Ham and Cheese Calzones Recipe

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Warm & Familiar Ham and Cheese Calzones Recipe

There’s something deeply comforting about biting into a golden, buttery calzone bursting with melty cheese and savory ham. It’s like a warm hug from the inside out. I love when a simple, approachable recipe like this Ham and Cheese Calzones Recipe brings back memories of family dinners and cozy weekends spent in the kitchen together.

What makes this recipe stand out is its effortless balance of flavors and textures—the creamy ricotta pairs beautifully with the salty Parmesan and folded into pizza dough, it crisps up just right. You’ll notice how the fragrant steam escapes from the little slit on top as they bake, promising that gooey, velvety filling waiting inside.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just whipping up something fast for dinner, these calzones come together quickly without skimping on that homemade charm. Trust me, once you try this Ham and Cheese Calzones Recipe, it’ll be a regular in your comfort-food rotation.

Ingredient Breakdown

• Pizza dough (1 pound): The sturdy yet tender envelope that crisps delightfully when baked.
• Diced cooked ham (1 cup): Provides smoky, savory depth; leftovers from dinner work great here.
• Shredded mozzarella (1 cup): Melts beautifully to give that classic stretchy cheese pull you love.
• Ricotta cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a creamy, velvety layer that balances salt and richness.
• Grated Parmesan (1/4 cup): Sharp and nutty, it lifts flavor with just a sprinkle.
• Dried oregano (1 tsp): A fragrant herb that makes every bite a little more Italian-inspired.
• Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Adds mellow warmth without overpowering the filling.
• Beaten egg (1): Acts as egg wash to seal and brown the dough.
• Olive oil (1 tbsp): Brushed on top for a golden, glossy finish with a subtle fruity note.

Before You Start

Take a few moments to prep your work station, lay out all your ingredients, and preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Rolling the dough evenly helps ensure that calzones bake uniformly, so I like to dust the surface lightly with flour to avoid sticking. If you’re using store-bought dough, let it rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes so it’s easier to handle and springs back nicely.

How to Make Ham and Cheese Calzones Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat crisps the dough beautifully while melting the cheese inside to that perfect gooey state.
2. Divide and roll the dough. On a floured surface, split the dough into four equal portions. Roll each into an 8-inch circle that’s thin enough for some crunch but thick enough to hold the filling without tearing.
3. Mix the filling. In a bowl, combine diced ham, shredded mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, oregano, and garlic powder. This mix balances creamy, salty, and herbaceous notes for depth.
4. Fill each dough circle. Spoon a quarter of the filling onto one half of each circle, leaving a clean border around the edges so sealing is easier and leakage is avoided.
5. Seal your calzones. Brush the surrounding dough edges with beaten egg—a natural glue that helps perfectly seal the half-moon shape when folded over. Press firmly with a fork to crimp the edges evenly.
6. Prepare for baking. Transfer the calzones to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil to encourage golden coloring and shine.
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Cook Like a Pro

Make a small slit on top of each calzone to let steam escape; this prevents sogginess inside and keeps the crust crisp and flaky. If you want an extra cheesy top, sprinkle a little mozzarella over the slit for a bubbly finish.

7. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Watch for a light golden-brown crust with crisp edges and a subtle nutty smell from the Parmesan baking through.
8. Cool slightly before serving. It’s tempting to dig right in, but letting calzones rest for about 5 minutes helps the filling thicken and avoids burning your mouth.

Flavor Variations for Ham and Cheese Calzones Recipe

• Add sautéed spinach or kale for a punch of green and extra nutrition.
• Swap cooked ham for spicy pepperoni or crumbled Italian sausage to turn up the heat.
• Layer in caramelized onions and a touch of honey for a sweet-savory twist that always impresses.
• Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, fontina, or smoked gouda for unique depth.
• Mix in fresh herbs like basil or thyme instead of oregano to freshen up the flavor profile.
• For a breakfast calzone, toss in scrambled eggs and crispy bacon alongside the cheeses.

Storage, Freezer & Reheat Tips

• Store cooked calzones in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to keep the crust crisp.
• Freeze uncooked, sealed calzones wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to 2 months; bake straight from frozen, adding 5-7 extra minutes.
• Leftover calzones reheat well in a skillet over medium heat, covered briefly to warm through without sogginess.
• Avoid microwaving for long—it tends to make dough chewy and ruins that delicate crust texture.

Ham and Cheese Calzones Recipe FAQs

• Can I use store-bought pizza dough? Absolutely! Just let it rest at room temperature before rolling for easier handling.
• What if I don’t have ricotta? You can substitute with cream cheese or even cottage cheese for a similar creaminess.
• Can I make these vegetarian? Yes! Swap ham for sautéed mushrooms, roasted veggies, or artichokes for a delicious meatless option.
• How do I know when they’re done? Look for a golden-brown crust all over and a fragrant aroma; the pizza dough should feel crisp when touched.
• Can I prepare them ahead of time? Definitely. Assemble and freeze them uncooked, then bake from frozen when you’re ready to enjoy.

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