Easy Ham and Cheese Calzone: The Ultimate Quick & Delicious Family Meal
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Today, we’re diving into a beloved classic that’s perfect for any occasion: the Ham and Cheese Calzone. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a handheld sensation, offering a savory explosion of ham and melted cheese encased in a golden, crispy crust. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a satisfying lunch, or an appetizer that will impress, this easy-to-make calzone is your answer. It’s a recipe that caters to busy schedules without compromising on flavor, ensuring a delightful meal that the whole family will love.
Ham and Cheese Calzone
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Ingredients
- 8 oz can “thin and crispy” refrigerated pizza crust
- 7 slices deli ham
- 6 slices deli cut mozzarella cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
Optional Butter Topping:
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking as soon as your calzone is ready. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- 2. Assemble the Calzone: Carefully unroll the refrigerated pizza crust onto your prepared sheet pan. Gently flatten it out a bit with your hands or a rolling pin to make it slightly thinner and more pliable. Arrange the deli ham evenly over one half of the pizza crust, leaving about a 1-inch border clear around the edges. Layer the deli cut mozzarella cheese slices over the ham. Sprinkle with ½ tsp Italian seasoning.
- 3. Fold and Seal: Fold the empty half of the pizza crust over the filling to create a crescent shape. Pinch the edges together firmly to seal the calzone, ensuring no filling can escape during baking. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch and extra security.
- 4. Add Optional Topping & Vent: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, ½ tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp onion powder, and ½ tsp garlic powder. Stir until well mixed. Brush this savory butter topping generously over the top of the calzone. This will give it a beautiful golden-brown crust and extra flavor. Using a sharp knife, make four small slits on the top of the calzone. These vents are crucial for allowing steam to escape, preventing the calzone from bursting and ensuring a crispy crust.
- 5. Bake to Perfection: Place the sheet pan with the calzone into the preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the crust is a rich, darker golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted inside. Baking times can vary, so keep an eye on it.
- 6. Serve: Carefully remove the calzone from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set, making it easier to cut and enjoy.
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What Exactly is a Calzone?
A calzone is a folded pizza, originating from Naples, Italy. Its name literally means “trouser” or “stocking,” referring to its shape. Unlike a traditional pizza that’s served open-faced, a calzone is essentially a pizza turnover, baked until golden and puffy, encapsulating its delicious fillings. This makes it a perfect handheld meal, less messy than a slice of pizza and ideal for eating on the go or enjoying casually at home. Our ham and cheese calzone recipe takes this concept and simplifies it, making gourmet flavors accessible to the home cook with minimal effort.
Why This Ham and Cheese Calzone Recipe Will Become Your New Favorite
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this particular ham and cheese calzone. Here’s why it stands out:
- Incredibly Quick and Easy: With only 5 minutes of prep time and using a ready-made pizza crust, this recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. No need to wait for dough to rise or spend hours kneading!
- A True Family Favorite: The classic combination of savory ham and gooey mozzarella cheese is universally appealing. Kids and adults alike will eagerly devour these tasty pockets.
- Perfect for Customization: While ham and cheese is a winning combination, this recipe is a fantastic base for experimentation. Easily swap out ingredients to suit your family’s preferences or use up whatever you have in the fridge.
- Versatile Meal Option: Serve it for lunch, dinner, or even as a hearty snack. It’s excellent on its own or paired with a simple side.
- Handheld Convenience: The folded design makes it easy to eat, whether you’re at the dinner table or enjoying a casual meal on the couch.
Key Ingredients for Calzone Success
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and reliance on a few high-quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what makes this ham and cheese calzone shine:
- “Thin and Crispy” Refrigerated Pizza Crust: This is the secret weapon for speed and convenience. The “thin and crispy” variety works best as it bakes up perfectly, providing a delightful crunch without being too dense. It eliminates the need for homemade dough, cutting down on prep time significantly.
- Deli Ham: Choose a good quality deli ham that you enjoy. Thinly sliced ham will distribute evenly and cook perfectly within the calzone. You can opt for smoked ham, honey ham, or whatever your preference.
- Deli Cut Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly sliced deli mozzarella melts beautifully, creating that irresistible cheesy pull. Avoid pre-shredded cheese if possible, as it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect its melt. Provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses also works wonderfully.
- Italian Seasoning: A simple sprinkle of Italian seasoning adds a classic herbaceous depth, complementing both the ham and cheese. It’s a blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary that elevates the flavor profile without overwhelming it.
- Optional Butter Topping: Don’t skip this! The butter topping, infused with extra Italian seasoning, onion powder, and garlic powder, is what gives the calzone its gorgeous golden-brown crust and an extra layer of savory flavor. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in the final result.
Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Calzones
Creating these delicious ham and cheese calzones is incredibly straightforward. Follow these enhanced steps for the best results:
- Preheat Your Oven and Prep the Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, get a large baking sheet ready. Lining it with parchment paper is a smart move; it prevents the calzone from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Prepare the Pizza Crust: Carefully unroll the refrigerated pizza crust. Lay it flat on your prepared baking sheet. To achieve that ideal “thin and crispy” texture, you might want to gently stretch or roll out the dough slightly, making it a bit thinner than it comes out of the can. This ensures a crispier bite once baked.
