Ham, Cheese And Mushroom Calzones
Ham, cheese, and mushroom calzones offer a savory combination of earthy mushrooms, sweet onions, and flavorful ham, all encased in a crispy bread crust topped with melted Fontina cheese. Perfect for a hearty lunch or casual dinner, they appeal to cheese lovers and those craving comfort food with rich flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/3 lb. mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. minced fresh basil or 2 tsp. dried basil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped cooked ham ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) loaf frozen bread dough, thawed ⓘ
- 3/4 cup shredded Fontina cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine sliced mushrooms, thinly sliced onion, minced garlic, and basil with half of the chicken broth in a 10 to 12-inch frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Stir often until vegetables are browned and begin to stick in the pan, about 8 minutes. Add the remaining broth and stir to scrape browned bits from the pan; cook until the liquid evaporates.
- Stir in the flour and chopped cooked ham.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before filling the calzones.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the pan after cooking the vegetables. If Fontina cheese is unavailable, mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses works well as a substitute. To save time, you can use store-bought pizza dough instead of frozen bread dough. Enhance the filling with sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these calzones with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables pairs nicely for a balanced meal. For a comforting weeknight dinner, enjoy them alongside a bowl of Easy Minestrone Soup or Italian Wedding Soup for a delightful combination of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the cooled calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Alternatively, you can microwave them for a quicker option, but the crust may not stay as crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham, Cheese And Mushroom Calzones contains roughly 848 calories, with 32g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (63% of the Daily Value), iron (53% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1205mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the calzones after baking?
Yes, you can freeze baked calzones. Allow them to cool completely before wrapping individually in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until heated through.
What other fillings can I use in calzones?
Calzones are versatile! You can fill them with various ingredients such as pepperoni, vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, or even ricotta cheese for a creamy texture. Experimenting with different cheeses like goat cheese or cheddar can also add a unique twist to your dish.
How do I ensure my calzones are crispy?
To achieve a crispy calzone, preheat your oven thoroughly before baking. Placing them on a baking stone or a preheated baking sheet can help. Additionally, brushing the tops with olive oil before baking will give them a golden brown crust. Avoid overfilling to prevent sogginess.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).