Ricotta Spinach Calzones- Easy Italian Dinner Recipe

Ricotta Spinach Calzones are a truly delightful culinary adventure that I can’t wait to share with you. There’s something incredibly satisfying about a perfectly baked calzone, its golden crust yielding to a warm, gooey center that bursts with flavor. People absolutely adore these Italian pocket pastries for so many reasons: they’re portable, delicious, and incredibly versatile. What makes our Ricotta Spinach Calzones particularly special is the harmonious blend of creamy ricotta cheese, earthy spinach, and a whisper of garlic, all lovingly encased in a tender, chewy dough. They’re ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, a hearty lunch, or even as impressive appetizers for your next gathering. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with these incredible Ricotta Spinach Calzones!

Ricotta Spinach Calzones

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm, gooey calzone, and these Ricotta Spinach Calzones are a real treat. They’re surprisingly simple to make at home, and the combination of creamy ricotta, savory spinach, and melted mozzarella is a classic for a reason. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer, these calzones are sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients:

Cooking Instructions:

Preparing the Ricotta Spinach Filling

The heart of any great calzone is its filling, and this ricotta and spinach mixture is wonderfully flavorful and easy to put together. Start by ensuring your 10 ounces of frozen chopped spinach are thoroughly thawed and, most importantly, squeezed completely dry. This step is crucial because excess moisture can make your filling watery and your calzone soggy. You can do this by wrapping the thawed spinach in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and wringin extractg out as much liquid as possible. Once your spinach is nice and dry, transfer it to a medium mixing bowl. Add the 8 ounces of ricotta cheese, 4 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese, and the 1 ounce of grated Parmesan cheese. The combination of these cheeses provides a delightful creamy texture and a rich, savory flavor. Next, stir in the 1 tablespoon of olive oil, which adds a little extra richness and helps bind the ingredients. Now for the seasonings: add the 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons of minced fresh oregano (fresh herbs make such a difference!), the 1/8 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a hint of warmth, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Gently mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Taste a tiny bit of the filling (if you’re comfortable doing so with raw eggs in the ricotta) and adjust the salt or seasonings if needed. You want a well-seasoned filling that will stand up to the bread.

Assembling the Calzones

Now comes the fun part – assembling your calzones! Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup. Take your 1 pound of pizza dough and divide it into two equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, gently stretch or roll each portion of dough into a roughly 10-12 inch circle. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly round; rustic charm is part of the appeal! The dough should be thin enough to cook through but not so thin that it tears easily.

Carefully spoon half of the ricotta spinach filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edge. It’s important not to overfill the calzones, as this can make them difficult to seal and potentially cause them to burst during baking. The border is essential for creating a good seal to keep all that delicious filling inside.

Sealing and Baking the Calzones

Once the filling is distributed, it’s time to seal. Moisten the edges of the dough with a little water using your fingertip or a pastry brush. This will help the dough stick together. Carefully fold the empty 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 an extra secure seal and a decorative finish. If the dough feels sticky, lightly dust your hands and the surface with a little more flour.

Transfer the assembled calzones to your prepared baking sheets. Now, for that beautiful golden-brown crust! In a small bowl, whisk together the 1 large egg and 2 tablespoons of water for your egg wash. Brush the tops of the calzones generously with this mixture. This egg wash will give them a lovely sheen and help them brown nicely in the oven. For added flavor and a bit of visual appeal, you can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese over the tops if you like. Before placing them in the oven, make a couple of small slits in the top of each calzone. These vents allow steam to escape, which helps prevent the calzones from puffing up too much and potentially bursting.

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and puffed up, and the filling is bubbly. The exact baking time will depend on your oven and how thinly you’ve rolled your dough. Keep an eye on them during the last 10 minutes of baking to ensure they don’t over-brown.

Serving Your Homemade Calzones

Once they’re perfectly golden and delicious, remove the calzones from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before attempting to move them. This allows the filling to set up slightly, making them easier to slice and serve. They are absolutely fantastic served warm, perhaps with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, though the filling is so flavorful they’re wonderful on their own. Enjoy the satisfying crunch of the crust giving way to the warm, creamy, and savory ricotta spinach filling!

Conclusion:

There you have it – a recipe for delicious Ricotta Spinach Calzones that are surprisingly simple to make and incredibly rewarding. These calzones are a fantastic weeknight meal that feels special enough for guests, offering a delightful combination of creamy ricotta, earthy spinach, and perfectly baked dough. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and the sheer joy of biting into a warm, golden pocket of flavor. I truly hope you give these Ricotta Spinach Calzones a try; I’m confident you’ll find them to be a new family favorite!

For serving, these calzones are wonderful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a simple marinara sauce for dipping, or a light green salad to balance the richness. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider variations like adding sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy kick, a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the spinach, or even some crum extractbled Italian sausage for a heartier option. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make them your own!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Pizza dough often tastes even better when made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld and develop. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping your calzones.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover calzones?

For the crispiest results, reheat your leftover Ricotta Spinach Calzones in a preheated oven or toaster oven at around 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Microwaving can make the dough a bit soggy.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, you can! Ensure you thaw the frozen spinach completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the ricotta mixture. This step is crucial to prevent a watery filling.

Ricotta Spinach Calzones

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

Prep Time
25 Minutes

Cook Time
25 Minutes

Total Time
50 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 thawed and squeezed spinach, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic powder, minced oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt. Mix well to combine.
3. Step 3
   Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll or stretch each portion into a circle about 6-8 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 half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with your fingers or 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 with the egg yolk for extra color.
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.