- Layer the Delicious Fillings: On one half of the pizza crust, arrange your deli ham slices. Make sure to leave a clear border of about 1 inch around the edges of the dough; this space is crucial for sealing the calzone later. Next, evenly layer the deli-cut mozzarella cheese over the ham. Finish by sprinkling half a teaspoon of Italian seasoning over the cheese and ham. This adds aromatic herbs that truly enhance the flavor.
- Fold and Seal the Calzone: Carefully fold the unfilled half of the pizza crust over the ingredients. Align the edges as best as you can. Now, comes the fun part: sealing! Firmly pinch the edges together with your fingers. For extra security and a nice visual detail, you can use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges all around. A tight seal is important to keep all that delicious filling locked inside.
- The Flavorful Butter Topping and Essential Vents: In a small bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in another ½ tsp of Italian seasoning, ½ tsp of onion powder, and ½ tsp of garlic powder. This fragrant mixture is going to transform your crust! Brush this seasoned butter generously over the entire top surface of your folded calzone. This not only adds incredible flavor but also helps the crust achieve a beautiful, rich golden-brown color. Before baking, use a sharp knife to make four small slits on the top of the calzone. These are vent holes, allowing steam to escape during baking, which prevents the calzone from puffing up excessively or bursting, and ensures an evenly cooked, crispy crust.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place your prepared calzone in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’re looking for a deep, golden-brown crust and visible bubbling of the cheese inside. Ovens can vary, so adjust baking time as needed.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the calzone from the oven. It will be piping hot! Let it rest on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes. This short cooling period allows the cheese and ham filling to set, preventing it from oozing out excessively when you cut into it. Slice, serve, and enjoy your homemade Ham and Cheese Calzone!
Tips for Making the Best Ham and Cheese Calzones
While this recipe is straightforward, a few extra tips can ensure your calzones are absolutely perfect every time:
- Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to load up on fillings, but too much can make it hard to seal the calzone and may lead to a soggy crust. Stick to the recommended amounts or make sure any extra fillings are not excessive.
- Ensure a Tight Seal: A well-sealed edge is crucial. If the edges aren’t properly pinched, cheese might leak out, making a mess on your baking sheet. A fork crimp not only looks good but also provides a strong seal.
- Venting is Key: Those small slits on top aren’t just for show! They release steam, which prevents the calzone from getting too puffy and ensures the crust bakes through and becomes crispy.
- Optional Butter Topping is Recommended: While listed as optional, the seasoned butter topping adds immense flavor and a beautiful golden finish to your calzone. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
- Serve with Marinara: A warm bowl of marinara sauce for dipping takes this calzone to the next level. The tangy tomato complements the rich ham and cheese perfectly.
- Cool Before Slicing: Giving the calzone a few minutes to cool after baking allows the hot cheese to set, preventing it from running out when you cut into it.
Creative Variations and Customizations
This ham and cheese calzone recipe is wonderfully versatile. Feel free to get creative with your fillings!
- Cheese Swaps: Experiment with different cheeses! Provolone, shredded cheddar, a blend of Italian cheeses, or even a dollop of creamy ricotta (mixed with an egg and parmesan for stability) can add new dimensions.
- Add More Meats: Pepperoni, cooked sausage, shredded chicken, or crispy bacon bits can be fantastic additions. Just ensure any cooked meats are cooled before adding them.
- Sneak in Veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, finely diced bell peppers, caramelized onions, or well-drained spinach can add fiber and flavor. Just be sure to cook and drain any high-moisture vegetables beforehand to avoid a soggy calzone.
- A Touch of Sauce: A thin layer of pizza sauce or pesto spread on the crust before adding the ham and cheese can add another layer of flavor. Don’t use too much, or it will make the calzone soggy.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes mixed with the Italian seasoning, or a few slices of jalapeño, can add a delightful warmth.
Serving Suggestions
A ham and cheese calzone is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides:
- Marinara Dipping Sauce: This is almost non-negotiable! The classic pairing of calzone and marinara is a match made in heaven.
- Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the rich calzone.
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: For those who can’t get enough carbs, a side of garlic bread complements the Italian theme.
- Simple Soup: A light tomato soup or minestrone can make for a more substantial and comforting meal.
Nutrition Information
Understanding the nutritional breakdown can help you fit this delicious calzone into your dietary needs. Here’s an approximation of the nutritional content per serving (for 4 servings):
- Calories: 440kcal
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 79mg
- Sodium: 1304mg
- Potassium: 187mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
- Vitamin A: 471IU
- Vitamin C: 0.1mg
- Calcium: 229mg
- Iron: 2mg
Please remember that this nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific brands and preparations.
This easy ham and cheese calzone is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create a satisfying, fun, and flavorful meal with minimal effort. Its simplicity, combined with the classic appeal of ham and cheese, makes it an instant hit for any meal. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, you’ll find joy in preparing and savoring this delightful dish. Don’t forget to explore more culinary adventures in my cookbook – it’s packed with even more easy-to-follow recipes to inspire your cooking journey. Happy cooking!