braise the pork for 6-8 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C).
3
While the pork is cooking, prepare the pizza dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Gradually add the olive oil and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5
Once the pork is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 30 minutes. Then, use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
6
Cook the bacon slices in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the grease in the skillet.
7
Add the shredded pork to the skillet with the bacon grease and cook until the pork is heated through and starting to brown.
8
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (6mm). Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut out circles of dough, about 6 inches (15cm) in diameter.
9
Place a spoonful of the shredded pork onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1/2 inch (1cm) border around the edges. Sprinkle some mozzarella cheese over the pork, followed by a few pieces of crispy bacon.
10
Fold the other half of the dough circle over the filling, pressing the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges and create a decorative border.
11
Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch (2.5cm) of space between each calzone. Brush the tops with the beaten egg and sprinkle with some grated Parmesan cheese.
12
Bake the calzones in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
13
Remove the calzones from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve hot and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Make sure to not overwork the pizza dough, as this can lead to a tough crust.
Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, for the best flavor.
Don't overfill the calzones, as this can lead to a mess during baking.
Let the calzones rest for a few minutes before serving, as this will help the cheese to set and the crust to crisp up.
Experiment with different fillings, such as diced onions or bell peppers, to add more flavor and variety to your calzones.
Consider making the pizza dough and pulled pork ahead of time, as this can save you time and effort during the assembly and baking process.
Use a pizza stone in the oven to help crisp up the crust and give the calzones a more authentic flavor.
Don't be afraid to get creative with the toppings and fillings – the possibilities are endless!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overworking the pizza dough, leading to a tough crust.
Not cooking the pork shoulder to the correct internal temperature, resulting in undercooked or tough meat.
Overfilling the calzones, leading to a mess during baking.
Not letting the calzones rest before serving, resulting in a soggy crust and melted cheese.
Using low-quality ingredients, such as processed cheese or old spices, which can affect the flavor and texture of the calzones.
Not baking the calzones at the correct temperature, resulting in a crust that's either too pale or too dark.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced onions or bell peppers to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, for a unique flavor profile.
Add some spicy pepperoni or sausage to the filling for an extra kick.
Use a different type of meat, such as chicken or beef, for a variation on the pulled pork.
Add some fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano, to the filling for a bright and refreshing flavor.
Use a gluten-free pizza dough to make the calzones more accessible to those with dietary restrictions.
Experiment with different types of bacon, such as applewood-smoked or brown sugar-cured, for a unique flavor.

What to Serve With Pulled Pork Calzone

Serve the pulled pork calzones hot, garnished with some chopped fresh parsley and a side of marinara sauce. You can also offer a variety of toppings, such as diced onions, bell peppers, or jalapenos, to let everyone customize their own calzone.

Consider pairing the calzones with a green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. You can also serve them as an appetizer or snack for a party or gathering.

Serve with a side of marinara sauceOffer a variety of toppings, such as diced onions or bell peppersPair with a green salad or roasted vegetablesServe as an appetizer or snack for a party or gatheringOffer a variety of cheeses, such as mozzarella or parmesanServe with a side of garlic bread or breadsticks

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The pulled pork calzones can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave until crispy and hot.

You can also freeze the calzones for up to 2 months. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat the frozen calzones in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy and hot.

To make ahead, prepare the pizza dough and pulled pork up to a day in advance, then assemble and bake the calzones just before serving. This will help to ensure that the calzones are fresh and delicious, with a crispy crust and a hot, cheesy filling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pork shoulder should I use for this recipe?

Look for a pork shoulder with a good layer of fat, as this will help keep the meat moist and flavorful during the long cooking process. You can also use a boneless pork butt if that's what's available.

Can I use a different type of cheese for the calzones?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, for a unique flavor profile. Just be sure to choose a cheese that melts well and has a good flavor.

How do I prevent the calzones from getting soggy?

To prevent the calzones from getting soggy, make sure to not overfill them and to let them rest for a few minutes before serving. You can also try baking them on a pizza stone to help crisp up the crust.

Can I make the calzones ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pizza dough and pulled pork up to a day in advance, then assemble and bake the calzones just before serving. This will help to ensure that the calzones are fresh and delicious, with a crispy crust and a hot, cheesy filling.

How do I reheat the calzones?

You can reheat the calzones in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until crispy and hot. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or until hot and crispy.

Can I freeze the calzones?

Yes, you can freeze the calzones for up to 2 months. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat the frozen calzones in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy and hot.

What type of bacon should I use for this recipe?

Look for thick-cut bacon, as this will provide a nice, smoky flavor and a satisfying crunch. You can also experiment with different types of bacon, such as applewood-smoked or brown sugar-cured, for a unique flavor.

Can I use a gluten-free pizza dough?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free pizza dough to make the calzones more accessible to those with dietary restrictions. Just be sure to choose a gluten-free dough that's made with high-quality ingredients and has a good texture and flavor.

The Full Recipe

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