Easy Cheesy Calzones

Calzones that are high in fibre, low in saturated fat!

Calzones are probably not the first food that comes to mind when you think healthy, but this recipe for Easy Cheesy Calzones might change that. These calzones are high in fibre and low in saturated fat, cholesterol and salt lowering your risk for heart disease and stroke.

Christine Houde, PHEc, Nutrition Manager for the Heart and Stroke Foundation likes this recipe for Easy Cheesy Calzones because they are comparable –but healthier– to pizza pops. “When I make them, my kids tell me I should call them chicken pops because they are made with ground chicken” Christine shares with us.

Calzones usually contain deli or smoked meats, which are high in fat, but these use ground chicken, immediately reducing the fat content. Don’t worry, they still have that cheesy centre we all look for in a calzone. The recipe calls for a lower amount of, and partly skimmed mozzarella cheese.

Easy Cheesy Calzones

Calzones using our favourite Pizza Dough

The dough is from the popular (and my favourite) pizza dough recipe that is easy to make and versatile. The addition of whole-wheat flour to the dough increases its fibre content.

Christine compared these calzones to a commercial pizza pop. “Calorie-wise, they’re about the same but it’s important to take into account he different nutrients that come from making it at home” she advises.

Easy Cheesy Calzones health features:

– less than half the saturated fat

– one-third of the amount of sodium

– three times the amount of fibre

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This recipe can be found in the Heart and Stroke’s Kids Edition Volume 1 recipe book – it’s the ideal recipe to get your kids involved hands-on.  Teaching them how to work with and make a dough are life skills you can teach them at a young age.

The calzones go perfectly with the Green Green Salad your kids can also help you prepare. It is made up of all green veggies and fruits such as green grapes, celery, cucumber, green apples, and is topped with a canola oil-based dressing.

Try these calzones out for nutrition month and be sure to pick up a copy of the Heart and Stroke’s recipe book for more heart-healthy approved recipes!

Eat Well… Wendy