Chef John's Ham and Cheese Calzones

Recipesfull introduces to you: Italian Recipes. (Chef John's Ham and Cheese Calzones). 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.

Brief

Prep 20 mins

Cook: 15 mins

Additional: 15 mins

Total: 50 mins

Servings: 4

Yield: 4 calzones

Chef John's Ham and Cheese Calzones

Ingredients

24 ounces prepared pizza dough

8 slices prosciutto

2 cups ricotta cheese

drained

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper to taste

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 ½ cups finely diced smoked ham

4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese

thinly sliced

drained on paper towels

1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon cornmeal

1 egg

1 teaspoon water

1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

2 cups marinara sauce for dipping

heated

Italian Herb Bread I

World Cuisine

Directions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 7

Bake in preheated oven until browned about 15 minutes. Let cool 15 minutes before serving. Serve with heated marinara sauce for dipping.

Nutritional Information

Chef John's Ham and Cheese Calzones

Servings Per Recipe:4

Calories: 894.7

% Daily Value *

Protein: 40.8g 82%

Carbohydrates: 99.7g 32%

Dietary Fiber: 5.7g 23%

Sugars: 20.4g

Fat: 35g 54%

Saturated Fat: 11.4g 57%

Cholesterol: 116.3mg 39%

Vitamin A Iu: 874.5IU 18%

Niacin Equivalents: 11mg 84%

Vitamin B6: 0.5mg 29%

Vitamin C: 20.4mg 34%

Folate: 29.5mcg 7%

Calcium: 274.2mg 27%

Iron: 6.2mg 34%

Magnesium: 43.8mg 16%

Potassium: 603.3mg 17%

Sodium: 3340.1mg 134%

Thiamin: 0.4mg 42%

Calories From Fat: 314.6

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

**Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-)Nutrition information is provided for reference only. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.