ham and cheese calzone recipe

The Best ham and cheese calzone recipe

I love cooking for my family, and one of our favorite recipes is the ham and cheese calzone. This Italian dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s always a hit with my kids.

The combination of melted cheese, savory ham, and flaky pizza dough is a match made in heaven. But what I love most about this recipe is the simplicity of it – it’s easy to make and requires only a few ingredients, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion like a family gathering.

My kids are always excited to help me make the dough from scratch, and they love being able to customize their own calzones with their favorite fillings. As for me, I appreciate how versatile this recipe is – I can use leftover ham and cheese to make individual calzones or even freeze them for later.

It’s also a great way to get my kids involved in cooking, teaching them about different textures and flavors. Plus, who doesn’t love the smell of freshly baked pizza dough wafting through the house?

It’s a classic comfort food that never fails to put smiles on everyone’s faces. And let’s not forget about the health benefits – using whole wheat flour in the dough makes this recipe a bit more nutritious than your average pizza.

I’ve also started experimenting with different types of cheese and meats to mix things up and keep the dish interesting. But at its core, this recipe remains simple and delicious – just like my kids’ happy faces when they take their first bite.

Classic Ham and Cheese Calzone

4.9 from 737 votes

A golden, crispy calzone filled with savory ham, melted mozzarella, and rich ricotta cheese. This hearty Italian-style turnover is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 550 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

1 pound pizza dough, store-bought or homemade
1 tablespoon olive oil, for brushing

For the Filling

8 ounces cooked ham, diced
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Egg Wash

1 large egg
1 tablespoon water

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
3On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle about 1/4 inch thick.
4Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet.
5In a medium bowl, combine the diced ham, mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, and black pepper.
6Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
7Spoon the filling onto one half of the dough circle, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge.
8Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
9Press the edges of the dough together with your fingers, then crimp with a fork to seal tightly.
10This prevents the filling from leaking during baking.
11In a small bowl, whisk the egg and water together to make an egg wash.
12Brush the top of the calzone with the egg wash, then cut a few small slits on top for steam to escape.
13Bake the calzone for 20 to 25 minutes, until the crust is deep golden brown and puffed up.
14Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving warm.

🔧Equipment

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Rolling pin
Small bowl
Pastry brush
Knife
Cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 550 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 1250mg🌾Total Carbs: 55g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

Tips: For a crispier crust, brush the calzone with olive oil instead of egg wash. Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping. You can also add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the filling for extra flavor.

Watch Video Of How Classic Ham and Cheese Calzone Works

This ham and cheese calzone recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special event like Christmas Eve dinner. My kids love helping me make it from scratch, and we always have fun customizing our own fillings with different cheeses and meats.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to reheat leftovers in the oven until crispy – no need for microwaving or soggy messes!

Storage-wise, simply wrap individual leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to three days in the fridge or freeze for later use.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ham and Cheese Calzone

Q: What type of cheese should I use for this recipe?

A: You can use any type of cheese you like, but mozzarella is the traditional choice for calzones. It melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture to the filling. If you want to mix things up, you could try using cheddar or parmesan for a slightly different flavor profile.

Q: Can I use pre-made pizza dough instead of making my own?

A: While store-bought pizza dough can be convenient, making your own from scratch gives you more control over the ingredients and texture of your calzones. However, if you’re short on time or don’t feel like making dough from scratch, using pre-made dough will still yield delicious results.

Q: How do I ensure my calzones are evenly cooked?

A: To ensure even cooking, make sure your oven is preheated to 425°F (220°C) before baking your calzones. Also, rotate them halfway through cooking time so that they cook evenly all around.

Q: Can I add other ingredients besides ham and cheese?

A: Absolutely! Some popular additions include pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach – just be sure to adjust the amount of filling accordingly so that your calzones don’t become too stuffed.

Q: How do I store leftover calzones?

A: Leftover calzones can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to two months. When reheating, place them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) until crispy and hot throughout.

Q: Can I make individual calzones instead of one large one?

A: Yes! Using individual-sized tortillas or pizza dough squares will yield adorable mini-calzones perfect for parties or events.

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