Chef John’s Ham and Cheese Calzones: A Comfort Food Masterpiece
Craving something warm, cheesy, and undeniably comforting? Look no further than Chef John’s Ham and Cheese Calzones. These aren’t just any calzones; they’re a testament to simple ingredients transformed into a culinary hug. Chef John, the beloved internet chef known for his straightforward recipes and quirky humor, has created a calzone recipe that’s accessible to all, yet delivers restaurant-quality results. This article provides a detailed guide to recreating Chef John’s magic in your own kitchen, complete with tips, tricks, and variations to customize your calzones to perfection.
Why Chef John’s Calzones Stand Out
Chef John’s Ham and Cheese Calzones are more than just pizza dough folded over fillings. They’re a symphony of flavors and textures. The slightly crisp, golden-brown crust yields to a molten core of melted cheese, savory ham, and tangy tomato sauce. What makes them truly special is the balance. He doesn’t overcomplicate things, focusing instead on quality ingredients and simple techniques that anyone can master. He emphasizes the importance of a good crust, the right cheese blend, and a flavorful, yet not overpowering, sauce. His approach is all about letting the ingredients shine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into the instructions, let’s gather the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make Chef John’s Ham and Cheese Calzones:
* **Pizza Dough:** This is the foundation of your calzone. You can use store-bought pizza dough (fresh or frozen, thawed) or, for a truly homemade experience, make your own. Chef John often uses a basic pizza dough recipe, and there are countless variations available online. Aim for a dough that’s relatively easy to work with and doesn’t require excessive proofing time. A good quality dough will make all the difference.
* **Ham:** High-quality deli ham is recommended. You can use thinly sliced ham, diced ham, or even leftover holiday ham. The key is to choose a ham that you enjoy the flavor of. Prosciutto can also be used for a saltier, more intense flavor.
* **Cheese:** A blend of cheeses is ideal for creating a complex and satisfying cheesy pull. Chef John typically uses a combination of mozzarella and ricotta. Mozzarella provides the melt and stretch, while ricotta adds creaminess and richness. You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
* **Tomato Sauce:** Choose a good-quality tomato sauce as it forms the base of the calzone’s flavor profile. You can use a simple marinara sauce, a pizza sauce, or even a homemade tomato sauce. Adjust the seasoning to your liking, adding herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme. Avoid using overly acidic sauces, as they can overpower the other flavors.
* **Egg Wash:** An egg wash, made from whisking an egg with a little water or milk, gives the calzones a beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly glossy finish. It also helps to seal the edges of the calzones and prevent them from bursting open during baking.
* **Optional Toppings:** Feel free to customize your calzones with your favorite toppings. Sliced mushrooms, onions, peppers, olives, pepperoni, or spinach are all great additions. Just be sure not to overfill the calzones, as this can make them difficult to seal and bake properly.
**Detailed Ingredient List with Approximate Quantities:**
* 1 pound pizza dough, divided into 2-4 equal portions (depending on desired calzone size)
* 8 ounces cooked ham, chopped or sliced
* 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
* 4 ounces ricotta cheese
* 1 cup tomato sauce (marinara or pizza sauce)
* 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water or milk (for egg wash)
* Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
* Optional: Olive oil for brushing
* Optional Toppings: Sliced mushrooms, onions, peppers, olives, pepperoni, spinach, etc.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Chef John’s Ham and Cheese Calzones
Now for the fun part! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own delicious Chef John-inspired Ham and Cheese Calzones:
**Step 1: Prepare the Dough**
* If using store-bought dough, make sure it’s properly thawed. If using homemade dough, follow your recipe’s instructions for proofing and dividing the dough. Divide the dough into 2-4 equal portions, depending on the size of calzones you want to make. A good rule of thumb is about 4 ounces of dough per individual calzone.
* Lightly flour a clean work surface. This will prevent the dough from sticking and make it easier to roll out.
* Roll out each portion of dough into a circle or oval, about 8-10 inches in diameter. The thickness should be similar to that of a pizza crust – not too thin, but not too thick either. Aim for about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thickness.
**Step 2: Assemble the Calzones**
* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents the calzones from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup easier.
* Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge. Be careful not to over-sauce the calzones, as this can make them soggy.
* Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by half of the ham and half of the ricotta cheese. If you’re using any additional toppings, add them now. Remember to distribute the fillings evenly and avoid overfilling.
**Step 3: Seal the Calzones**
* Carefully fold the other half of the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Gently stretch the dough if needed to cover the filling completely.
* Pinch the edges of the dough together to seal the calzone. Make sure the seal is tight to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. You can also use a fork to crimp the edges for a more decorative look and a stronger seal.
**Step 4: Brush with Egg Wash and Bake**
* Brush the top of each calzone with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly glossy finish.
* Optional: Sprinkle the tops of the calzones with grated Parmesan cheese or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
* Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to make 2-3 small slits in the top of each calzone. This will allow steam to escape during baking and prevent the calzones from bursting open.
