These Ham and Cheese Calzones are everything you love about a classic deli sandwich—warm, cheesy, and savory—wrapped in golden, fluffy pizza dough. Crispy on the outside and melty on the inside, they’re perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids or prepping game-day food, these calzones are an easy win.
Made with a few pantry staples and leftover ham, this recipe comes together quickly and bakes up beautifully in under 30 minutes. They’re portable, freezable, and endlessly customizable—plus, who can resist that gooey blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan tucked inside soft, buttery dough?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Crispy Outside, Gooey Inside: The perfect texture in every bite.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike devour these calzones.
• Easy to Make Ahead: Bake now, freeze for later.
• Great Use of Leftovers: Ideal for leftover ham or cheese.
• Customizable: Add spinach, mushrooms, or swap out meats and cheeses.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound pizza dough
• 1 cup cooked ham, diced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 egg, beaten (for sealing the edges)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing the tops)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
On a floured surface, divide the pizza dough into four equal portions. Roll each piece into a circle about 8 inches in diameter.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the diced ham, mozzarella cheese, ricotta, Parmesan, oregano, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Fill the Calzones
Spoon one-quarter of the filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edge.
Step 5: Seal the Edges
Brush the edges of the dough with the beaten egg. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges with a fork to seal tightly.
Step 6: Prep for Baking
Transfer the calzones to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil and cut a small slit in the top of each to allow steam to escape. You can sprinkle extra mozzarella or Parmesan on top if you’d like.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and puffed.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the calzones cool for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the cheese settle and prevents burns from hot steam.
Tips:
• Use Store-Bought or Homemade Dough: Either works great—use whatever’s easier!
• Add Veggies: Try adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Extra Flavor: Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or fresh basil to the filling for a twist.
• Dipping Sauce: Serve with warm marinara, ranch, or even honey mustard for a delicious dipping option.
• Mini Calzones: Make smaller calzones for party snacks or lunchbox-sized portions.
Storage and Reheating:
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes (though the crust stays crispier in the oven).
Freezer:
Let calzones cool completely, then wrap each in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.
These Ham and Cheese Calzones are quick to make, fun to eat, and endlessly adaptable to whatever’s in your fridge. Serve them with a side salad or dipping sauce, and you’ve got a warm, satisfying meal in no time.
