As seen in our latest Instagram reel
Golden, warm, and stuffed with savory ham and gooey melted cheese — these Easy Ham and Cheese Calzones are the kind of cheesy comfort that makes everyone smile. Flaky, golden dough wraps around delicious ham and melty cheese, creating a crispy outside with a soft, satisfying center in every bite. Perfect for quick lunches, busy weeknight dinners, or a fun snack the whole family will love. These are the calzones from @dishesbygrace_ that had everyone commenting CALZONE for the recipe.
Why you’ll love them
- Crispy golden crust with a soft, melty center.
- Savory ham and gooey cheese in every bite.
- Quick lunches, easy weeknight dinners, family-approved snack.
- ~21g protein per calzone — comfort food that fills you up.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough, store-bought or homemade, at room temperature
- 8 oz sliced ham
- 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water (egg wash)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, to finish
- Marinara sauce, warmed, for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat. Heat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide and roll. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. On a floured surface, roll each into a 7-inch circle.
- Fill. Layer ham and mozzarella over one half of each circle, leaving a 1-inch border. Don’t overfill — a modest mound seals best.
- Seal. Fold the empty half over the filling and press the edges firmly, then crimp with a fork to seal tightly. Brush all over with egg wash and sprinkle with garlic powder.
- Bake. Cut 2–3 small steam vents in each calzone. Bake 15–18 minutes until deeply golden and the cheese bubbles through the vents.
- Finish and serve. Brush lightly with olive oil, scatter over the parsley, and rest 5 minutes before serving — the filling is molten.
Tips
- Seal the edges well and don’t skip the steam vents, or the cheese will escape.
- Let the dough come to room temperature so it rolls without springing back.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer, not the microwave, to keep the crust crisp.
- Swap the ham for turkey, pepperoni, or sautéed mushrooms to change it up.
Nutrition
Estimated per calzone (as listed in the Instagram post; recipe makes 4 calzones): ~380 calories, ~21g protein, ~16g fat, ~37g carbs. Values are estimates, not lab-tested.
Dipping sauce or straight up — how do you eat your calzone? Follow @dishesbygrace_ on Instagram for the reel and more easy recipes.
