King Cake Calzone

Vegas.com invited me to participate in a creative challenge in honor of the Annual International Pizza Expo hosted each year in Las Vegas. They asked for pizza creations inspired by Las Vegas hotels - and I chose the Mardi Gras Hotel & Casino.

In honor of the Carnival season, I created this King Cake Calzone (which would be perfect for your Super Bowl party too!).



1 can (13.8 oz each) Pillsbury™ refrigerated classic pizza crust
3/4 cup ricotta
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp dried basil
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 lb. andouille sausage, browned
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1-2 cups mozzarella cheese
Chopped yellow pepper, green pepper and red onion for top of calzone

Heat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a cookie sheet. Unroll can of dough, placing in greased pan. Press out dough to long rectangle.

In a bowl, stir together ricotta, Parmesan, basil, pepper, and sausage.Spread ricotta mixture on center of dough, leaving a half-inch border all around. Fold over and pinch the edges to seal. Shape into an oval like a king cake.

Spoon tomato sauce over the calzone and sprinkle with mozzarella. Add diced pepper and onion alternately in thirds similarly to the pattern of a king cake.

Bake until crust is firm and cheese is golden - about 30 to 35 minutes.

Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.