Ham 'n Cheese Calzones
Made this for lunch today and we loved it. I used hard salami in addition to the ham and I used Parmesan Caesar instead of Ranch because I was out of Ranch, and I spread the dressing on the crust instead of mixing it with the cheese. I did this as one big stromboli/calzone instead of individual ones because it just seemed easier. I spread out the crust and layered the ingredients starting with ham and ending with cheese and then rolled the whole thing up. I sliced it into fours and it was great!! Will make again with different fillings.
Made this for lunch today and we loved it. I used hard salami in addition to the ham and I used Parmesan Caesar instead of Ranch because I was out of Ranch, and I spread the dressing on the crust instead of mixing it with the cheese. I did this as one big stromboli/calzone instead of individual ones because it just seemed easier. I spread out the crust and layered the ingredients starting with ham and ending with cheese and then rolled the whole thing up. I sliced it into fours and it was great!! Will make again with different fillings.
- Carbohydrate 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0 g
- Saturated Fat 0 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (0g)
- Sodium 0 mg
- Sugar 0 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Calories 0 calories
Step-by-step
- HEAT oven to 400°F.
- UNROLL pizza dough on lightly floured surface. Pat out dough to form 18x12-inch rectangle; cut into 6 pieces.
- TOP dough with ham to within 1/2 inch of edges, cutting ham as needed. Mix cheese and dressing; spread onto ham. Top with tomatoes. Fold each rectangle in half; seal edges with fork. Place on baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray.
- BAKE 15 to 17 min. or until golden brown.
My Unexpectedly Delicious Ham and Cheese Calzone Adventure
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and satisfying meals can feel like a Herculean task. Most nights, it's a race against the clock, juggling work deadlines, kids' activities, and the ever-present need for a little "me time." However, sometimes the simplest recipes yield the most rewarding results. That's exactly what happened when I decided to whip up a ham and cheese calzone for lunch the other day.
I wasn't aiming for culinary perfection; I simply wanted a quick, tasty meal. I had a can of pizza dough in the fridge, some leftover ham, and a block of three-cheese blend. Inspiration struck, and I decided to experiment. Usually, I follow recipes religiously, but this time, I let my culinary instincts take the lead. I deviated from the traditional approach by using hard salami alongside the ham, adding a layer of unexpected depth of flavor. I also swapped out the Ranch dressing for a Parmesan Caesar, spreading it directly onto the crust for a burst of tangy goodness. This substitution happened because I was completely out of Ranch, a common situation in our house! The result? A flavor explosion that even my picky eaters loved.
Instead of individual calzones, I opted for a single, large stromboli-style calzone. It seemed easier to manage, and honestly, it was less cleanup. I rolled out the dough, layered the ham, the creamy cheese mixture, and then topped it all off with juicy tomato slices. It felt like assembling a culinary masterpiece, but it was surprisingly easy. After carefully folding and sealing the dough, I baked it until golden brown and deliciously crisp. The final touch was slicing it into four generous portions, perfect for sharing (or not!). The aroma that filled the kitchen during baking was heavenly, a comforting mix of savory ham, melted cheese, and warm dough.
This simple recipe became a testament to the power of improvisation in the kitchen. It's a reminder that even with limited time and ingredients, you can create a truly satisfying and delicious meal. My unplanned culinary experiment taught me to embrace spontaneity and trust my gut feeling when it comes to cooking. The calzone wasn't just a lunch; it was a reminder that even amidst the chaos of daily life, there's always room for a little culinary adventure. The best part? The leftovers were just as delicious the next day, proving that this is a recipe that's as versatile as it is simple. I highly recommend giving it a try; you might just discover your new favorite quick and easy lunch or dinner solution.
Tips for Success:
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different meats and cheeses.
- Adjust the amount of dressing to your liking.
- For extra flavor, brush the crust with garlic butter before baking.
- If you don't have Parmesan Caesar dressing, try a different creamy dressing like pesto or even a balsamic vinaigrette.
This recipe is not just a quick meal; it’s a passport to culinary creativity. The beauty of cooking, I’ve found, is in the unexpected turns. What starts as a simple lunch idea can quickly evolve into a flavorful adventure, a testament to the joy of embracing the unexpected in the kitchen.
The next time you're short on time but craving something delicious, remember this simple ham and cheese calzone recipe. You can personalize it with your favorite ingredients, making it a truly unique and satisfying meal. Happy cooking!
