Ricotta Spinach Calzones- Deliciously Cheesy & Easy

Ricotta Spinach Calzones are an absolute game-changer for weeknight dinners and impressive appetizers alike. There’s something undeniably comforting and satisfying about a warm, golden-brown pocket of dough bursting with a creamy, savory filling. If you’ve never experienced the joy of a perfectly baked calzone, prepare to be converted. We adore them because they’re essentially individual pizzas, but in a more portable and delightfully contained package. The magic of these Ricotta Spinach Calzones lies in the harmonious marriage of tender spinach, rich ricotta cheese, and a hint of garlic, all enveloped in a chewy, slightly crisp pizza dough. It’s a classic combination that never fails to please, offering a taste of Italian home cooking that’s both rustic and refined.

Ricotta Spinach Calzones

There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a warm, golden-brown calzone, especially when it’s bursting with a creamy, savory filling. These Ricotta Spinach Calzones are a fantastic weeknight meal or a delightful appetizer. They’re surprisingly easy to make and the combination of creamy ricotta, vibrant spinach, and gooey mozzarella is simply irresistible. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in some greens! I love making a batch of these because they are perfect for leftovers too – they reheat beautifully.

Ingredients:

Preparing the Calzone Filling

The first step to creating these delicious calzones is to prepare the flavorful filling. This is where all the magic happens!

1. Prep the Spinach: Take your thawed frozen spinach and, this is a crucial step for preventing a watery calzone, squeeze out as much liquid as humanly possible. You can do this by placing the spinach in a fine-mesh sieve and pressing down firmly with a spoon, or by wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and wringin extractg it out until it’s quite dry. The drier the spinach, the better your filling will hold together. Once squeezed, give the spinach a rough chop if it’s still in large clumps.

2. Combine the Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Add the prepared spinach to the bowl. Then, stir in the olive oil, garlic powder, minced fresh oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt. Mix everything together thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated. You want a creamy, cohesive filling that’s evenly seasoned. Taste it at this point and adjust the salt or red pepper flakes if needed.

Assembling and Baking the Calzones

Now for the fun part – shaping and baking these beauties!

3. Prepare the Dough and Divide: If you’re using store-bought pizza dough, let it come to room temperature according to package directions. This makes it much easier to work with. On a lightly floured surface, gently stretch or roll out your pizza dough to about a 12-inch circle. If you find the dough is resisting, let it rest for a few minutes before continuing. Using a knife or pizza cutter, divide the dough into two equal portions. This will give you two nice-sized calzones.

4. Fill and Fold: Spoon half of the ricotta spinach filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving about a 1-inch border all around. This border is important to seal the calzone properly. 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. Ensure there are no gaps where the filling could escape during baking.

5. Egg Wash and Vent: Place the formed calzones onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. In a small bowl, prepare the egg wash by whisking the large egg with 2 tablespoons of water. Brush the tops and sides of each calzone generously with this egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown sheen as they bake. Before baking, make a couple of small slits on the top of each calzone with a sharp knife. This allows steam to escape during baking, preventing them from puffing up too much or bursting.

6. Bake to Perfection: 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. The exact baking time will depend on your oven. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time. Once they’re done, carefully remove them from the oven. For an extra rich finish, you can brush them with a little melted butter or extra olive oil as soon as they come out of the oven. Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. They are absolutely delicious served warm, perhaps with a side of marinara sauce for dipping! Enjoy your homemade Ricotta Spinach Calzones!

Conclusion:

You’ve now got all the tools to create delicious ricotta spinach calzones right in your own kitchen! This recipe is a winner because it strikes a fantastic balance between simple preparation and incredibly satisfying results. The creamy ricotta, savory spinach, and melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella create a flavor profile that’s both comforting and elegant. They’re perfect for a weeknight family dinner, a fun weekend project, or even as a delightful appetizer when cut into smaller portions. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your fillings; these versatile pockets are a canvas for your culinary imagin extractation!

I truly encourage you to give these ricotta spinach calzones a try. You’ll be amazed at how impressive they look and taste, all while being surprisingly manageable. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is designed for success. So gather your ingredients, put on your favorite apron, and get ready to enjoy some truly fantastic homemade calzones!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Pizza dough is very forgiving. You can prepare the dough a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before you plan to shape and fill your calzones for easier handling.

What are some other filling ideas?

The possibilities are endless! Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, sun-dried tomatoes, or even some cooked Italian sausage to your ricotta spinach mixture. For a meatier version, cooked ground beef or chicken also works wonderfully.

How should I reheat leftover calzones?

To maintain their crispiness, the best way to reheat leftover calzones is in a preheated oven at around 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Microwaving will make them soft, so the oven is preferred.

Ricotta Spinach Calzones

Delicious homemade calzones filled with creamy ricotta, savory spinach, and melted mozzarella, baked to golden perfection.

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 until thoroughly combined.
3. Step 3
   Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a rough 6-inch circle.
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, creating a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges firmly 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
   In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk with 1 teaspoon of water to make an egg wash for the tops. Brush the tops of the calzones with this mixture.
8. 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.