Ah, the calzone—a delightful pocket of comfort that brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy kitchen chats. This Baked Bacon Chicken Alfredo Calzone is a nod to the hearty, stick-to-your-ribs meals that are a staple in Midwestern homes. Combining the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce with the smoky goodness of bacon and tender chicken, this dish is perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something warm and satisfying. It's a modern twist on a classic, blending Italian inspiration with good old-fashioned American heartiness.

This calzone pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, perhaps with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the filling. A side of roasted vegetables, like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, would also complement the flavors nicely. For a true Midwestern touch, serve it with a side of homemade applesauce or a bowl of hearty vegetable soup.

Servings: 4

1 pound pizza dough
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
1 cup Alfredo sauce
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 egg, beaten
Flour, for dusting

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large circle, about 12 inches in diameter.

In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

Spread the chicken mixture over one half of the dough, leaving a border around the edge.

Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, pressing the edges together to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch.

Transfer the calzone to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top with the beaten egg to give it a golden finish.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the calzone is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling. You can also substitute the chicken with turkey or ham for a different flavor profile. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding some sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the filling for extra nutrition and taste. For a lighter version, use whole wheat pizza dough and low-fat Alfredo sauce.

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