Easy Ham and Cheese Calzones Recipe

Introduction

These easy ham and cheese calzones are a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week. With a golden, crispy crust and a rich, cheesy filling, they’re sure to be a family favorite. Plus, they’re simple to make with basic ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Ingredients

• 1 pound pizza dough
• 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
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Step 2: On a floured surface, divide the pizza dough into four equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle about 8 inches in diameter.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, combine the diced ham, mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, dried oregano, and garlic powder.
4. Step 4: Place a quarter of the filling on one half of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edges.
5. Step 5: Brush the edges of the dough with the beaten egg. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal.
6. Step 6: Transfer the calzones to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Step 7: Brush the tops with olive oil and make a small slit in the top of each calzone to allow steam to escape. Optionally, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
9. Step 9: Let the calzones cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute cooked turkey or chicken for ham to vary the protein.
• Add spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the filling for extra veggies.
• Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley instead of dried oregano for a brighter flavor.
• Brush the calzones with garlic butter instead of olive oil for a richer crust.

Storage

Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to retain crispness, or microwave for a quicker option, though the crust may be softer.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough from scratch?

Yes, you can use homemade pizza dough if you prefer. Just ensure it’s fully risen before dividing and shaping the calzones.

Can I freeze calzones before baking?

Absolutely. Prepare the calzones as directed, then place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Easy Ham and Cheese Calzones Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 132 reviews

These Easy Ham and Cheese Calzones are a delicious and satisfying handheld meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Made with tender pizza dough filled with a savory blend of diced ham, mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs, these calzones are baked to golden perfection and brushed with olive oil for a crispy crust. Simple to prepare and incredibly flavorful, they make a great comfort food option that the whole family will enjoy.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 calzones 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Calzone 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

For Assembly

• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal baking temperature while you prepare the calzones.
2. Prepare Dough: On a floured surface, divide the pizza dough into four equal portions. Roll each portion into an approximately 8-inch diameter circle to form the base of your calzones.
3. Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the diced cooked ham, shredded mozzarella, ricotta, grated Parmesan, dried oregano, and garlic powder. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
4. Assemble Calzones: Spoon a quarter of the filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges for sealing.
5. Seal Calzones: Brush the dough edges with the beaten egg to act as a glue, then fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal completely and prevent filling from leaking.
6. Prepare for Baking: Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with olive oil to promote browning and glossiness, and make a small slit on the top of each calzone to allow steam to escape during baking.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the calzones are golden brown and cooked through.
8. Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the calzones to cool slightly before serving to avoid burns and let flavors settle.

Notes

• You can substitute ham with cooked chicken or turkey if preferred.
• For extra flavor, add fresh basil or red pepper flakes to the filling.
• Make sure to seal the edges well to prevent cheese and filling from leaking during baking.
• Leftover calzones can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
• Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Keywords: calzones, ham and cheese, pizza dough, easy recipe, baked calzones, Italian-American, comfort food