Craving a delicious and satisfying meal without breaking the bank? Our Ham and Cheese Calzones are the perfect solution! Made with affordable ingredients like deli ham and store-bought pizza crust dough, this recipe is a budget-friendly winner.
Packed with gooey mozzarella and savory ham, these calzones are a quick and easy dinner option that the whole family will love. Get ready to enjoy homemade comfort food without the hefty price tag!
These Ham and Cheese Calzones are absolutely the perfect solution for a quick lunch or a simple snack for after school. They are kid-friendly, easy to customize and satisfying!
Why You’ll Love These Easy Calzones
- Quick and easy: Perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
- Budget-friendly: Utilizes affordable ingredients like deli ham and store-bought pizza crust dough.
- Delicious and satisfying: A crowd-pleasing combination of crispy crust, gooey cheese, and savory ham.
- Versatile: Can be customized with your favorite fillings and toppings. Or try a sauce or fresh herbs to add more flavor.
- Minimal cleanup: Less time spent washing dishes means more time enjoying your meal.
Fun and Flavorful Calzone Fillings
Here are some ideas to elevate your ham and cheese calzones:
Classic Combinations:
- Spinach, feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and kalamata olives.
- Pepperoni, sausage, and bell peppers.
- Black beans, corn, jalapeños, and cheddar cheese.
Cheesy Goodness:
- Mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, and Parmesan.
- Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan with a hint of garlic.
Veggie Lovers:
- Mushrooms, onions, and green peppers.
- Roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, and goat cheese.
Remember to experiment and have fun! You can combine different flavors to create your own unique calzone.
What to Serve with Ham and Cheese Calzones
Ham and cheese calzones are hearty and satisfying on their own, but a side dish can elevate your meal. Here are some ideas:
Classic Pairings:
- Marinara or Spaghetti sauce: A classic choice for dipping.
- Garlic bread. A perfect complement to the savory calzone.
Fresh and Light:
- Spinach salad. A refreshing contrast to the rich filling.
- Cucumber salad. A simple side dish but pairs well with these calzones.
Hearty Options:
- Soup: A bowl of minestrone or tomato soup can warm you up.
- Roasted vegetables: A healthy and flavorful accompaniment.
Recipe for Easy Ham and Cheese Calzones
Easy Ham and Cheese Calzones
Ingredients
- 8 ounces refrigerated pizza dough (1 can or if you want more use a larger can)
- 8 slices deli ham more if desired
- 8 slices Mozzarella cheese more if desired
- see post for additional ingredient ideas if desired
Instructions
- Unroll one pizza crust and stretch it gently to make it a 14 inch by 11 inch rectangle.
- Lay 4 (or more, if desired) slices of mozzarella cheese across HALF of the pizza dough to about 1" from the edges. Layer the ham on top of the cheese. Layer the remaining pieces of mozzarella cheese on top of the ham – use more if desired.
- Fold the unfilled side of the dough over the filled half and pinch the edges together firmly to seal.
- Transfer to a greased baking sheet. Bake on a baking sheet at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle the top with some Parmesan and basil or oregano. Slice into individual serving pieces (or desired sizes). Serve warm with warmed spaghetti sauce for dipping or check out the post for additional ideas.
Nutrition
Ham and Cheese Calzones
2 tubes of refrigerated pizza crust
1 c. ricotta cheese (you can substitute cottage cheese if you’d like)
sliced pepperoni
sliced cooked ham
2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional:
Parmesan cheese
Dried Basil or Oregano
Spaghetti sauce – heated
Unroll one pizza crust and stretch it gently to make a 14 inch by 11 inch rectangle. Spread half of the ricotta cheese on half of the dough lengthwise, to within about 1 inch from edges. Sprinkle with half of the pepperoni, ham and mozzarella. Fold the unfilled side of the dough over the filled half and press edges together firmly to seal. Transfer to a greased baking sheet. Now repeat with remaining crust and ingredients. Bake both on one pan at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly for about 4 minutes. Sprinkle the top with Parmesan and basil or oregano. Slice into individual serving pieces (or desired sizes). Serve warm with warmed spaghetti sauce for dipping. So delicious!!
Photo Credit: Kraft Foods
