This extraordinary Ham and Chile-Cheddar Calzones recipe is a delightful dish to share with your family and friends. A culinary gem filled with the smoky flavors of ham and poblano chiles, balanced with the creamy farmstead cheddar and a hint of pimientos. The freshness of arugula adds a pop of color and a peppery bite, making this dish a pleasing harmony of flavors.
Photos of Ham and Chile-Cheddar Calzones Recipe
This recipe requires poblano chiles, which might not be a regular in your pantry. Poblanos are mild chili peppers and are known for their rich and somewhat smoky flavor. You will also need Farmstead cheddar, a type of artisanal cheese made from the milk of grass-fed cows. It has a unique, rich flavor that differs from regular cheddar. Lastly, arugula, a leafy green with a peppery taste, will add some freshness to the dish.
Ingredients for Ham and Chile-Cheddar Calzones
All-purpose flour: A versatile ingredient that provides structure to the calzones.
Frozen pizza dough: A quick and easy base for your calzones. You can also make it from scratch if you prefer.
Poblano chiles: Adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
Farmstead cheddar cheese: Provides a rich, creamy texture and a distinctive flavor.
Pimientos: Gives a sweet and slightly tangy flavor.
Salt and freshly ground pepper: To season and enhance the other flavors.
Smoked ham: The main protein in this dish, providing a savory, smoky flavor.
Arugula: Adds a fresh, peppery bite.
One reader, Charmaine Beeson says:
This ham and chile-cheddar calzones recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply divine. The chile-cheddar filling adds a delightful kick, and the ham and arugula complement each other perfectly. The golden, crisp crust seals the deal. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a good calzone!
Techniques Required for Making Ham and Chile-Cheddar Calzones
How to prepare the calzone dough: Roll or stretch each ball of dough into a 9-inch round on a lightly floured work surface.
How to assemble the calzones: Arrange the ham on the bottom half of each dough round, top with arugula, and spread the chile-cheddar mixture over the arugula to within 1/2 inch of the edge, pressing it slightly to compact. Fold the top half of the dough over the filling, pressing to release any trapped air, and pinch the edges to seal.
How to bake the calzones: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar on top and bake for 8 minutes at 500°F, or until golden and crisp.
How To Make Ham and Chile-Cheddar Calzones
Pizza dough is packed with pimiento, ham, and arugula for these tasty cheddar calzones. It’s topped with extra cheese then baked until crisp and golden.
Serves:
Ingredients
- all-purpose flour
- 2lbsfrozen pizza dough,thawed
- 2poblano chiles
- 2cupfarmstead cheddar cheese,packed
- 2tbsppimientos,jarred
- salt and freshly ground pepper
- ½lbsmoked ham
- 8ozarugula,(2 bunches)
Instructions
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Preheat a large baking sheet in a 500 degrees F oven for 10 minutes and carefully spray it with oil.
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Meanwhile, on a lightly floured work surface, roll or stretch each ball of dough into a 9-inch round.
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In a medium bowl, combine the chiles, 1¾ cups of the cheddar, the pimientos, a pinch of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper; mash to a coarse paste with a fork.
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Arrange the ham on the bottom half of each dough round. Top with the arugula and season lightly with salt and pepper.
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Spread the chile-cheddar mixture over the arugula to within ½ inch of the edge, pressing it slightly to compact.
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Fold the top half of the dough over the filling, pressing to release any trapped air; pinch the edges to seal.
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Transfer the calzones to the prepared baking sheet.
