Golden Ham & Cheese Calzones
Prep time: 20 mins | Cook time: 15–20 mins | Yields: 4 large calzones
Ingredients
For the Dough:
1 lb (450g) Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
1 tbsp Olive oil (for brushing)
1 tsp Dried parsley or Italian seasoning
Optional: A pinch of garlic powder and sea salt for the crust
For the Filling:
1.5 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup Ricotta cheese (makes it extra creamy)
1 cup Cooked ham, diced or chopped
1/2 cup Sharp cheddar or Swiss cheese (for extra flavor)
1 Egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Instructions
Preheat & Prep:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper so the cheese doesn’t stick if it oozes out.
Divide the Dough:
Divide your pizza dough into 4 equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a circle about 8 inches (20cm) wide.
Layer the Goodness:
On one half of each circle, spread a dollop of ricotta. Top with a generous handful of mozzarella, cheddar, and the diced ham. Tip: Leave about a 1-inch border around the edge so you can seal it properly.
Fold and Seal:
Fold the empty half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Use your fingers to pinch and “roll” the edges (as seen in your photo) or simply press down firmly with the tines of a fork to seal.
The Secret to the Glow:
Brush the tops of the calzones with the beaten egg wash. This is what gives them that shiny, professional bakery look. Sprinkle the top with dried parsley, garlic powder, and a little extra salt.
Bake:
Cut 2 small slits in the top of each calzone to let steam escape. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the crust is a deep golden brown and the cheese is bubbling inside
Serve: Let them cool for about 5 minutes before biting in—the melted cheese inside will be very hot!