Ingredients

24 ounces prepared pizza dough
8 slices prosciutto
2 cups ricotta cheese , drained
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 1/2 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 ( optional )
Chef John's Ham and Cheese Calzones are a delicious and easy-to-make dinner that the whole family will love. Made with prepared pizza dough, ricotta cheese, smoked ham, and fresh mozzarella, these calzones are the perfect comfort food. They are crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, making them a filling and satisfying meal. Chef John's recipe is easy to follow and can be customized to suit your taste. Serve with warmed marinara sauce for dipping and enjoy!

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
2.Divide the pizza dough into 4 pieces and roll each piece out on a floured surface into a 10-inch round.
3.Place 2 slices of prosciutto on one half of each dough round.
4.In a bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
5.Spoon 1/4 of the cheese mixture on top of the prosciutto, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge of the dough.
6.Sprinkle 1/4 of the ham on top of the cheese mixture.
7.Place 1 ounce of the mozzarella cheese on top of the ham.
8.Fold the remaining half of the dough over the filling and press the edges together to seal.
9.Brush each calzone with olive oil and sprinkle with cornmeal.
10.Place the calzones on a baking sheet and cut a few steam vents into the top of each calzone.
11.Whisk together the egg and water in a small bowl and lightly brush over the calzones.
12.Sprinkle grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese on top of the calzones.
13.Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
14.Serve hot with warmed marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.

PROS

Chef John’s Ham and Cheese Calzones are a great way to use up leftover ham or prosciutto.

They are crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, making them a family favorite.

Easy to assemble and bake, they are perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.

CONS

The calzones are high in calories and fat due to the cheese and dough.

They are not suitable for those on a low-fat or low-carb diet and should be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While this recipe is not particularly healthy, it does contain protein from the ham and cheese.
Ricotta cheese is also a good source of calcium, which is necessary for strong bones and teeth.

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