Pizza Meatball Bites

1. Combine eggs, garlic, red pepper, carrot, 1/2 cup (125 mL) of the cheese, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper in a large bowl until well combined. Gently mix in ground beef and bread crumbs with a fork (careful not to over-mix).
2. Scoop using heaping 2 tbsp (30 mL) meat mixture and roll into about twenty-four 2-inch (5 cm) meatballs. Place on a parchment paper-lined rimmed baking sheet, spacing them apart.
3. Bake in preheated 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, until browned and a digital instant-read thermometer inserted into several meatballs reads 160°F (71°C). Let cool to room temperature on pan on a rack, about 15 minutes. Increase oven to 400°F.
4. Brush two 12-cup muffin pans with oil; sprinkle liberally with cornmeal. Set aside.
5. Cut pizza dough in half; return one half to bag or cover food storage wrap and refrigerate. Roll one half of dough into an even-shaped log; cut crosswise into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball. Working with a few balls at a time, on a lightly floured surface, press and stretch each to a 4-inch (10 cm) circle (see Notes).
6. Fit dough circles into prepared pan. Sprinkle about 1 tsp (5 mL) of the remaining cheese in bottom of each, then spoon in a scant 1 tsp (5 mL) of the sauce. Place one meatball in each cup with the flat side down. Spoon a scant 1 tsp (5 mL) of sauce on top and sprinkle with 1 tsp (5 mL) of the remaining cheese.
7. Bake in preheated 400°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until dough is golden brown. Meanwhile, repeat with remaining dough, cheese, sauce and meatballs to make 12 more and bake as directed.
8. Remove from oven, slide a dull knife around edges of each cup to loosen. Let cool in pan for 3 minutes. Remove from pan and serve hot, sprinkled with basil, if desired. To make ahead, place cups on a wire rack and let cool completely. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat from frozen:

Air Fryer: Place frozen calzones in air fryer basket, spacing them apart. Air fry at 350°F 6 to 9 minutes or until hot in the centre. Let stand for 2 minutes.

Oven/Toaster Oven: Place frozen calzones on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart. Heat in preheated 375°F oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until hot in the centre. Let stand for 2 minutes.

Microwave: Place 1 frozen calzone on a plate. Microwave on Medium (50%) power for 1 to 1-1/2 minutes, until hot in the centre; add 20 seconds for each additional calzone. Let stand for 1 minute.