Say hello to your new obsession! These ham and cheese calzones are stuffed with savory diced ham and melted cheese, making them the perfect handheld meal. Whether you need a quick lunch, a hearty dinner, or a tasty snack to satisfy those cravings, these pizza pockets do it all. And don’t even think about skipping the dipping sauce – nothing completes a calzone better than a warm side of pizza sauce for dunking!

Is there ever a wrong time for a calzone? Warm and delicious, they’re suitable for any meal of the day, from breakfast to dinner. And they’re a fantastic way to utilize any leftover ham or turkey from holiday feasts. Trust me, once you make these calzones, you won’t want to stop!

Think of a calzone as a pizza folded into a delightful pocket! Originating from Naples, Italy in the 18th century, it has made its way into the hearts (and bellies) of many. You can enjoy calzones baked or fried, stuffed with your choice of meats like salami or pepperoni, or even stuffed with fresh vegetables.

Calzones are typically served as a single serving, making them the ultimate on-the-go meal. And just a friendly reminder: it’s pronounced kal-zo-ne, not kal-zown. The plural? Calzoni!

While both calzones and strombolis are scrumptious stuffed delights, they do have their differences:

• A calzone is folded into a half-moon shape with crimped edges, while a stromboli is rolled into a spiral.
• Calzoni are intended for one person, while strombolis are meant to be sliced and shared.
• Calzone is rooted in Italian tradition, while stromboli is a delicious Italian-American creation from Philadelphia.
• Typically, you won’t find tomato sauce inside a calzone, as it’s served on the side for dipping. In stromboli, however, it’s a common filling!

To whip up some delicious ham and cheese calzones, you will need the following ingredients:

• Pizza Dough: You can opt for store-bought or make your own from scratch!
• Cheese: Mozzarella for the insides and grated parmesan for the outside. For best flavor, shred your own cheese.
• Ham: I love using diced ham for a perfect bite-sized experience.
• Tomato: Add some diced tomatoes for freshness, or leave them out if you prefer.
• Oregano: A sprinkle adds that fantastic pizza flavor. If you like heat, add some red pepper flakes!
• Pizza Sauce: You’ll need this for brushing and for dipping – essential for a great calzone!

When it comes to ham, I swear by diced ham! It’s pre-diced, full of flavor, and you don’t have to do any prep work other than unwrapping the package. Plus, it can be a great alternative for those looking for gluten-free and low-fat options!

Using diced ham in your calzone means every bite is packed with deliciousness. An 8 oz package is enough for making about 4 calzones, with potential leftovers to sprinkle on salads, pasta, or omelettes!

Don’t fret about making calzones. It’s as straightforward as making a pizza! As you practice, you’ll master the folding technique. Plus, I like to brush my calzones with pizza sauce instead of an egg wash. It adds flavor and a beautiful golden color!

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

• If you’re using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature. If making from scratch, prepare your dough accordingly.
• Divide the dough into four equal portions.
• Roll each piece into a 1/4-inch thick circle, about six inches across.

Step 2: Fill and Fold the Calzoni

• Place a generous amount of shredded mozzarella at the bottom of the dough circle, followed by diced ham, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of oregano, ensuring to leave about an inch around the edges.
• Moisten the edges with your fingers using a little cold water to help seal.
• Fold the top half over the filling, creating a half-moon shape, and crimp the edges to seal.

Step 3: Bake!

• Arrange the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Brush with pizza sauce and cut a couple of small vents in the tops for steam to escape.
• Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 500ºF for about 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

Traditionally, serve your calzones with a side of warm pizza sauce. It’s also lovely to pair with a fresh salad, like a Caesar or Italian salad.

The beauty of calzones lies in their versatility! Feel free to add pepperoni, bacon, ricotta, or loads of veggies. Host a calzone party where guests can personalize their fillings for an extra burst of fun.