Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, cheesy, and perfectly folded calzone. Picture the tangy marriage of prosciutto, creamy mozzarella, and rich ricotta dancing on your taste buds. This heavenly creation, known as the Calzone with Prosciutto, Mozzarella, and Ricotta, is an Italian delight that combines the best flavors of Italy in one delectable package. Whether you’re a fan of calzones or a lover of Italian cuisine, this recipe is guaranteed to leave you craving for more. Get ready to indulge in a mouthwatering journey with this irresistible calzone filled with a medley of flavors that will surely make your taste buds sing! Calzone is a delicious Italian dish that is essentially a folded pizza. It is a great option for pizza lovers who want to try something a little bit different. The combination of flavors in a calzone is truly delightful, and it’s also a great way to use up any leftover ingredients you may have. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making a mouthwatering calzone with prosciutto, mozzarella, and ricotta. So get your aprons on and let’s dive in!
Pizza dough
The first step in making a calzone is preparing the pizza dough. You can either make your own dough from scratch or purchase pre-made dough from your local grocery store. If you choose to make your own dough, here’s what you will need:
- 2 and 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 packet (2 and 1/4 teaspoons) of active dry yeast
- 1 cup of warm water
To prepare the dough, start by mixing the yeast and warm water in a small bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes until the yeast becomes foamy. In a separate large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the flour mixture and stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Next, transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm and draft-free area for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. While the dough is rising, you can prepare the filling for your calzone.
Prosciutto, mozzarella, and ricotta
The filling for this calzone consists of prosciutto, mozzarella cheese, and ricotta cheese. These ingredients work together to create a perfect harmony of flavors.
Start by thinly slicing the prosciutto. You will need about 4-6 slices, depending on the size of your calzone. Set the prosciutto aside for now.
Next, grate the mozzarella cheese and set it aside as well. You will need about 1 cup of grated mozzarella.
For the ricotta cheese, simply scoop about 1/2 cup onto a plate. Ricotta adds a creamy and tangy taste to the calzone, balancing out the other flavors.
Tomato sauce and fresh basil leaves
To add a burst of freshness to your calzone, you’ll also need tomato sauce and fresh basil leaves.
Start by spreading a thin layer of tomato sauce over the rolled out dough rounds. It’s important not to add too much sauce, as it can make the calzone soggy. Spread the sauce evenly, leaving a border around the edges for folding and sealing later.
Next, tear a few fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces and place them on top of the sauce. The basil adds a nice aromatic touch to the calzone and enhances the overall flavor.
Olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder
To give your calzone a final touch of flavor, you’ll need some olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Once you’ve added the fillings to your calzone, lightly brush the edges with olive oil. This will create a crisp and golden crust when baking.
For seasoning, sprinkle a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder over the fillings. These seasonings will enhance the savory flavors of the prosciutto, cheese, and sauce.
Rolling out the dough
After the dough has doubled in size, it’s time to roll it out and get ready for assembling the calzone.
To begin, divide the dough into equal portions. This recipe makes enough dough for two medium-sized calzones. Dust your work surface with flour to prevent sticking, and roll out each portion of dough into a thin round shape. Make sure the rounds are large enough to hold the fillings and fold over.
Adding the fillings
Now it’s time to add the delicious fillings to your calzone! Start by spreading a thin layer of tomato sauce on each dough round, leaving a border around the edges. Make sure to spread the sauce evenly.
Next, layer the prosciutto slices on top of the sauce. The saltiness of the prosciutto will pair perfectly with the other ingredients.
After the prosciutto, evenly distribute the grated mozzarella and dollops of ricotta cheese over the sauce. The combination of these cheeses will create a gooey and flavorful filling.
To finish off, sprinkle a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder over the fillings. This will bring out the flavors even more.
Folding and sealing the calzone
Once your fillings are all set, it’s time to fold the calzone and seal the edges.
Carefully fold the dough in half to cover the fillings. Press down lightly to remove any air pockets and ensure the fillings are well enclosed.
To seal the edges, crimp the dough together using your fingertips, starting from one end and working your way to the other. This will create a tight seal and prevent any filling from leaking out during baking.
For the finishing touch, make a few small slits on the top of the calzone. These slits will allow steam to escape while baking, preventing the calzone from becoming too doughy.
Baking the calzone
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you prepare your calzone for baking.
Carefully transfer your sealed calzones onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Leave some space between each calzone to allow for even baking.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and crispy.
Once the calzones are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Cut them into slices or quarters and enjoy their deliciousness!
Tips for Perfect Calzone
To make sure your calzone turns out perfect every time, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Use quality ingredients: Choose high-quality prosciutto, mozzarella cheese, and ricotta cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Allow the dough to rise properly: Make sure to give the dough enough time to rise and double in size. This will ensure a light and fluffy calzone.
- Avoid overfilling the calzone: It can be tempting to pile on the fillings, but be careful not to overfill the calzone. Too much filling can cause the calzone to burst open while baking.
- Crimp the edges tightly: To prevent any filling from leaking out, make sure to crimp and seal the edges of the calzone tightly.
- Brush with olive oil for a crisp crust: Before baking, brush the edges of the calzone with olive oil. This will give the crust a beautiful golden color and a crisp texture.
Serving Suggestions
Calzone is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are a few serving suggestions to complement your delicious calzone:
- Serve with marinara sauce: Calzone pairs perfectly with marinara sauce for dipping. The tangy and flavorful sauce adds an extra layer of deliciousness to the calzone.
- Pair with a fresh salad: A fresh green salad with a light dressing makes a great side dish for your calzone. It adds a refreshing and crunchy element to your meal.
- Enjoy as a main course or appetizer: Calzone can be served as the main course for a satisfying meal, or it can be cut into smaller pieces and served as a delicious appetizer for parties or gatherings.
Conclusion
With this comprehensive guide, you now have everything you need to make a scrumptious calzone with prosciutto, mozzarella, and ricotta. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish is truly amazing. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings and create your own unique versions. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to savor the mouthwatering delight of a homemade calzone!