Easy Homemade Ham and Cheese Calzones
Ingredients (Makes 4 calzones)
Dough:
· 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, divided into 4 balls)
· Flour for dusting
· Olive oil for brushing
Filling:
· 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
· 1½ cups diced ham
· 1 cup ricotta cheese
· ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
· ½ cup marinara sauce (plus extra for dipping)
· 1 tsp dried oregano
· ½ tsp garlic powder
· Salt and black pepper to taste
· Optional: ½ cup sautéed diced bell peppers or mushrooms, chopped fresh parsley
For Serving:
· Warm marinara sauce
· Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
· In a bowl, combine mozzarella, ham, ricotta, Parmesan, marinara sauce, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
- Roll Out Dough:
· Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
· On a floured surface, roll each dough ball into an 8-inch circle.
- Fill and Fold:
· Spoon ¼ of the filling onto one half of each circle, leaving a 1-inch border.
· Fold the other half over filling and crimp edges with a fork to seal.
- Bake:
· Place calzones on the baking sheet. Brush tops with olive oil and cut 2-3 small slits in each for steam to escape.
· Bake 18-22 minutes, until golden brown.
· Cool 5 minutes before serving.
Tips
· Prevent Sogginess: Don’t overfill, and ensure marinara isn’t too watery.
· Freeze: Assemble uncooked calzones, freeze on a tray, then store in a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to baking time.
· Variations: Try pepperoni, spinach, or different cheeses like provolone.
Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep!