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Ham and Cheese Calzones Recipe

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4.5 from 91 reviews

These Easy Ham and Cheese Calzones are a delicious and convenient meal featuring a golden, crispy crust filled with a savory blend of ham, mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese seasoned with oregano and garlic powder. Perfectly baked until golden brown, these calzones offer a comforting, cheesy delight ideal for lunch, dinner, or a hearty snack.

Ingredients

Dough

  • 1 pound pizza dough

Filling

  • 1 cup 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

Finishing

  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures the calzones bake evenly to a perfect golden brown crust.
  2. Prepare Dough Circles: On a floured surface, divide the pizza dough into four equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle approximately 8 inches in diameter, creating the base for your calzones.
  3. Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine the diced ham, mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, dried oregano, and garlic powder to create a flavorful filling.
  4. Assemble Calzones: Place a quarter of the filling on one half of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edges to allow sealing.
  5. Seal Edges: Brush the edges of the dough with the beaten egg, fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal completely to prevent leaks during baking.
  6. Prepare for Baking: Transfer the calzones onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with olive oil and create a small slit on top of each calzone to allow steam to escape during baking. Optionally, sprinkle additional cheese on top for extra flavor.
  7. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the calzones are puffed and golden brown on top.
  8. Cool and Serve: Allow the calzones to cool slightly before serving to let the filling set and avoid burns.

Notes

  • Ensure the dough edges are well sealed to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
  • You can substitute ham with cooked chicken or turkey for variety.
  • Additional herbs like basil or thyme can be added for more flavor.
  • Brush with olive oil before baking to achieve a nice glossy and crisp crust.
  • Allow calzones to cool for a few minutes before eating to prevent mouth burns from hot filling.