Short Description
Ham and cheese calzones are a delicious, handheld meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack. These golden-brown pockets of dough are filled with savory ham, gooey melted cheese, and a touch of seasoning, creating a comforting and satisfying bite every time. With a crispy exterior and a warm, cheesy interior, this recipe is simple to prepare and endlessly customizable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Uses store-bought or homemade pizza dough for a quick assembly.
- Kid-Friendly: A perfect meal for picky eaters who love cheese and ham.
- Customizable: Swap in different meats, cheeses, or even add vegetables.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch and freeze them for future quick meals.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve as a main dish, appetizer, or party snack.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough
- Cooked ham, diced or sliced
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Ricotta cheese (optional)
- Egg wash (egg beaten with a little water)
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Olive oil
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
- Prepare the dough by rolling it out on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut into equal portions for individual calzones.
- Assemble the filling by mixing the mozzarella, cheddar, ricotta (if using), and ham in a bowl. Add a sprinkle of garlic powder and Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Fill the calzones by placing a portion of the filling onto one half of each dough piece, leaving a border around the edges.
- Seal the calzones by folding the dough over the filling, pressing the edges together, and crimping with a fork to secure.
- Apply egg wash by brushing the tops with the beaten egg mixture. This gives the calzones a golden-brown finish when baked.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
- Cool slightly before serving with marinara sauce for dipping.
Variations
- Meat Lovers’ Calzones: Add cooked bacon, sausage, or pepperoni.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace ham with spinach, mushrooms, or roasted peppers.
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with provolone, gouda, or parmesan for unique flavors.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 calzones
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store cooled calzones in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap each calzone in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
How do I keep calzones from leaking?
Ensure the edges are well-sealed by crimping with a fork and avoid overfilling them.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes! Store-bought dough works great and saves time.
What is the best cheese for calzones?
Mozzarella and ricotta are classic choices, but you can mix in cheddar, provolone, or parmesan for extra flavor.
Can I make calzones ahead of time?
Yes, assemble them in advance and refrigerate or freeze them until ready to bake.
Do I need to use an egg wash?
Egg wash helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior but can be skipped if desired.
What dipping sauces pair well with calzones?
Marinara sauce, garlic butter, or ranch dressing complement them well.
Can I make mini calzones?
Absolutely! Just cut smaller dough portions and reduce baking time to 12-15 minutes.
How do I prevent soggy calzones?
Avoid overloading with fillings and ensure the oven is fully preheated before baking.
Can I cook calzones in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Are calzones the same as strombolis?
No, strombolis are rolled and sliced, whereas calzones are folded into pockets.
Conclusion
Ham and cheese calzones are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that everyone will love. Whether you make them for a quick meal, a party snack, or a meal-prep option, these calzones are sure to be a hit. Try out different variations to customize them to your taste, and enjoy a warm, cheesy bite every time!
Print
Ham and Cheese Calzones
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
Ham and cheese calzones are crispy, golden-brown pockets filled with gooey cheese and savory ham. Easy to make, kid-friendly, and perfect for meal prep, these calzones are a delicious lunch, dinner, or snack option.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced or sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup ricotta cheese (optional)
- 1 egg (beaten with 1 tbsp water, for egg wash)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with olive oil.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to ¼-inch thickness and cut into equal portions.
- In a bowl, mix mozzarella, cheddar, ricotta (if using), ham, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Place a portion of the filling onto one half of each dough piece, leaving a border.
- Fold the dough over the filling, press the edges together, and crimp with a fork to seal.
- Brush the tops with egg wash for a golden-brown finish.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
- Cool slightly before serving with marinara sauce.
Notes
- Meat Lovers’ Calzones: Add cooked bacon, sausage, or pepperoni.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace ham with spinach, mushrooms, or roasted peppers.
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
- Different Cheeses: Try provolone, gouda, or parmesan for unique flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: ham and cheese calzones, easy calzone recipe, homemade calzones, baked calzones, kid-friendly meal
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