Cheese and Ham Calzones Recipe

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The Comfort of Cheese and Ham Calzones Recipe

There’s something so wonderfully satisfying about a homemade calzone—especially when it’s filled with melty cheese and savory ham. I love how this Cheese and Ham Calzones Recipe transforms simple ingredients into golden pockets of comfort. Whether it’s a cozy weekend lunch or a quick dinner, these calzones never fail to bring warmth to the table.

You’ll notice the combination of mozzarella’s stretchiness and ricotta’s creaminess creates a velvety, luscious texture inside. The diced ham adds that perfect salty bite, while the oregano and garlic powder gently tease your nose with aromatic hints. The outside bakes to a lightly crisp, golden crust that just begs to be torn open.

Over the years, I’ve found this recipe to be a true crowd-pleaser, and it’s incredibly adaptable—perfect if you want to experiment with different cheeses or add your own twist. Let’s jump into why this Cheese and Ham Calzones Recipe is an irresistible kitchen staple.

Ingredient Guide

• Pizza dough (1 pound): The foundation of your calzone, delivering that soft yet crisp crust. Use store-bought or homemade.
• Cooked ham, diced (1 cup): Adds a smoky, salty depth—perfect for a meaty balance. Leftover ham works great here.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): The classic stretchy cheese that melts beautifully for the gooey filling.
• Ricotta cheese (1/2 cup): Provides a creamy, mild freshness that keeps the filling luscious and moist.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Brings a nutty, sharp contrast that rounds out the cheese blend.
• Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Offers subtle herbal notes that lift the savory flavors.
• Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds aromatic warmth without overpowering the filling.
• Egg, beaten (1): Used to seal the calzones and brush the crust for a shiny, golden finish.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Brushed on top to enhance crispness and add a fragrant finishing touch.

Prep Before You Begin

Before you dive in, gather all your ingredients and tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable. Make sure your oven is preheated to 425°F (220°C) so it’s nice and hot for that golden crust. It’s easiest to work with pizza dough that’s at room temperature, so if you’ve just taken it out of the fridge, let it sit for 20-30 minutes while you prepare the filling.

How to Make Cheese and Ham Calzones Recipe

Making these calzones is as relaxing as it is rewarding—follow these clear steps, and you’ll enjoy the aroma filling your kitchen in no time.

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things effortless and clean.
2. Divide your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into four equal portions. I like to roll each piece into a circle about 8 inches across, aiming for even thickness to ensure uniform baking.
3. Mix the filling by combining diced ham, mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, oregano, and garlic powder in a bowl. You’ll notice this filling is creamy yet packed with flavors that meld perfectly.
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Expert Tips to Nail It

Small adjustments that make a big difference in texture, timing, and flavor so your Cheese and Ham Calzones Recipe turns out reliably amazing.

4. Assemble by spooning about a quarter of the filling onto one half of each dough circle, keeping about an inch clear along the edge so the seal will hold.
5. Brush the exposed dough border with beaten egg—this acts like glue to seal your calzones tightly.
6. Fold the dough over the filling to make a half-moon shape. Gently press the edges together, then crimp with a fork for an extra-secure seal and that classic crimped look.
7. Transfer your calzones to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart so they can crisp evenly.
8. Brush the tops with olive oil for a luscious, golden finish and use a small, sharp knife to slice a tiny slit in the top of each calzone—this lets steam escape without bursting your crust.
9. Bake in your hot oven for 15-20 minutes, keeping an eye out for a deep golden-brown color that signals they’re perfectly cooked through.
10. Rest your calzones a few minutes out of the oven. This helps keep the filling from rushing out when you take that first delicious bite.

Creative Variations for Cheese and Ham Calzones Recipe

• Add caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms for a sweet, earthy layer of flavor.
• Swap the oregano for fresh basil or rosemary to bring a bright herbal lift.
• Mix in some spicy pepperoni or chorizo for a bolder, smoky bite.
• Try ricotta and spinach with ham for a fresher, more veggie-forward fill.
• Top with marinara sauce or pesto after baking for dipping or drizzling.
• Use a whole wheat pizza dough for a nuttier, heartier crust experience.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

• Fridge: Store cooled calzones in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the crust crisp.
• Freeze: Wrap calzones individually in plastic wrap and foil; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crust is crisp again. Avoid microwaving to preserve crispness.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble calzones and freeze before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time when cooking from frozen.

Cheese and Ham Calzones Recipe FAQs

• Can I use store-bought pizza dough? Absolutely! Store-bought dough works great and speeds up prep time without compromising flavor.
• What if I don’t have ricotta? You can substitute cream cheese or just use extra mozzarella for a different but still tasty texture.
• How do I know when the calzones are done? Look for a golden-brown crust that feels firm to the touch and has puffed slightly.
• Can I add vegetables to the filling? Yes! Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted peppers are excellent additions you can sauté beforehand to avoid sogginess.
• Should I pierce the calzone before baking? Yes, making a small slit helps steam escape so the crust stays crisp and doesn’t get soggy inside.

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