Ricotta Spinach Calzones – Easy & Delicious Recipe

Ricotta Spinach Calzones are a true revelation for anyone craving comforting, Italian-inspired goodness. There’s something undeniably magical about biting into that perfectly baked pocket of dough, revealing a warm, creamy, and savory filling. It’s a dish that brings a smile to my face every single time, and I know you’ll feel the same way. Why do we all adore these delightful parcels? It’s the incredible balance of textures – the slight chew of the dough, the tender spinach, and the lusciously smooth ricotta cheese. What truly sets these Ricotta Spinach Calzones apart is the subtle herbaceousness from the spinach, which cuts beautifully through the richness of the ricotta, creating a flavor profile that’s both satisfying and surprisingly light. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer, these calzones are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ricotta Spinach Calzones

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm, cheesy calzone, and these Ricotta Spinach Calzones are a definite crowd-pleaser. They’re surprisingly easy to make and offer a delightful balance of creamy ricotta, savory spinach, and melty mozzarella, all encased in a golden, baked pizza dough. Whether you’re looking for a delicious appetizer, a light lunch, or even a fun dinner option, these calzones are sure to hit the spot. They’re also fantastic for meal prep, as they reheat beautifully.

Ingredients:

Cooking Instructions:

Let’s get started on creating these delicious Ricotta Spinach Calzones. The process is straightforward, and the results are well worth the effort.

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

The first step is to create our flavorful filling. In a medium bowl, combine the thawed and thoroughly squeezed dry frozen chopped spinach. It’s crucial to get as much moisture out of the spinach as possible; you can do this by wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and pressing firmly. Excess water can make your calzones soggy, and nobody wants that! To the spinach, add the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir in the olive oil, garlic powder, minced fresh oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and the ingredients are evenly distributed. Taste the filling and adjust seasoning if necessary – perhaps a little more salt or a pinch more red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Step 2: Divide and Shape the Dough

Now it’s time to work with our pizza dough. If you’re using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before you start. This makes it much easier to handle and prevents it from snapping back as you roll it out. Lightly flour a clean work surface and your hands. Divide the pound of pizza dough into four equal portions. Take one portion and gently flatten it with your hands, then use a rolling pin to roll it into a rough circle or oval, about 6-7 inches in diameter and about 1/8 inch thick. Aim for an even thickness so your calzones cook uniformly. Repeat this process with the remaining three portions of dough.

Step 3: Assemble the Calzones

To assemble the calzones, lay one of the rolled-out dough circles on your lightly floured surface. Spoon about one-quarter of the prepared spinach and cheese filling onto one half of the dough circle, leaving a border of about 1/2 inch all around the edge. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing and baking difficult. Once the filling is in place, carefully fold the other half of the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape.

Step 4: Seal and Crimp the Edges

This step is important for ensuring that none of that delicious filling escapes during baking. Use your fingers to gently press the edges of the dough together, sealing the calzone. For an extra secure seal and a decorative touch, you can use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges. Alternatively, you can fold the edge over itself a couple of times and press firmly. Once senon-alcoholic aled, gently place the assembled calzone onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat this process for the remaining three calzones.

Step 5: Egg Wash and Vent

The egg wash is what gives our calzones that beautiful, golden-brown sheen. In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg yolk with the 1 tablespoon of water. Brush this mixture evenly over the top of each calzone. Don’t forget to get the edges too! This will give them a lovely shine as they bake. Before baking, it’s also essential to create a few vents in the top of each calzone. Use a sharp knife to cut two or three small slits on the top of each calzone. This allows steam to escape during baking, which helps prevent the calzones from puffing up unevenly or bursting.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the baking sheet with the prepared calzones into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the calzones are puffed up, golden brown, and the filling is 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 baked, carefully remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving. They are incredibly delicious served warm, allowing the cheese to be perfectly gooey.

These Ricotta Spinach Calzones are a testament to simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! I truly hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to make these delicious Ricotta Spinach Calzones. They are such a fantastic dish because they offer a wonderful balance of creamy, savory filling encased in a perfectly baked, slightly chewy dough. It’s a comforting meal that feels both homemade and a little bit special, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. I’ve found they are incredibly versatile and always a crowd-pleaser.

For serving, a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is an absolute winner. You could also serve them with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping, or even a dollop of pesto. If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t hesitate to explore variations! Try adding some sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of intense flavor, or perhaps some sautéed mushrooms for an earthy depth. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a welcome kick of heat if you like things spicy. I really encourage you to give this Ricotta Spinach Calzone recipe a try. It’s surprisingly straightforward and the results are incredibly rewarding.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the calzone dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rest in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before you’re ready to shape and fill your calzones. This can really help streamline the cooking process on the day you plan to serve them.

What other cheeses can I use besides ricotta?

While ricotta is classic, you can experiment! A blend of ricotta and mozzarella is a popular choice, offering great meltiness. Some people also enjoy adding a touch of Parmesan or even a creamy goat cheese for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the cheese mixture isn’t too wet.

Ricotta Spinach Calzones

Flavorful calzones filled with creamy ricotta, spinach, and melted cheeses, baked to golden perfection. A delicious and satisfying meal.

Prep Time
25 Minutes

Cook Time
20 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 oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2
   In a medium bowl, combine the squeezed spinach, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt. Mix well to combine.
3. Step 3
   Divide the pizza dough into four 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 mixture 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 a fork to seal.
6. Step 6
   Place the calzones on the prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water for the egg wash, and the egg yolk for glazing. Brush the tops of the calzones with the egg wash, then brush with the egg yolk mixture for a richer color.
7. Step 7
   Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the calzones are 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.