* Carefully transfer the calzones to the prepared baking sheet.
* Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and the filling is heated through. The exact baking time will depend on the thickness of the dough and the temperature of your oven.
**Step 5: Cool and Serve**
* Remove the calzones from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to set slightly and prevent it from burning your mouth.
* Serve the calzones warm, with extra tomato sauce for dipping, if desired. They are delicious on their own or served with a side salad. Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks for Calzone Perfection
* **Don’t Overfill:** Overfilling the calzones is a common mistake that can lead to leaks and soggy bottoms. Be mindful of the amount of filling you use and avoid piling it too high.
* **Seal Tightly:** A tight seal is essential to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Pinch the edges of the dough together firmly and use a fork to crimp them for extra security.
* **Vent the Steam:** Making slits in the top of the calzones allows steam to escape, preventing them from bursting open. Don’t skip this step!
* **Use Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your calzones. Choose good-quality ham, cheese, and tomato sauce for the best results.
* **Experiment with Fillings:** Don’t be afraid to get creative with your fillings! Try adding different cheeses, meats, vegetables, or sauces to customize your calzones to your liking.
* **Pre-Bake Vegetables:** If you’re using vegetables with a high water content, such as mushrooms or onions, consider pre-baking them to remove some of the moisture. This will prevent your calzones from becoming soggy.
* **Use a Pizza Stone:** For an even crispier crust, bake the calzones on a preheated pizza stone.
* **Control the Heat:** Oven temperatures can vary. Keep a close eye on the calzones while they are baking and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Let the Dough Rest:** If you are making your own dough, allowing it to rest after kneading will make it easier to roll out.
* **Warm the Sauce:** Gently warming the tomato sauce before adding it to the calzone can help prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
Variations on the Classic Ham and Cheese Calzone
While the classic ham and cheese calzone is a timeless favorite, there’s no limit to the variations you can create. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
* **Pepperoni Pizza Calzone:** Substitute the ham with pepperoni and add some sliced mushrooms and green peppers. This is a classic pizza combination that translates perfectly to a calzone.
* **Vegetarian Calzone:** Fill the calzone with a medley of roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and onions. Add some crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese for extra flavor.
* **Chicken and Pesto Calzone:** Combine cooked chicken with pesto sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese. This is a flavorful and aromatic variation that’s perfect for pesto lovers.
* **Spinach and Ricotta Calzone:** Mix cooked spinach with ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of nutmeg. This is a classic Italian filling that’s both healthy and delicious.
* **Spicy Italian Calzone:** Add some spicy Italian sausage, pepperoni, and jalapenos to the ham and cheese filling for a calzone with a kick.
* **Breakfast Calzone:** Fill the calzone with scrambled eggs, bacon, cheese, and your favorite breakfast toppings. This is a great way to start the day with a hearty and satisfying meal. Use cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a cheesy breakfast flavor.
* **Hawaiian Calzone:** Ham, pineapple and mozzarella cheese, a sweet and savory combination that is universally loved.
* **Philly Cheesesteak Calzone:** Thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions and peppers, and provolone cheese, capturing the classic flavors in a handheld treat.
Serving Suggestions
Chef John’s Ham and Cheese Calzones are a complete meal on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing and healthy accompaniment to the calzones.
* **Tomato Soup:** A warm bowl of tomato soup is a classic pairing with cheesy calzones. The acidity of the soup cuts through the richness of the cheese.
* **Garlic Bread:** Garlic bread is always a welcome addition to any Italian meal. Serve it alongside the calzones for a carb-lover’s delight.
* **Coleslaw:** Creamy coleslaw provides a nice contrast to the warm and cheesy calzones.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts, are a healthy and flavorful side dish.
Making Calzones Ahead of Time
Calzones can be made ahead of time, which makes them a great option for busy weeknights or parties. Here’s how to do it:
* **Assemble the calzones:** Follow the instructions above to assemble the calzones, but don’t bake them.
* **Freeze the calzones:** Place the assembled calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for at least 2 hours, or until they are solid.
* **Transfer to a freezer bag:** Once the calzones are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
* **Bake from frozen:** When you’re ready to bake the calzones, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the frozen calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the filling is heated through. You may need to add a few extra minutes of baking time compared to baking fresh calzones.
Chef John’s Calzone Legacy
Chef John’s Ham and Cheese Calzones are more than just a recipe; they’re a gateway to exploring the endless possibilities of calzone creation. His simple approach, emphasis on quality ingredients, and encouragement to experiment have inspired countless home cooks to create their own calzone masterpieces. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will bring comfort and joy to your table.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – a comprehensive guide to making Chef John’s Ham and Cheese Calzones. With these detailed instructions, tips, and variations, you’ll be well on your way to creating a comforting and delicious meal that everyone will love. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings and flavors to create your own signature calzones. Happy cooking!