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Spooky Bat-Shaped Calzones

These playful bat-shaped calzones are made with a simple pizza dough filled with marinara, cheese, and your choice of fillings. Shaped into fun bat forms, they bake into crispy, golden bites with bubbling fillings, perfect for Halloween or themed parties. Their whimsical appearance and cheesy, flaky texture make them a crowd-pleaser and a fun kitchen project.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour for dough
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast to help dough rise
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup warm water about 110°F
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil plus extra for brushing
  • 1 cup marinara sauce for filling
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese or provolone
  • ½ cup sliced olives black or green, for eyes and wings
  • optional fillings of choice vegetables, meats, or plant-based options
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano for seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder optional

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Rolling pin
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Small knife or scissors
  • Fork

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast. Pour in warm water and olive oil, then stir until the mixture begins to come together.
  2. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
  3. Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rest in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled in size.
  4. Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  5. Divide the rested dough into 4 equal parts, then roll each piece into a 20cm circle using a rolling pin on a floured surface.
  6. Spread a spoonful of marinara sauce and sprinkle with cheese and your chosen fillings on one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge.
  7. Fold the dough over to enclose the fillings, then press the edges together and seal by crimping with a fork.
  8. Use a small knife or scissors to cut out bat wings and faces on each calzone for a spooky effect.
  9. Place the shaped calzones on the prepared baking sheet, brush the tops lightly with olive oil, and sprinkle with optional seasonings like oregano and garlic powder.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown and puffed, with bubbling fillings.
  11. Let the calzones cool slightly, then decorate the eyes and wings with sliced olives for a spooky touch. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Ensure the dough is elastic and slightly tacky for easy shaping. Seal the edges thoroughly to prevent filling leaks. Feel free to customize fillings and decorations for extra spooky fun.