Best Easy Panzarotti al Forno Recipe

Baked versions of the classic fried panzerotto offer the same cheesy, tomatoey filling with less oil. A lighter mediterranean family snack that's easy to prep and freeze.

Cook 55 min Difficulty NORMAL 340 kcal
#mediterranean #vegetarian
Image coming soon
Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • all-purpose flour 2 cups
  • instant yeast 2.25 tsp
  • warm water 0.75 cup
  • olive oil 2 tbsp
  • shredded mozzarella cheese 1.5 cups
  • whole milk ricotta cheese 0.5 cup
  • canned crushed tomatoes 0.75 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • kosher salt 1.25 tsp
  • black pepper 0.25 tsp
  • dried oregano 1 tsp
  • dried basil 0.5 tsp
  • egg 1 piece
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 45 g 53%
Protein 14 g 16%
Fat 11 g 31%
Serving size 150g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Stir in warm water and olive oil, mixing until a rough dough forms.

  2. 2

    Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 hour.

  3. 3

    While the dough rises, mix mozzarella, ricotta, crushed tomatoes, 0.25 teaspoon salt, pepper, oregano, and basil in a bowl to create the filling.

  4. 4

    Preheat the oven to 400°F. Punch down the dough and divide into 6 equal pieces. Roll each into a 6-inch round on a lightly floured surface.

  5. 5

    Spoon filling onto one half of each round, leaving a border. Fold dough over to make a half-moon and seal edges tightly by pressing with fingers or a fork.

  6. 6

    Transfer panzerotti to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Beat the egg and brush tops generously for glossy color.

  7. 7

    Bake on the middle rack for 20–23 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway, until golden brown and crisp. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the essential ingredient that gives Panzarotti al Forno its signature flavor?
The combination of shredded mozzarella, ricotta, and crushed tomatoes is key to authentic flavor. Mozzarella adds stringy texture, ricotta enriches the filling with creaminess, and tomatoes balance everything with tangy depth.
Q. How do I ensure the dough bakes up tender and not dry?
Knead the dough until smooth for optimal gluten structure, and be sure to cover during rising so it doesn’t dry out. Brushing with egg wash before baking also helps lock in moisture and creates a crisp yet tender crust in the oven.
Q. What’s the ideal baking time and temperature for the best texture?
Bake your panzerotti at 400°F on the middle oven rack for 20–23 minutes, rotating the tray once to ensure even browning. This timing creates a golden exterior while keeping the cheesy filling hot and melty inside.
Q. How many calories and macronutrients are in each serving?
Each 150g serving of Panzarotti al Forno contains about 340 kcal, 45g carbohydrates (53% of calories), 14g protein (16%), and 11g fat (31%), offering a balanced Mediterranean snack option.
AI 채팅 아이콘