Description

This Ham and Cheese Calzone recipe features a golden, crispy pizza dough stuffed with melty mozzarella cheese, savory diced ham, fresh tomatoes, and a hint of oregano. Baked to perfection and topped with parmesan, these calzones are delicious hand-held meals perfect for lunch or dinner, served with warm pizza sauce for dipping.

Ingredients

Scale

Calzone Dough and Filling

1 pound pizza dough
2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
8 ounces Smithfield® Anytime Favorites™ Diced Ham
1 tomato, seeded and diced
1 teaspoon dried oregano

Toppings and Sauce

½ cup pizza sauce, plus more for serving
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 500ºF to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for a crispy and evenly baked calzone.
Prepare Dough Circles: Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal portions. On a floured surface, roll each piece out into a ¼-inch thick circle approximately 6 inches in diameter for even cooking and easy folding.
Add Filling: On the lower half of each dough circle, layer about ½ cup of shredded mozzarella, ¼ cup of diced ham, diced tomato pieces, and a sprinkle of dried oregano, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edge for sealing.
Seal Calzones: Dip a finger in cold water and moisten the edges of the dough. Fold the top half over the filling to create a half-moon shape and press the edges together. Crimp all around to securely seal the calzone to prevent leaks.
Prepare for Baking: Place the sealed calzones on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with pizza sauce and slit 2 to 3 small cuts on each to allow steam to escape during baking.
Add Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the tops of the calzones for added flavor and a golden crust.
Bake: Bake the calzones in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove from oven and let them rest for 10 to 15 minutes to set.
Serve: Serve warm with additional pizza sauce on the side for dipping, making for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Notes

Using low-moisture mozzarella helps prevent excess moisture, which keeps the calzone crust crispy.
Make sure to seal the edges well to avoid any cheese or sauce leakage during baking.
Resting the calzones after baking allows the cheese to thicken slightly, making them easier to eat without spilling.
You can customize your calzone fillings with additional vegetables or different meats if desired.
For a crispier bottom crust, bake calzones on a preheated pizza stone if available.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Ham Calzone, Cheese Calzone, Pizza Dough Recipe, Ham and Cheese Recipe, Baked Calzone, Italian Calzone, Easy Calzone Recipe