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Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of cheddar on top and bake for 8 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
Nutrition
- Calories: 992.20kcal
- Fat: 32.16g
- Saturated Fat: 15.30g
- Trans Fat: 0.78g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.15g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.49g
- Carbohydrates: 126.22g
- Fiber: 7.80g
- Sugar: 4.44g
- Protein: 48.41g
- Cholesterol: 79.79mg
- Sodium: 2343.26mg
- Calcium: 725.95mg
- Potassium: 696.08mg
- Iron: 8.36mg
- Vitamin A: 252.20µg
- Vitamin C: 41.18mg
Technique Tip for Perfect Calzones
When preparing the poblano chiles for the calzones, it's a good idea to roast them first. This will not only make them easier to peel, but also enhance their flavor. To do this, place the chiles on a baking sheet under a broiler and turn them occasionally until the skin is charred and blistered. Then, put them in a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap and let them steam for about 15 minutes. After they've cooled, you can easily peel off the skin, remove the seeds and chop them up for the recipe. This extra step will add a smoky depth to your chile-cheddar mixture, making your calzones even more delicious.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Calzones
Prep ahead: Prepare the chile-cheddar mixture and the ham in advance to save time when assembling the calzones.
Use store-bought dough: Save time by using pre-made frozen pizza dough instead of making it from scratch.
Double the recipe: Make extra calzones and freeze them for a quick and convenient meal option in the future.
Organize ingredients: Before starting, gather and organize all the ingredients and equipment to streamline the cooking process.
Invest in a pizza stone: Using a pizza stone can help achieve a crispy crust without the need for preheating a baking sheet.
Prep the arugula: Wash and dry the arugula in advance to cut down on assembly time.
Customize fillings: Experiment with different fillings to suit your taste preferences and save time by using ready-made fillings.
Use a food processor: Speed up the process by using a food processor to combine the chiles, cheese, and pimientos for the filling.
Bake in batches: If making a large quantity, consider baking the calzones in batches to ensure even cooking and save time.
Invest in quality tools: Quality kitchen tools such as a good rolling pin and sharp knives can make the cooking process more efficient.
Substitute Ingredients For Ham and Chile-Cheddar Calzones Recipe
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can add a nutty flavor and extra nutrients to the calzone dough.
frozen pizza dough - Substitute with homemade pizza dough: Making your own pizza dough allows you to control the ingredients and customize the texture and flavor.
poblano chiles - Substitute with anaheim chiles: Anaheim chiles have a similar mild heat and flavor profile, making them a suitable substitute for poblanos.
farmstead cheddar cheese - Substitute with smoked gouda cheese: Smoked gouda adds a rich, smoky flavor that complements the ham and adds depth to the calzone filling.
pimientos - Substitute with roasted red bell peppers: Roasted red bell peppers offer a sweet and smoky flavor similar to pimientos, enhancing the overall taste of the calzones.
smoked ham - Substitute with smoked turkey: Smoked turkey provides a similar smoky flavor and texture to ham, making it a suitable alternative for the calzone filling.
arugula - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach offers a mild, slightly peppery flavor and a tender texture, similar to arugula, as a filling for the calzones.
Presenting Ham and Chile-Cheddar Calzones
Elevate the calzones with a stunning plating: Place the calzones on individual serving plates, ensuring they are positioned elegantly and attractively. Consider using edible flowers or microgreens as a garnish to add a pop of color and sophistication.
Create a visually appealing contrast: Pair the golden-brown calzones with vibrant roasted red pepper coulis or a drizzle of balsamic glaze on the plate. This will not only enhance the presentation but also add a complementary flavor element to the dish.
Incorporate artistic elements: Use a small offset spatula to create a swoosh of herb-infused olive oil on the plate before placing the calzones. This artistic touch adds a professional flair and elevates the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Consider the use of negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the calzones to be the focal point. This minimalist approach can enhance the perception of sophistication and elegance.
Attention to detail with side accompaniments: Serve the calzones with a side of arugula salad dressed lightly with a lemon vinaigrette. Ensure the salad is delicately arranged to complement the calzones without overshadowing them.
Essential Tools for Making Calzones
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife used for slicing, chopping, and dicing.
How To Store and Freeze Homemade Calzones
- To store leftover calzones, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the calzones. Wrap each calzone individually in plastic wrap, making sure to remove as much air as possible. Then, place the wrapped calzones in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Label the container with the date and contents.
