I’ve got to tell you about my latest kitchen adventure—Melty Ham and Cheese Calzones. Seriously, what’s better than gooey cheese and savory ham wrapped in a crispy crust? I mean, it’s a weeknight favorite that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Plus, you can toss in whatever fillings you fancy! Curious about how to whip these up and impress your friends? Let’s explore the details together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re anything like me, you know that a perfect weeknight meal has to hit the spot, fill you up, and leave you with just the right amount of comfort, right?
That’s where these ham and cheese calzones come in. They’re super easy to whip up, and let me tell you, they’re like little pockets of joy.
The gooey mozzarella mixed with silky ricotta and savory ham is a combo that makes my taste buds sing.
Plus, you can customize them with whatever extras you love—maybe a little spinach or some spicy pepperoni? It’s like playing with your food, but in the best way.
And the crispy golden crust? It’s a total game-changer, trust me. You’ll love it.
Equipment List
When it comes to making melty ham and cheese calzones, having the right equipment is key to ensuring everything goes smoothly.
First up, you’ll need a rolling pin. Trust me, trying to flatten dough with your hands gets messy—no one wants that. Next, grab a baking sheet or, if you’re fancy like me, a pizza stone. It helps get that crispy crust. An essential piece for baking, the Baking Sheet Set guarantees even heat distribution for perfect results.
Don’t forget parchment paper; you’ll thank yourself later for an easier cleanup! A sharp knife or pizza cutter is essential for portioning those beauties.
Finally, having a brush for the egg wash saves you from a messy situation. I once tried to use a spoon, and let’s just say, it wasn’t my best moment in the kitchen.
Our Ingredients
When it comes to whipping up a batch of melty ham and cheese calzones, the ingredients truly make the dish. Imagine biting into a warm, cheesy pocket filled with delicious ham—it’s a slice of heaven, really.
But first, let’s gather what we need before diving into the kitchen. Trust me, if you’re not organized, you might find yourself scrambling for that bag of cheese that’s somewhere in the back of the fridge. Been there, done that.
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- 1 pizza dough (14-inch)
- 4 slices ham (thinly sliced)
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese (grated)
- 2 tbsp ricotta cheese
- 1 beaten egg (for egg wash)
- Kosher salt and pepper (to taste)
Now, let’s chat about those ingredients for a minute. Freshness is key—nobody wants lackluster ham or cheese that’s been hanging around so long it has its own biography.
When you’re at the store, go for quality mozzarella; the gooier, the better. And don’t skimp on the ricotta; that creamy goodness adds richness.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even spice things up with some herbs or different cheeses. But, remember, while creativity is fun, too many toppings could lead to a soggy situation inside that lovely crust. So keep it balanced, and your calzones will be the perfect pocket of flavor.
Happy cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making melty ham and cheese calzones is an absolute joy—you’re about to experience the delightful transformation of simple ingredients into a golden, cheesy treat! Follow these easy steps to whip up some delicious calzones that will make your taste buds sing. Let’s jump in!
1. Roll Out Your Dough: Start with your 1 pizza dough (14-inch) and roll it out into a circle. Aim for about 14 inches in diameter, but hey, no pressure if it’s not perfect. A little rustic charm is always welcome in the kitchen.
2. Spread the Ricotta: Now grab your 2 tablespoons of ricotta cheese and spread it on one half of the dough circle. Think of it as a creamy base—like laying down a soft pillow for all that other goodness to rest on.
3. Layer with Ham and Cheese: Next, take your 4 slices of thinly sliced ham and layer them over the ricotta. Make it even, don’t just toss them haphazardly—this is a calzone, not a wrestling match.
Then sprinkle 8 oz of grated mozzarella cheese generously on top, like you’re showering it with cheesy love. Don’t forget to season it with kosher salt and pepper to taste.
4. Fold It Up: Time to fold your dough! Gently fold the other half of the dough over the filling. Pinch the edges tightly to seal the goodness inside—think of it as tucking in a blanket, but instead, you’re keeping all that melty cheese and savory ham snug as a bug.
5. Egg Wash That Baby: Beat 1 egg and use it to brush the top of the calzone. This step is essential as it gives your calzone a lovely golden-brown color when it bakes. Plus, it adds a nice finish that says, “Look at me, I’m fancy!”
6. Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 475°F and place your calzone on the bottom rack. Bake it for about 7–10 minutes until it’s golden brown and looking irresistible. Keep an eye on it—the aroma will make it hard to resist peeking in every few minutes.
7. Optional Touch: For an extra indulgent finish, brush it with some garlic butter and sprinkle with parmesan and parsley right after it comes out of the oven. It’s like the cherry on top, except it’s garlicky and delightful.
And there you have it—your homemade melty ham and cheese calzones are ready to shine. Just be careful—once you take that first bite, you might find it hard to stop. But hey, who could blame you? Enjoy the creation of your cheesy masterpiece, using professional pastry tools to elevate your baking experience. Happy cooking!
Tips & Variations
Even if you think you’ve nailed the basics of calzone-making, there are always fun tips and variations to elevate your game.
I’ve learned that avoiding overloaded wet fillings is key—nobody wants a soggy crust. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not add some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a little extra flavor?
You could even switch up the cheese—who says mozzarella is the only option? Provolone or cheddar adds a delightful twist.
And let’s talk about baking: using a pizza stone or placing your calzone on the bottom rack guarantees that lovely crispiness.
Plus, after baking, brushing on garlic butter and sprinkling parmesan is like giving it a cozy little blanket. Trust me, it’s worth it.
How to Serve?
There’s something truly satisfying about biting into a warm, cheesy calzone, isn’t there?
Once they’re out of the oven, I like to let my calzones rest for a minute—nobody wants molten cheese burns, right?
Then, I cut ’em in half and serve them up like little treasure chests. Dipping sauces make everything better, so I usually whip up a simple marinara or garlic butter to accompany them.
Pro tip: keep a few napkins handy. Trust me, cheesy goodness gets messy!
As I savor each bite, I often reminisce about the first time I attempted these—let’s just say it was an epic cheese explosion. But hey, we all learn, right?
Enjoy your calzones with a side of laughter.
Storage & Reheating Guide
If you find yourself with leftover ham and cheese calzones, you’re in for a treat because they can be just as delicious the next day. First, let ’em cool completely, then wrap each calzone in plastic wrap or foil.
I’ve learned the hard way that leaving them uncovered leads to sad, dry calzones. Store them in the fridge for up to three days.
When it’s time to reheat, I recommend the oven. Preheat it to 350°F, place your calzones on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps the crust crispy.
If you want to elevate your meal experience while enjoying those calzones, consider using luxury kitchen appliances to enhance cooking and storage efficiency. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave works, but it can make the crust a bit soggy. Believe me, I’ve gone that route before, and it’s not pretty.
Final Thoughts
While I can’t promise you a perfectly Instagrammable calzone every time, I can assure you that these melty ham and cheese delights are just too good to pass up. Honestly, there’s something magical about biting into that warm, gooey goodness. You might think making calzones is tough, but trust me, if I can do it, so can you. Just keep an eye on that oven; no one likes a burnt calzone. And if you mess up the fold? Who cares—taste trumps looks every time. You’ll love experimenting with different fillings too; the possibilities are endless. So grab your ingredients and get rolling. You’ll impress friends and family, and hey, you might even enjoy the process more than the actual calzone.
