New York Style Staten Island Grilled Calzone

Introduction

If you’ve ever had a classic calzone in New York, you know the magic that happens when gooey cheese meets Italian meats inside a golden crust. Now imagine amping up that flavor by grilling it to perfection on the Arteflame — no lid, no oven, just wood-fired boldness. We’re crafting the Staten Island Grilled Calzone right on the Arteflame’s flat top and center grill grate, giving us unparalleled control over temperature, a perfect even sear, and that irresistible, wood-fired aroma. It’s a handheld taste of New York, sizzling right in your backyard.

Ingredients

• 1 lb pizza dough, room temperature
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 lb sliced pepperoni
• 1/4 lb sliced soppressata
• 1/4 lb sliced capicola
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Flour (for dusting)
• Butter (for greasing the cooktop)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame for Grilling

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of your Arteflame grill.
2. Stack dry firewood over the napkins and light the napkins to start the fire.
3. Let the fire burn for about 20 minutes until the cooktop and grill grate reach grilling temps. Aim for 1,000°F at the center grate for searing and lower across the flat cooktop for perfect calzone cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Calzone Filling

1. In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
2. Add in chopped pepperoni, soppressata, and capicola. Mix until evenly combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Calzone

1. Flour your work surface lightly and roll out the pizza dough into about a 10-inch round.
2. Place your filling on one half of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
3. Fold the dough over and seal the edges tightly by crimping with your fingers or a fork.
4. Brush the calzone with lightly beaten egg for a golden finish.

Step 4: Grill the Calzone

1. Grease the Arteflame flat griddle cooktop near the inner ring using butter for extra flavor.
2. Carefully place your calzone on the mid-to-hot zone of the cooktop griddle for even browning (not directly on the 1000°F grate).
3. Cook for 6–8 minutes per side, rotating occasionally for even browning.
4. Check that the crust is golden brown and the inside is melty and hot (internal temp ~160°F).

Step 5: Rest and Slice

1. Remove calzone and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
2. Cut into halves or quarters and serve hot.

Tips

• Always use butter to grease the cooktop – it adds richness to the crust and prevents sticking.
• Lower heat zones on the edge of the cooktop are perfect if the crust is browning too fast before the cheese melts fully.
• Let your pizza dough come fully to room temperature — it’ll be easier to roll and won’t bounce back.
• Don’t overstuff the calzone; it’ll tear or leak during grilling.
• Remove meat from grill 15°F before desired doneness — it keeps cooking afterward!

Variations

1. Spicy Bronx Calzone: Add chopped cherry peppers and spicy salami to the filling for a fiery kick.
2. Brooklyn White Calzone: Skip the meats entirely, and fill with ricotta, mozzarella, spinach, and roasted garlic.
3. Little Italy Mushroom & Truffle: Swap meats for sautéed cremini mushrooms and a drizzle of truffle oil.
4. Hoboken Three Cheese: Go all-in with mozzarella, provolone, and fontina for ultra melty goodness.
5. Queens Mediterranean Calzone: Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, feta, and artichokes for a Mediterranean twist.

Best pairings

• A chilled glass of Chianti or Barbera red wine
• Cold Italian soda (lemon or blood orange)
• Fresh Caesar salad grilled lightly on the griddle
• Grilled artichokes with lemon-butter dip
• Scoops of pistachio or espresso gelato for dessert

Conclusion

Making a Staten Island Grilled Calzone on your Arteflame is the ultimate way to combine bold New York flavor and the artisanal feel of open-fire grilling. With the gooey cheese, smoky meats, and a golden crust seared to perfection, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Plus, the flexibility of the Arteflame flat top lets you grill multiple servings at once, making this perfect for gatherings and that backyard “New York pizza parlor” vibe.