Quick answer: Looking for calzones near Manahawkin, NJ? Fusaro’s Pizza & Pasta makes fresh calzones using traditional pizza dough, creamy ricotta, mozzarella cheese, and your choice of classic toppings. Baked until golden brown, Fusaro’s calzones are a delicious option for lunch, dinner, takeout, or a family meal near Long Beach Island.
There’s something deeply satisfying about a well-made calzone. The golden crust. The steam that rises when you cut it open. That first bite of creamy, melted cheese surrounded by warm, fresh-baked dough. At Fusaro’s Pizza & Pasta in Manahawkin, NJ, calzones are made the right way—from scratch, with the same traditional dough and quality ingredients that go into everything on the menu.
If you’re near Long Beach Island and craving something filling, this is a meal worth knowing about.
What Is a Calzone?
A calzone is an Italian-American baked specialty made from pizza dough that’s folded into a half-moon shape, filled with cheese and toppings, then baked until golden brown. Think of it as a stuffed, enclosed version of a pizza with the same great dough, same familiar flavors, but packaged into one handheld meal.
The key distinction between a calzone and other baked dough dishes is the fold and the cheese. Traditional calzones feature ricotta alongside mozzarella, which gives the interior a creamy, rich texture you won’t find in a flat slice. Unlike stromboli (which is rolled into a log and typically sliced for sharing) a calzone is folded and sealed into an individual portion. For a deeper breakdown of how these two differ, see our article on the difference between stromboli and calzone.
How Fusaro’s Makes Calzones in Manahawkin
Traditional Pizza Dough, Baked Fresh
Every Fusaro’s calzone starts with the same traditional pizza dough used throughout the kitchen. That’s not a small detail. It’s what makes the difference between a calzone that feels like a genuine Italian-American dish and one that just goes through the motions.
The dough is versatile, consistent, and baked fresh. It’s the same foundation used for Fusaro’s pizzas, stromboli, and pizza rolls, which means every calzone carries that familiar, house-crafted flavor profile from the very first bite. The crust bakes up firm on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside—exactly the texture a calzone should have.
What Comes Inside a Fusaro’s Calzone?
Fusaro’s calzones follow a classic structure built around two key cheeses.
Cheese Filling
Every calzone includes:
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- Ricotta — smooth, creamy, and rich
- Mozzarella — melty and mild, providing that satisfying cheese pull
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Together, these two cheeses create a filling that’s indulgent without being heavy.
Popular Additions
Beyond the cheese base, customers can choose from a range of classic toppings to customize their calzone. Two of the most popular options:
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- Ham & Cheese Calzone — Fusaro’s fan favorite. Ham pairs naturally with ricotta and mozzarella, adding a savory, slightly smoky layer to an already satisfying filling.
- Pepperoni Calzone — A bold, classic choice for those who want a little more punch in every bite.
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Prefer something different? Fusaro’s allows customers to mix and match toppings to build their own combination.
Calzone vs. Stromboli: What’s the Difference?
These two dishes often get confused, and it’s easy to see why. Both use pizza dough, both are baked, and both are served with marinara on the side. However, the structure and experience are quite different.
| Calzone | Stromboli | |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Folded half moon | Rolled log |
| Cheese | Ricotta + mozzarella | Usually mozzarella |
| Serving | Individual meal | Meal/shareable |
| Sauce | Marinara usually on side | Marinara usually on side |
The calzone is a sealed pocket, allowing it to be personal, portable, and rich with creamy cheese. The stromboli is layered and sliced, better suited for groups. Both are available at Fusaro’s, and both are worth trying. Explore Fusaro’s stromboli,if you’re still deciding.
How Many People Does a Calzone Feed?
Fresh baked garlic knots from Fusaro’s Pizza & Pasta in Manahawkin NJ
A small calzone typically feeds 1–2 people, while a large calzone can feed approximately 3–4 people depending on appetite and whether it is served with sides.
Here’s a quick reference:
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- Small: 1–2 people
- Large: 3–4 people
Ordering for the whole family? A large calzone paired with a side salad or some garlic knots covers a lot of ground without a lot of hassle.
Why Calzones Are Perfect for Takeout Near LBI
Calzones travel well. Unlike a pizza that can lose its crispness or a pasta dish that shifts around in transit, a calzone stays contained. The sealed dough keeps everything hot and intact, which makes it one of the better options for easy takeout near Long Beach Island.
A few reasons calzones work especially well as a takeout meal near LBI:
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- Easy to transport — fully sealed, no mess, no toppings sliding off
- Filling after a beach day — the combination of dough, ricotta, and mozzarella satisfies real hunger
- Family-friendly — kids and adults both gravitate toward them, and customizable toppings mean everyone gets what they want
- Less mess than some meals — one hand, one calzone, done
Fusaro’s is located at 31 N Main St in Manahawkin, NJ, just minutes from Long Beach Island. Order online or call (609) 978-3888 to place a takeout order before you make the drive.
Fresh-Baked Italian Favorite Worth Folding Into Dinner
Craving a classic ham and cheese calzone, feeding the family after a long beach day, or just looking for something beyond a standard pizza order? Fusaro’s calzones deliver on all fronts. Fresh dough, quality ingredients, and that golden-brown crust make every order worth it.
