Clean Pita Calzones

Pizza, Calzones and Stromboli are notorious for being unhealthy. Why not try out this healthier version of a calzone that uses pita bread as the base for a shortcut version that can be prepared in a matter of minutes.  The end result is just as tasty with nice crispy edges, but easier on the waistline. Even better? You can fully customize it with whatever pizza toppings you like best. There are no wrong combos! This is an easy recipe to get everyone involved, since each can make their own bowl of filling, kids and adults alike!

“I received free samples of Toufayan Pita mentioned in this post. By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by Toufayan Bakeries and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.”

I know, I know! I should have waited to post my last recipe Greek Inspired Tacos that I did with the Recipe Redux for February since I used pita bread in that one, but I didn’t know about this challenge at that time. No matter! Pita bread is great and super versatile.

Toufayan Bakeries was kind enough to send me a variety of their products to try out and use in my recipes. Have you heard of them? Toufayan Bakeries is a family-owned bakery in the U.S. that makes a large variety of products (more than just pita) that are available nationwide. I have eaten them in so many ways, I wasn’t sure which sort of recipe to post.

I prefer clean products and their organic, sprouted whole wheat pita bread hits that mark. It also has 7g of protein per pita bread and 3g of fiber. As you know, I’m a huge fan of products that can add protein and fiber to your diet! Their other ones include sugar in their less than 2% ingredients, which is not bad considering it was most likely used for the yeast.  There also is no high fructose corn syrup which is a huge plus and overall each variety has minimal ingredients. Toufayan Pita is naturally cholesterol free and trans fat free, as well.

As mentioned, pitas are very versatile. They can be stuffed with whatever ingredients you have on hand, cut up and dipped, turned into chips, or used as a base with ingredients layered on them to name a few off the top of my head. They can also fit into a healthy diet, especially if you are used to using 2 slices a bread for a sandwich, or your typical chips to dip, etc. I would always try to opt for clean products that use real ingredients.

I will also mention that Toufayan has a low carb pita option that I really liked. It has a nice dense and sort of chewy consistency that I was a huge fan of. It also had the best integrity if you wanted to stuff it. It also has only 9 net carbs, (and 8 g of protein, 7 g of fiber to boot) per pita compared to low-mid 20 net carbs of their other varieties. Therefore, for those of you who are looking for options that have lower carbs, this may be something you could use. If you are interested if this brand can be found near you check out this link here.

Now onto my recipe! These calzones (Ok I know, I know the sauce is suppose to go on the outside technically, but oh well) take a quick shortcut by using the pita as the calzone “dough”. They are easy to make and you can stuff them with whatever you please! You can also make as many as you need in one sitting. This is a great recipe for kids to help out as well and everyone can have their own bowl to make their calzone personalized!

Don’t forget to check out how other people are using Toufayan Pitas by clicking on the Recipe Redux Button below!

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Pita Calzones [Clean]

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Servings 1 pita calzone

Author AZ@...And A Dash of Cinnamon

Ingredients

• pita
• pizza mix-in's of choice
• mozzarella cheese
• Sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees

2. Take out as many pitas as you need (rough gauge=1 pita per person)

3. Collect all your ingredients that you would like to use for your calzone. Each can be different if people have different tastes. (Mine has ham and summer squash)

4. Place your ingredients into a bowl (each person can have their own bowl if making different ones)

5. Add your cheese to the bowl (I used 2 T mozzarella)

6. Add your sauce* (clean marinara works great), but only add tablespoon by tablespoon until all ingredients are coated. (You do not want it to be very wet)

7. Make a slice through the side of the pita and use a spoon to carefully add the mixed ingredients

8. Place on a cookie sheet and bake for 15 minutes.

9. Place your pita on a plate, slice in half if desired (or even easier leave it whole), eat and enjoy! Just be careful because the inside will be hot!

Recipe Notes

Clean marinara is an easy sauce option. If you don't have it, you can do what I did and make your own by combining a couple tablespoons of tomato sauce with 1/2 t minced garlic, and a few dashes of oregano and basil.

Filling ideas (not an exhaustive list):

Meat: Ham, Pepperoni, Sausage. Leave out if vegetarian 

Veggies: Onions, mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, squash, zucchini, eggplant, artichokes, sundried tomatoes, spinach, roasted red peppers

 

I link up with Deborah and Sarah’s, and running on happy’s/ the fit foodie mama’s Meatless Monday, #recipeoftheweek,Homestead Blog Hop, glutenfreefridays,  #healthyveganfridays,  What’s for Dinner, Sunday Fitness and Food, GraciousPantry, Kriska Marie