This Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone is stuffed with tender chicken, crispy turkey bacon, dairy-free cheese, spinach, red onion, and a creamy homemade ranch. It is cozy, savory, and perfect when you want a fun dinner that feels like comfort food but is still simple to make at home.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Pizza dough: Creates a golden, chewy crust that holds the savory filling together.
- Chicken and turkey bacon: Add protein, smoky flavor, and hearty texture.
- Dairy-free mozzarella: Gives the filling a melty, creamy bite without dairy.
- Spinach and red onion: Add freshness, color, and a little sharpness.
- Dairy-free mayo and milk: Create a smooth, creamy base for the ranch.
- Lemon juice and herbs: Brighten the ranch with fresh, tangy flavor.
- Garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano: Add savory depth throughout the filling.
Alternative Ingredients
- Pizza dough: Use whole wheat, gluten-free, or homemade dough if preferred.
- Dairy-free mozzarella: Swap with regular mozzarella if you do not need dairy-free.
- Turkey bacon: Use regular bacon, chicken bacon, or plant-based bacon for your Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone.
- Fresh dill: Use dried dill if fresh is not available.
- Baby spinach: Substitute with chopped kale, arugula, or omit it.
- Dairy-free milk: Use any unsweetened plain milk you have on hand.
Nutritional Benefits
- Supports Muscle Repair: Chicken and turkey bacon provide protein for fullness and recovery.
- Adds Greens Easily: Spinach adds nutrients without overpowering the filling.
- Supports Digestion: Fresh herbs and spinach add light fiber and plant compounds.
- Provides Lasting Energy: Pizza dough gives carbohydrates for a satisfying meal like a Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone.
- Offers Dairy-Free Comfort: Dairy-free swaps make this easier for sensitive stomachs.
Expert Tips
Seal them well: Press the edges firmly before crimping so the filling stays inside.
Do not overfill: A little extra filling feels tempting, but it can cause leaks while baking.
Keep the dough soft: Let refrigerated dough sit at room temperature so it rolls out easier.
Add ranch lightly: Too much sauce inside can make the calzones soggy.
Let them rest: Cooling for a few minutes helps the filling set before slicing.
Use parchment paper: It keeps the bottoms from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
FAQs
Yes, rotisserie chicken works well and makes the recipe faster.
Yes, you can whisk it together ahead and keep it chilled until ready to use.
The slit lets steam escape so the calzones bake evenly without bursting.
Yes, chopped peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini can work, but avoid adding too much moisture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these calzones warm with extra ranch on the side for dipping. Naturally, the Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone pairs well with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of fresh fruit for an easy dinner.
Storage Suggestions
Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to help the crust crisp back up. To sum up, the Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone stores well for meal prep.
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone
Equipment
Ingredients
For the ranch
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise dairy-free or regular
- 2 tbsp milk unsweetened plain dairy-free or regular
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped (1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
For the calzones
- 1 lb pizza dough store-bought or homemade
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken shredded or chopped
- 4 slices turkey bacon cooked and chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella-style cheese dairy free or regular, shredded
- 1 cup baby spinach roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 2-3 tbsp ranch for filling
- 1 tbsp avocado oil for brushing the tops
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the ranch. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, milk, lemon juice, dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.1/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp milk, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp fresh dill, 1 tbsp fresh parsley, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp sea salt, 1/8 tsp black pepper
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, chopped turkey bacon, cheese, spinach, red onion, 1 tablespoon avocado oil, garlic powder, oregano, black pepper, salt, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of the ranch. Toss until evenly mixed.1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, 4 slices turkey bacon, 1 cup mozzarella-style cheese, 1 cup baby spinach, 1/4 cup red onion, 1 tbsp avocado oil, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp sea salt, 2-3 tbsp ranch
- Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a circle about 6 to 7 inches wide.1 lb pizza dough
- Spoon the filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edges. Fold the other half over the filling and press the edges together. Crimp with a fork or pinch tightly to seal.
- Transfer the calzones to the baking sheet. Cut a small slit in the top of each one so steam can escape. Brush the tops lightly with avocado oil.1 tbsp avocado oil
- Bake for 20 to 24 minutes, or until the calzones are golden and cooked through.
- Let them cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Serve with the extra ranch on the side.
Notes
- Seal Tightly: Crimp the edges well so the filling does not leak out.
- Avoid Soggy Filling: Use only 2 to 3 tablespoons ranch inside the calzones.
- Better Dough Texture: Let cold dough rest before rolling so it stretches easily.
- Crispier Top: Brush with avocado oil before baking for a golden finish.
- Cool Before Serving: Let the calzones sit for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: I am a health and wellness coach with a degree in health science from Arizona State University. However, I am not a doctor or registered dietitian. Any information or advice provided on this website is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any dietary or lifestyle changes, especially if you have a medical condition. The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice or a substitute for it.
Loved it! Great taste and easy to prepare!