Puff pastry calzone with ham and ricotta cheese filling

This ham and ricotta puff pastry calzone is fantastic! You can bake it in the oven or use an air fryer for extra convenience.

This puff pastry calzone recipe is perfect for making use of any leftover ham and cheese. Plus, it’s a lifesaver when unexpected guests show up! You can have it ready in the oven or air fryer within 5 minutes!

What is a calzone?

A calzone is like an Italian pizza pocket, made with pizza dough folded in half and filled with tasty ingredients, just like the toppings you’d find on a pizza.

By the way, don’t mix it up with Stromboli. Calzone is a classic Italian dish, while Stromboli, as you’ll find it in the United States, is more of an Italian-American invention.

Think of Calzone as a folded pizza pocket or parcel, shaped like a half-moon, rectangle, or crescent. On the other hand, Stromboli looks like a long, rolled sandwich or pinwheel, often cut into smaller pieces.

Can you make a calzone with puff pastry?

A traditional Italian calzone is made with leavened pizza or bread dough, and it’s really delicious and comforting. But truth be told, it does take a bit of time to make from scratch.

So, I was thinking, what if I use puff pastry instead? It won’t be a traditional Italian recipe, but believe me, it’s great for quickly making delicious lunches or dinners!

Flaky puff pastry makes for a fantastic pie crust. Its crispy texture pairs perfectly with different fillings. Plus, when you include shredded cheese that melts during baking, it turns into a genuine culinary delight!

I usually use this recipe to make one large puff pastry calzone or pie, but it’s really up to your preferences and creativity.

You can also make smaller savory turnovers with ham and ricotta filling. Just cut the pastry into small squares, put the filling in the middle of each square, and fold the pastry diagonally to make triangles. Or, go for mini calzones or rectangles, and you’ll have convenient baked puff pastry sandwiches with a tasty filling!

Whether you call it a puff pastry calzone, sandwich, pie, ham and cheese pockets, savory turnovers, squares, or rectangles, one thing is certain: you’re in for a delicious treat!

This ham and cheese pastry puffs recipe has several advantages. It’s:

• Easy and quick to make
• Flaky and puffy
• Filled with deliciousness
• Absolutely irresistible

Useful tips

Though this puff pastry calzone recipe is simple, let me share some tips for getting it just right:

• You can use store-bought frozen puff pastry or make your own.
• If you go with frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
• Remove the pastry from the fridge only when you have all the filling ingredients ready. Leaving it at room temperature for too long will make it too soft and difficult to work with later.
• To remove excess liquid, place your ricotta or cottage cheese in a strainer and let it drain.
• You can use any cheese for this recipe: processed cheese slices, cheddar, provolone, Swiss, Gruyere, or any other cheese that melts well.
• I like using freshly shredded cheese in the filling because it melts well and has the best flavor, but if you prefer, you can also use pre-shredded cheese.

Fillings for puff pastry calzone

My husband and sons love anything with ham and cheese, so that’s what I typically use as the filling for puff pastry calzone. But feel free to be creative and adjust the filling to your liking. Here are some delicious ideas:

• Bacon, Cheese, and Egg: A classic breakfast-inspired filling. The combination of crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a creamy, lightly beaten egg creates a savory and satisfying flavor.
• Chicken Meat, Sautéed Mushrooms, and Cheese: This filling offers a savory and earthy profile. The cooked chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and melted cheese create a rich and hearty combination.
• Boiled Broccoli, Italian sausage, Cheese, and Egg: A combination of tender broccoli, Italian sausage, melted cheese, and a beaten egg creates a balanced and flavorful filling. It’s a great option for those who enjoy a mix of veggies and protein.

Let’s see what we need for this easy recipe.

Ingredients

• 300g (10oz) frozen puff pastry (one rectangular sheet)
• 300g (10oz) cottage cheese or ricotta
• 150g (5oz) shredded cheese or processed cheese slices
• 150g (5oz) sliced ham or prosciutto
• a pinch of salt and ground black pepper
• 1 egg

How to make savory puff pastry calzone

1. Roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle or oval, about 33x30cm (13×11 inches) in size. Then, place half of the cottage cheese or ricotta on one half of the shape, leaving the edges clean.

2. Top with shredded cheese or processed cheese slices, breaking them into small pieces. Place thin slices of ham on top of the cheese.

3. Add the remaining cottage cheese or ricotta, season with salt and pepper, and fold the other half of the dough tightly over the filling, sealing it securely along the edges. Brush the top and edges with a beaten egg, then poke the calzone’s surface with a fork to release steam.

4. Bake in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes, or use an air fryer for 15 minutes. Bon Appetit!

How to serve it

This ham and cheese puff pastry calzone is great for breakfast, a quick lunch, or dinner. It also makes a tasty appetizer or a hand-hold portable snack, and it’s perfect for a school lunchbox too.

It’s yummy all by itself, so you can enjoy it as is or pair it with a salad or some veggies. Personally, I really like it with a roasted beet and feta salad or some crispy baked asparagus on the side.

You can also try it with some homemade Spicy Ranch dressing to give it a cool and tangy kick.

The best way is to enjoy the pie right after baking when it’s warm. That’s when the crust is wonderfully crispy, and the ham and ricotta cheese filling tastes its absolute best. However, I do keep leftovers in the fridge for the next day sometimes. Just remember to reheat it in the oven or air fryer before serving to keep it delicious.

I hope this puff pastry calzone with ham and ricotta filling becomes a delightful addition to your collection of simple recipes and a personal favorite. Enjoy this cheesy goodness!

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