Name: Ricotta Spinach Calzones
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 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

Ricotta Spinach Calzones are a culinary hug, a comforting embrace in every delicious bite. If you’re searching for a weeknight meal that feels both impressive and incredibly easy to assemble, you’ve landed in the right place. There’s something inherently magical about a calzone, isn’t there? That golden, puffed-up crust encasing a creamy, savory filling is pure joy. And when that filling is a harmonious blend of fluffy ricotta cheese and vibrant, tender spinach, it elevates the humble calzone to an art form. We love this dish because it’s endlessly adaptable, allowing for your favorite herbs and a sprinkle of nutmeg to really make the flavors sing. The simple yet elegant combination of creamy ricotta and earthy spinach is a classic for a reason, offering a satisfying texture and a wonderfully balanced taste that keeps us coming back for more. Get ready to fall in love with these Ricotta Spinach Calzones!

Ricotta Spinach Calzones

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm, golden-brown calzone. It’s like a personal pizza package, bursting with delicious fillings. These Ricotta Spinach Calzones are a perfect example of comfort food done right. They’re surprisingly easy to make, and the combination of creamy ricotta, earthy spinach, and melty mozzarella is simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a hearty appetizer, a satisfying lunch, or a fun dinner option, these calzones are sure to be a hit. Let’s get started!

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 (for egg wash)

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

Preparing the Filling

The heart of any good calzone is its filling, and this ricotta and spinach combination is a classic for a reason. It’s flavorful, creamy, and satisfying.

First, we need to make sure our spinach is as dry as possible. This is a crucial step to prevent a soggy calzone. Take your thawed frozen chopped spinach and place it in a clean kitchen towel or a few layers of paper towels. Squeeze out as much liquid as you can. You’ll be surprised at how much water comes out! Once it’s nicely dried, transfer it to a medium-sized bowl.

Now, let’s build the creamy base for our filling. Add the ricotta cheese to the bowl with the squeezed spinach. For extra flavor, toss in the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, minced fresh oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt. The oregano adds a wonderful fresh aroma and taste that pairs beautifully with the spinach and ricotta. Don’t be shy with the salt; it really helps to bring out all the flavors.

Gently mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined. We don’t want to overmix, just ensure everything is evenly distributed. You should have a thick, vibrant green filling. Now, fold in the shredded mozzarella cheese. This will add that wonderful gooey, cheesy texture when the calzones are baked. Set this delicious filling aside while we prepare our dough.

Assembling and Baking the Calzones

With our filling ready, it’s time to bring these calzones to life! This is where the magic really happens.

Next, we’ll prepare our pizza dough. If you’re using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature according to the package instructions – this makes it much easier to work with. Lightly flour a clean surface and divide your pound of pizza dough into two equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a ball. Using a rolling pin or your hands, flatten each dough ball into a circle about 8-10 inches in diameter. Aim for an even thickness.

Now for the filling! Spoon half of the ricotta and spinach mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edge. This border is important; it will help us seal the calzones and prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Make sure not to overfill them, as this can also lead to leaks and make them difficult to close properly.

To seal the calzones, brush a little water along the edge of the dough where the filling stops. This acts like edible glue. Then, carefully fold the other half of the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together to seal them. You can use a fork to crimp the edges, which not only looks nice but also ensures a good seal. This step is crucial for keeping all that yummy filling inside!

Once your calzones are senon-alcoholic aled, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup. Now, let’s give them a beautiful golden-brown finish. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk with a tablespoon of water. This is our egg wash. Brush this mixture evenly over the top of each calzone. This will give them a lovely shine and a nice crisp crust. You can also poke a few small vents in the top of each calzone with a knife; this allows steam to escape during baking, preventing them from puffing up too much.

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Bake the calzones for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up, and the filling is hot and bubbly. The exact baking time will depend on your oven, so keep an eye on them. If they start to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent them with aluminum foil. Once they’re done, carefully remove them from the oven.

Serving Your Calzones

Let your calzones rest for a few minutes after they come out of the oven before slicing into them. This allows the filling to set slightly, making them easier to handle and less likely to burn your mouth. Serve them warm, perhaps with a side of marinara sauce for dipping if you like! Enjoy every delicious, cheesy bite. These Ricotta Spinach Calzones are a true testament to simple ingredients creating something truly special.

Conclusion:

There you have it – a simple yet incredibly satisfying recipe for Ricotta Spinach Calzones! I hope you’re as excited to try these as I am to share them. These calzones are a fantastic weeknight meal that feels special enough for guests, offering a delightful balance of creamy ricotta, earthy spinach, and savory seasoning all wrapped in a perfectly baked dough. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, allowing you to tailor it to your personal tastes. They’re wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed on their own, with a side salad, or even dipped in your favorite marinara sauce for an extra flavor punch.

Don’t be shy about experimenting with variations! Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta filling can enhance its warmth, or consider a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. You could also incorporate other cheeses like Parmesan or mozzarella for added richness. So, grab your ingredients and give these Ricotta Spinach Calzones a go – I’m confident you’ll find them to be a delicious and rewarding culinary adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions about Ricotta Spinach Calzones:

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Pizza dough, including the dough for your calzones, often benefits from a slow, cold fermentation in the refrigerator. You can prepare the dough up to 2-3 days in advance. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature for about an hour before you plan to shape and fill your calzones for the best texture.

What are some good dipping sauce options?

While these calzones are delicious on their own, a good dipping sauce elevates the experience! A classic marinara sauce is always a hit. For something a little different, consider a creamy pesto sauce, a simple garlic aioli, or even a light balsamic glaze. The creamy filling pairs wonderfully with a slightly acidic or herbaceous sauce.

Can I freeze leftover calzones?

Yes, cooked and cooled calzones freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight freezer container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheat them in a moderate oven (around 350°F or 175°C) until warmed through. They make for a fantastic quick lunch or snack!

Ricotta Spinach Calzones

Delicious and easy ricotta and spinach calzones, perfect for a quick meal or appetizer.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
20 Minutes

Total Time
40 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

Step 1
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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.
Step 3
Divide the pizza dough into four equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion into a 6-inch circle.
Step 4
Spoon about 1/4 of the spinach and cheese mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
Step 5
Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
Step 6
Place the calzones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the egg wash (beaten egg and water).
Step 7
Brush the tops of the calzones with the egg yolk wash.
Step 8
Bake for 18-20 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.

Ricotta Spinach Calzones – Easy Delicious Italian Comfort Food

Ricotta Spinach Calzones