- Frozen calzones can be stored for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, remove the desired number of calzones from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- To reheat refrigerated or thawed calzones, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the calzones on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crispy.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the calzones in the microwave. Place a calzone on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. However, keep in mind that the crust may become slightly soft when microwaved.
- If you have uncooked calzones that you'd like to freeze, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the calzones to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. When you're ready to bake them, there's no need to thaw – simply place the frozen calzones on a baking sheet and bake at 500°F (260°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
How To Reheat Leftover Calzones
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Brush the tops of the calzones with a little olive oil or melted butter to help them crisp up. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crispy.
For a quicker option, you can use a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the calzones on the wire rack. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and the crust is crispy.
If you prefer a softer crust, wrap the calzones loosely in aluminum foil before placing them in the oven. This will help prevent the crust from becoming too crispy while the filling heats up. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
For a crispy crust without using an oven, heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Brush the skillet with a little olive oil or butter, and place the calzones in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the crust is crispy and the filling is heated through.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your calzones. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the calzones in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crispy.
Avoid using a microwave to reheat your calzones, as it can make the crust soggy and the filling unevenly heated. However, if you must use a microwave, place the calzone on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Random Fact about Ham and Chile-Cheddar Calzones
Calzones are a popular Italian dish that originated in Naples. They are similar to pizza, but the dough is folded over the filling and baked, creating a delicious pocket of flavors.
Is Making Calzones at Home Economical?
The cost-effectiveness of this ham and chile-cheddar calzones recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of the ingredients in your area. While smoked ham and farmstead cheddar cheese can be pricier, the use of frozen pizza dough and poblano chiles can balance the cost. Considering the quantity and quality of the ingredients, this recipe can be rated 7/10 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $25-$30, factoring in the use of arugula and pimientos as well.
Are Ham and Chile-Cheddar Calzones Healthy or Unhealthy?
The ham and chile-cheddar calzones recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side. Here's why:
- The recipe uses 2 lbs of frozen pizza dough, which is likely high in refined carbohydrates and low in fiber.
- 2 cups of farmstead cheddar cheese and 1/2 lb of smoked ham contribute to high levels of saturated fat and sodium.
- The cooking method involves baking the calzones at 500°F, which may lead to the formation of harmful compounds like acrylamide.
However, the inclusion of poblano chiles and arugula does add some nutritional value, as they provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for a whole wheat or multigrain pizza dough to increase the fiber content and reduce the glycemic impact.
- Reduce the amount of cheddar cheese and smoked ham, or replace them with lower-fat alternatives like part-skim mozzarella and turkey ham.
- Incorporate more vegetables into the filling, such as sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms, to boost the nutrient density and fiber content.
- Brush the calzones with olive oil instead of spraying the baking sheet with oil, as this can help control the amount of added fat.
- Experiment with using a portion of the cheddar cheese inside the calzone and reserving some for topping to reduce the overall cheese content without compromising on flavor.
Editor's Thoughts on This Calzone Recipe
This ham and chile-cheddar calzones recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of smoky ham, spicy poblano chiles, and sharp cheddar creates a harmonious blend that is sure to tantalize the taste buds. The addition of arugula adds a fresh, peppery note, balancing the richness of the other ingredients. The calzones are baked to golden perfection, resulting in a crispy, satisfying crust. This recipe is a wonderful option for a casual dinner or a fun gathering with friends. Enjoy it with a light, spicy Rhône red for a perfect culinary experience.
Enhance Your Ham and Chile-Cheddar Calzones Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Ham and Chile-Cheddar Calzones Recipe:
This recipe offers a tantalizing combination of flavors and textures, ensuring a delightful culinary experience. The smoked ham provides a rich and savory element, complemented by the subtle heat of the poblano chiles and the robust flavor of farmstead cheddar cheese. The addition of pimientos adds a pop of color and a hint of sweetness. The use of arugula not only adds a fresh and peppery note but also contributes to the overall visual appeal. With these high-quality ingredients, this recipe promises a satisfying and delicious calzone experience.
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