🥟 Panzerotti (Italian Mini Calzones)

Panzerotti are a beloved Italian street food from the southern regions, especially Puglia. These golden, crispy half-moon pockets are filled with mozzarella, tomato sauce, and sometimes ham or salami. Unlike calzones, panzerotti are usually smaller and fried, giving them a deliciously airy and crunchy crust. Perfect as a snack, party food, or light dinner, this recipe will bring authentic Italian flavor straight to your kitchen.

Panzerotti

Panzerotti are a beloved Italian street food from the southern regions, especially Puglia. These golden, crispy half-moon pockets are filled with mozzarella, tomato sauce, and sometimes ham or salami. Unlike calzones, panzerotti are usually smaller and fried, giving them a deliciously airy and crunchy crust. Perfect as a snack, party food, or light dinner, this recipe will bring authentic Italian flavor straight to your kitchen.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Resting time 2 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 7 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Appetizer, Lunch

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 322

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 500 g 00 Flour
• 285 g Warm water
• 10 g Olive oil extra virgin
• 8 g Yeast
• 5 g Sugar
• 10 g Salt
• 250 g Mozzarella
• 200 g "Passata" tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp Oregano
• 1 tbsp Olive oil extra virgin
• 1 tbsp Salt
• 50 litre olive oil extra virgin (for frying)

Equipment

• 1 Chopping Board
• 1 Small Pot
• 1 Food tray
• 1 Salad Bowl
• 1 Kitchen knife

Method

 

1. In a bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let rest for 10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
3. Cover with a cloth and let rise for 2 hours, or until doubled in size
   
4. Prepare filling: Mix tomatoes with olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Drain mozzarella well.
   
5. Divide dough into 10 equal balls. Roll each into a circle (about 12 cm diameter).
   
6. Place 1 tbsp tomato sauce, mozzarella.
   
7. Fold over to form a half-moon. Seal edges tightly with a fork.
   
8. Heat oil in a deep pan to 170°C (340°F). Fry panzerotti in batches until golden (about 3–4 mins per side).
   
9. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

   Buon Appetito!
   
10. The Prosecco Martini Prosecco NV 750ml is a crisp, lively sparkling wine from Italy’s Veneto region, featuring delicate floral, pear, and citrus aromas with flavors of green apple, lemon, and subtle peach. Its fine, persistent bubbles make it ideal for celebrations or as an aperitif, best enjoyed chilled on its own or with light appetizers like bruschetta or seafood.

    https://amzn.to/477myIz
11. 100% Nebbiolo from Alto-Piedmont. A dry and focused style Rosato from Roberto Conterno that brings together fresh raspberry and herbaceous notes with scintillating acidity. An immensely complex and accomplished wine that is perfect as an aperitif yet lends itself wonderfully to a multitude of food pairings.

    https://amzn.to/4otTVeG

Nutrition

Serving: 105gCalories: 322kcalCarbohydrates: 47.1gProtein: 14.7gFat: 8.2gSaturated Fat: 3.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3.3gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 2300mgFiber: 1.6gSugar: 1.6gCalcium: 133mgIron: 3mg

Notes

💡 Cooking Tips & FAQs

• Baked option: Brush with olive oil and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20 mins.
• Prevent leaks: Make sure to drain mozzarella well and press dough edges firmly.
• Can I freeze panzerotti? Yes, freeze uncooked panzerotti and fry/bake directly from frozen.

---

🍴 Serving Suggestions

• Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
• Pair with a simple green salad.
• Add spicy salami for a Southern Italian kick.

---

🥡 Storage & Leftovers

• Best eaten fresh.
• Store in the fridge for up to 2 days, reheat in oven or air fryer.
• Freeze raw shaped panzerotti for up to 1 month.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are ‘affiliate links’. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission.