Ricotta Spinach Calzones- Easy Cheesy Calzone Recipe

Ricotta Spinach Calzones are a truly magical weeknight dinner, or a perfect appetizer for your next gathering. There’s something undeniably comforting and satisfying about biting into a perfectly baked calzone, with its slightly crisp, golden-brown crust giving way to a warm, creamy, and flavorful filling. And when that filling is a delightful meld of ricotta cheese and tender spinach? Well, that’s pure culinary bliss! People flock to these delightful pockets of joy because they offer a fantastic balance of textures and tastes. The mild sweetness of the ricotta beautifully complements the earthy notes of the spinach, all enveloped in that delicious dough. What makes our Ricotta Spinach Calzones so special is the ease with which you can customize them, and the sheer deliciousness that unfolds with every bite. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this classic Italian-inspired treat!

Ricotta Spinach Calzones

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm, cheesy calzone. It’s like a little handheld pizza pocket, bursting with delicious fillings. Today, we’re making a classic and crowd-pleasing version: Ricotta Spinach Calzones. These are surprisingly easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner, a fun lunch, or even a party appetizer. The creamy ricotta, savory spinach, and melted mozzarella create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

Preparing the Filling

The heart of our calzones lies in this flavorful filling. It’s simple to put together and truly lets the ingredients shine. First, ensure your frozen chopped spinach is completely thawed. This is crucial for getting rid of excess moisture. Once thawed, wrap the spinach in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels and squeeze out as much liquid as you possibly can. Seriously, give it a good, firm squeeze – we don’t want any watery calzones!

In a medium bowl, combine the thoroughly squeezed spinach with the creamy ricotta cheese. The ricotta will provide a wonderfully smooth and mild base for the filling. Next, add the shredded mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese. The mozzarella will melt beautifully and give us that classic gooey cheese pull, while the Parmesan adds a sharp, salty depth of flavor. Stir in the olive oil, which helps to bind the ingredients and adds a touch of richness.

Now, let’s season it up! Sprinkle in the garlic powder, minced fresh oregano, red pepper flakes (for a subtle kick), and salt. Give everything a good mix until it’s well combined. Taste a small bit of the filling (if you’re comfortable doing so) and adjust the salt or herbs if needed. This filling is so good, you might be tempted to eat it with a spoon!

Assembling and Baking the Calzones

This is where the magic happens! We’ll turn our delicious filling into those beautiful, golden-brown calzones. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, it’s time to work with the pizza dough. If you’re using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes as per package instructions. This makes it much easier to handle and stretch.

Lightly flour your work surface and your hands. Divide the pizza dough into two equal portions. Roll or stretch each portion into a rough circle, about 8-10 inches in diameter. Don’t worry about perfect circles; rustic is good! We want a dough that’s thin enough to cook through but not so thin that it tears easily.

Now, spoon half of the ricotta spinach filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edge. Try to distribute the filling evenly. This border is important because it will help us seal the calzones.

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and the 1 tablespoon of water (this is separate from the egg wash we’ll use later). Brush this mixture along the border of the dough that will be the edge. This acts as a sort of “glue” to help seal the calzones. Carefully fold the other half of the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape.

Press the edges firmly together to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork for extra security and a decorative touch. This will prevent any of that delicious filling from escaping during baking. Once senon-alcoholic aled, carefully transfer the calzones to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.

The Final Touch: The Egg Wash

For that beautiful, golden-brown, and slightly glossy finish, we need to apply an egg wash. In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg and the remaining 2 tablespoons of water. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the tops of each calzone with this egg wash. This step not only makes them look professionally baked but also helps them achieve a lovely crispness.

Before placing them in the oven, make a few slits on the top of each calzone with a sharp knife. These slits allow steam to escape during baking, which prevents the calzones from puffing up unevenly or bursting. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and puffed up. The exact baking time will depend on your oven. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to ensure they don’t get too dark.

Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly. Serve them warm, and get ready for the delighted reactions! These Ricotta Spinach Calzones are fantastic on their own, or you can serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy this comforting and delicious meal!

Conclusion:

There you have it – a fantastic recipe for Ricotta Spinach Calzones that are sure to become a weeknight favorite or a showstopper for your next gathering! The beauty of these calzones lies in their incredible versatility and satisfying flavor profile. The creamy ricotta cheese perfectly complements the earthy spinach, all encased in a golden, slightly chewy pizza dough. They’re wonderfully portable, making them ideal for picnics, packed lunches, or even just a cozy dinner at home. I’ve found they pair wonderfully with a simple marinara sauce for dipping, a crisp side salad, or even just enjoyed on their own.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your filling! You can easily add other vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes, or a sprinkle of your favorite Italian herbs. For a heartier option, consider adding some cooked Italian sausage or shredded chicken. I truly encourage you to give these Ricotta Spinach Calzones a try. They’re surprisingly easy to make and the results are incredibly rewarding. Let me know in the comments how yours turn out!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Pizza dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping.

What are some other cheese options I could use?

While ricotta is traditional and delicious, you could experiment with adding a bit of shredded mozzarella for extra meltiness, or even some grated Parmesan for a sharper flavor. Just be mindful that these might alter the texture slightly.

How long do leftover calzones last?

Leftover Ricotta Spinach Calzones can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a toaster oven or a regular oven at around 350°F (175°C) for the best texture.

Ricotta Spinach Calzones

Delicious homemade calzones filled with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture, baked to golden perfection.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
25 Minutes

Total Time
45 Minutes

Servings
4 servings

Ingredients

• 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 8 ounces ricotta cheese
• 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 ounce Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten with 2 tablespoons water
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 pound pizza dough

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2
   In a medium bowl, combine the squeezed dry spinach, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, olive oil, garlic powder, minced oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
3. Step 3
   Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion into a circle about 6-7 inches in diameter.
4. Step 4
   Spoon about 1/4 of the ricotta-spinach filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
5. Step 5
   Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a semicircle. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
6. Step 6
   Place the calzones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the egg wash (beaten egg and water).
7. Step 7
   Cut a few slits in the top of each calzone to allow steam to escape. Brush the egg yolk over the slits for extra shine.
8. Step 8
   Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.