Lunch: Chef John's Ham and Cheese Calzones

Recipe by Chef John Exquisite homemade calzones loaded with lots of quality ham and cheese.

Ingredients

24 ounces prepared pizza dough
8 slices prosciutto
2 cups ricotta cheese, drained
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 1/2 cups finely diced smoked ham
4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced, drained on paper towels
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon cornmeal
1 egg
1 teaspoon water
1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
2 cups marinara sauce for dipping, heated (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Divide dough into 4 equal portions; shape each into a ball. On a lightly floured surface, flatten each dough ball into a flat circle and roll out into an 8- or 9-inch circle.
Place 2 prosciutto slices on one half of each circle of dough, leaving a 1-inch empty border. Spoon ricotta cheese on prosciutto. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Top with chopped ham, mozzarella slices, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Moisten edge of dough with a bit of water using your fingertip. Fold the empty half of the dough over the filling and lightly seal edges. Crimp the edges up to completely seal the calzone.
Sprinkle lined baking sheet with cornmeal. Transfer calzones to baking sheet. Cut several small slits in the top of the crust with the tip of a knife to allow for venting.
Beat egg with water to make egg wash. Brush the calzones with egg wash. Dust with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Remove excess cornmeal and grated cheese from around calzones to avoid smoke from the hot oven.
Bake in preheated oven until browned, about 15 minutes. Let cool 15 minutes before serving. Serve with heated marinara sauce for dipping.

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