Traditional Italian Calzone Pizza with Mozzarella and Ham

Intro

Discover the classic Italian calzone, a folded pizza packed with gooey mozzarella and savory ham. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a comforting dinner at home. Enjoy the combination of crispy crust and melted filling in every bite.

Ingredients

  • 250 g all-purpose flour
  • 5 g active dry yeast
  • 150 ml warm water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 150 g mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 100 g cooked ham, sliced
  • 100 ml tomato sauce
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional)
  • Flour for dusting

Steps

  1. In a bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it activate for 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then knead until a smooth dough forms (about 10 minutes).
  3. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  4. Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  5. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each into a 20 cm (8 inch) circle on a floured surface.
  6. Spread half the tomato sauce evenly on one side of each circle, leaving a border around the edge.
  7. Distribute the mozzarella and ham over the tomato sauce, and add minced garlic and basil leaves if using.
  8. Fold the dough over to cover the filling, forming a semicircle. Press the edges firmly to seal.
  9. Place the calzones on the baking tray and brush the tops lightly with olive oil.
  10. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  11. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips

  • Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier filling that melts beautifully.
  • If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute ham with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
  • Make sure to seal the edges well to avoid the filling leaking during baking.

Nutrition (approx)

Calories: 550 kcal | Protein: 28 g | Carbohydrates: 60 g | Fat: 18 g

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