Ham & Cheese Calzones – Low Carb and Gluten-Free
A delicious ham and cheese filling wrapped in a buttery almond flour crust. A low carb, gluten-free version of a classic!
A delicious ham and cheese filling wrapped in a buttery almond flour crust. A low carb, gluten-free version of a classic!
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 egg yolk
- 6 tbsp butter melted
- 2 1/4 cups honeyville almond flour
- 6 tbsp coconut flour (i used bob's red mill)
- 1/3 cup unflavoured whey protein powder
- 3/4 tsp xanthan gum
- 3 cups shredded cheese of choice (swiss cheddar, mozzarella or a combination)
- 1 cups chopped smithfield ham
- Carbohydrate 8.37137750001095 g
- Cholesterol 835.799375039243 mg
- Fat 52.7769837648046 g
- Fiber 0.138599994659424 g
- Protein 24.8698312501551 g
- Saturated Fat 27.997030009376 g
- Serving Size 1 1 large calzone (325g)
- Sodium 588.229000105135 mg
- Sugar 8.23277750535153 g
- Trans Fat 5.06453875103638 g
- Calories 600 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 325F.
- In a large bowl, combine almond flour, whey protein, coconut flour, baking powder, garlic and xanthan gum.
- Add eggs and melted butter and mix until dough comes together.
- Divide dough in half. Turn out first half onto a large piece of parchment paper and pat into a rough circle. Top with another piece of parchment paper and roll out into a large circle, about 12 inches in diameter (roll it out quite thinly). Remove top piece of parchment.
- Sprinkle one half of the circle with about 1 & 1/2 cups of shredded cheese and 3/4 cup of chopped ham, leaving a 3/4 inch border for sealing the calzone.
- Use the parchment paper to lift and gently fold the other half of the dough over the cheese and ham filling. Pinch the edges to seal and crimp it with your fingers to create a nice edge.
- Repeat with remaining dough and filling. Transfer calzones, still on the parchment on to baking sheets (or one large one, if you have it).
- Mix egg yolk in a small bowl and brush over the calzones.
- Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.
My Go-To Low-Carb Comfort Food: Ham and Cheese Calzones
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy, delicious meals can be a real challenge. Weeknights are often a blur of school pick-ups, homework help, and the general chaos of family life. That’s why I rely on recipes that are quick, easy, and satisfying – recipes that don’t compromise on flavor. Enter these amazing ham and cheese calzones. They're my secret weapon for a quick, healthy, and utterly delicious dinner that the whole family loves.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. No complicated techniques or obscure ingredients are needed. I often make the dough on the weekend and store it in the fridge, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Simply roll it out, add the filling (I usually keep a stash of shredded cheese and pre-chopped ham in the freezer for convenience), fold, bake, and enjoy! It's a lifesaver when I’m short on time but still want to serve something wholesome and tasty.
One of the things I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. A blend of mozzarella and cheddar is always a winner, but I’ve also tried Swiss and even pepper jack for a bit of a kick. Similarly, you can swap the ham for other protein sources like salami, pepperoni, or even leftover cooked chicken or ground meat. The possibilities are endless!
The low-carb and gluten-free nature of this recipe is a bonus for me. I try to keep our family’s diet relatively healthy, and these calzones fit the bill perfectly. The almond flour crust provides a delicious, nutty flavor, and it’s surprisingly satisfying. I often hear my kids clamoring for seconds, which is always a good sign!
Beyond the ease and health benefits, these calzones are a wonderful way to engage the kids in the cooking process. My children love helping me roll out the dough and assemble the calzones. It’s a fun, interactive activity that helps them learn about cooking and healthy eating. Plus, they’re far more likely to eat something they’ve helped to make!
The recipe's adaptability makes it perfect for meal prepping. I often double or triple the recipe on the weekend, storing the assembled calzones in the freezer for easy weeknight meals. It's amazing how a few minutes of prep work can save so much time during the week. Just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer, and dinner is ready in no time.
In short, these ham and cheese calzones are a true kitchen staple in my home. They're quick, delicious, healthy, versatile, and a wonderful way to spend quality time with my family in the kitchen. Give them a try – I'm confident they’ll become a regular in your house too.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little heat.
- Add some veggies: Sautéed spinach or mushrooms would make a delicious addition.
- Make it a party appetizer: Make mini calzones for a crowd-pleasing snack.
- Experiment with herbs: Add some fresh or dried herbs like oregano or basil for extra flavor.
- Different cheeses: Try using different combinations of cheeses to find your favorite blend.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do!
