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Chef John's Ham and Cheese Calzones

4

50 min

Chef John's Ham and Cheese Calzones


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Time

50 min

Serving

4 persons

Calories

895

Rating

4.00★ (36)

Cuisine

Italian
Author: Victoria Buriak
Today calzones are most commonly stuffed with the exact same toppings that go on a pizza which, besides the crust issue, was one of my main problems with it. I mean, why not just fold a pizza in half, and call it a day? So, I decided to do what I hear is a more traditional filling featuring ricotta, fresh mozzarella, and ham. The result was as enjoyable as it was surprising.

Ingredients

  • ounces prepared pizza dough: 24 piece
  • slices prosciutto: 8 piece
  • ricotta cheese: 2 cups (drained)
  • salt: 0.5 tsp
  • black pepper: 0.5 tsp (to taste, freshly ground)
  • cayenne pepper: 0.5 tsp
  • ½ cups finely diced smoked ham: 1 piece
  • ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced, drained on paper towels: 4 piece
  • extra-virgin olive oil: 1 tsp
  • cornmeal: 1 Tbsp
  • egg: 1 piece
  • water: 1 tsp
  • freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese: 1 Tbsp
  • marinara sauce for dipping: 2 cups (heated, optional)

Metric Conversion

Stages of cooking

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  1. Preheat oven to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    Chef John's Ham and Cheese Calzones Photo 2
  2. Divide dough into 4 equal portions; shape each into a ball. On a lightly floured surface, flatten each dough ball into a flat circle and roll out into an 8- or 9-inch circle.
    Chef John's Ham and Cheese Calzones Photo 3
  3. Place 2 prosciutto slices on one half of each circle of dough, leaving a 1-inch empty border. Spoon ricotta cheese on prosciutto. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Top with chopped ham, mozzarella slices, and a drizzle of olive oil.
    Chef John's Ham and Cheese Calzones Photo 4
  4. Moisten edge of dough with a bit of water using your fingertip. Fold the empty half of the dough over the filling and lightly seal edges. Crimp the edges up to completely seal the calzone.
    Chef John's Ham and Cheese Calzones Photo 5
  5. Sprinkle lined baking sheet with cornmeal. Transfer calzones to baking sheet. Cut several small slits in the top of the crust with the tip of a knife to allow for venting.
    Chef John's Ham and Cheese Calzones Photo 6
  6. Beat egg with water to make egg wash. Brush the calzones with egg wash. Dust with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Remove excess cornmeal and grated cheese from around calzones to avoid smoke from the hot oven.
    Chef John's Ham and Cheese Calzones Photo 7
  7. Bake in preheated oven until browned, about 15 minutes. Let cool 15 minutes before serving. Serve with heated marinara sauce for dipping. Chef John
    Chef John's Ham and Cheese Calzones Photo 8

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