Ricotta Spinach Calzones- Easy Homemade Recipe

ByKelsey

Ricotta Spinach Calzones are a culinary hug in a pocket, a beloved Italian-American classic that never fails to deliver pure comfort and joy. Imagin extracte tender, pillowy dough, baked to golden perfection, encasing a creamy, savory filling that sings with the flavors of fresh spinach and rich ricotta cheese. It’s no wonder these delightful parcels have captured so many hearts! What makes these ricotta spinach calzones so special is their incredible versatility. They’re perfect for a weeknight dinner, a satisfying lunch, or even as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. The simple elegance of the filling, combined with the satisfying chew of the dough, creates a harmonious bite that’s both familiar and deeply rewarding. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to enjoy this irresistible treat.

Ricotta Spinach Calzones

Ricotta Spinach Calzones

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy calzone. And when you combine the creamy tang of ricotta with the earthy goodness of spinach, you’ve got a winning combination that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. These Ricotta Spinach Calzones are surprisingly simple to make, and the aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake is simply irresistible. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this delightful Italian-American classic!

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

    • Cooking Instructions:

    To create these delicious calzones, we’ll start by preparing the flavorful filling, then assemble, and finally bake them to golden perfection.

    Preparing the Filling

  • The first step is to ensure our spinach is properly prepped. Since we’re using frozen chopped spinach, it’s crucial to thaw it completely and then squeeze out as much excess moisture as humanly possible. You can do this by placing the thawed spinach in a fine-mesh sieve and pressing down firmly with the back of a spoon, or even better, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and wring it out. Excess water will make your calzone filling watery and can lead to a soggy crust, so don’t skip this important step! Once squeezed dry, place the spinach in a medium bowl.
  • Next, we’ll build the creamy base of our filling. To the bowl with the squeezed spinach, add the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. The ricotta provides a lovely creaminess, the mozzarella melts beautifully and adds that classic cheesy pull, and the Parmesan brings a salty, nutty depth.
  • Now, let’s infuse our filling with flavor! Add the olive oil, egg yolk (this helps bind the filling together and adds richness), garlic powder, minced fresh oregano, red pepper flakes (for a subtle kick, adjust to your spice preference), and salt. The fresh oregano is key here; its vibrant flavor really shines through. Mix everything together gently until well combined. It’s important not to overmix, just ensure all the ingredients are incorporated. Taste the filling and adjust seasoning if needed. You want a well-seasoned, cohesive mixture that will hold its shape.

    • Assembling and Baking the Calzones

  • It’s time to assemble our calzones! Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Divide your pound of pizza dough into two equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion of dough into a circle, about 8-10 inches in diameter and about 1/4 inch thick. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly round; rustic is good!
  • Spoon half of the ricotta spinach filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edge. This border is crucial for sealing the calzones. Carefully fold the other half of the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Gently press the edges together to seal, then crimp with a fork to ensure a secure closure. This step is vital to prevent any of that delicious filling from escaping during baking.
  • Now for the finishing touch before baking. In a small bowl, prepare your egg wash by whisking together the large egg and 2 tablespoons of water. Brush the tops of each calzone generously with this egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown sheen and a slightly crispy exterior once baked. You can also make a few small slits on the top of each calzone with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape, which helps prevent the calzones from puffing up too much and ensures an even bake.
  • Carefully transfer the assembled calzones to the prepared baking sheets. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and puffed, and the filling is hot and bubbly. Keep an eye on them as ovens can vary. If one side is browning faster than the other, you can rotate the baking sheet.
  • Once baked to perfection, remove the calzones from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheets for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and prevents you from burning your mouth on molten cheese. Serve these warm and enjoy the delightful combination of creamy, cheesy, spinach-filled goodness encased in a perfectly baked crust. They are fantastic on their own or with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

    • These Ricotta Spinach Calzones are more than just a meal; they’re a little taste of homemade happiness. Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!

    Ricotta Spinach Calzones

    Conclusion:

    And there you have it – a delightful journey into creating your own delicious Ricotta Spinach Calzones! This recipe is truly fantastic because it offers a wonderfully satisfying combination of creamy ricotta, earthy spinach, and savory seasoning, all encased in a perfectly baked, golden-brown dough. It’s an impressive dish that’s surprisingly approachable for home cooks, making it perfect for a weeknight treat or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. The way the flavors meld together is simply magical, and the personal satisfaction of pulling these golden parcels from your oven is unmatched. I truly hope you’ll give these Ricotta Spinach Calzones a try – you won’t be disappointed!

    When it comes to serving, these calzones are incredibly versatile. They are wonderful served warm on their own, perhaps with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. They also make a fantastic light lunch or a hearty appetizer for your next gathering. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations either! You could add a sprinkle of nutmeg to the ricotta filling for an extra layer of warmth, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Consider adding finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of intense flavor, or even some sautéed mushrooms for added texture and depth. The possibilities are truly endless!

    Frequently Asked Questions:

    Can I make the dough ahead of time?

    Absolutely! You can prepare the pizza dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before you plan to shape your calzones.

    What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?

    While ricotta is ideal for its creamy texture, you can substitute it with a mixture of cottage cheese (well-drained) and a little heavy cream, or even a creamy goat cheese for a different but equally delicious flavor profile. Adjust seasoning as needed.

    How do I reheat leftover calzones?

    For the best results, reheat your leftover Ricotta Spinach Calzones in a preheated oven at around 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crisp again. You can also reheat them in an air fryer or a skillet on low heat.

    Ricotta Spinach Calzones

    Ricotta Spinach Calzones

    Savory calzones filled with creamy ricotta, tender spinach, and melty mozzarella, seasoned with garlic and oregano.

    Prep Time
    20 Minutes

    Cook Time
    20 Minutes

    Total Time
    40 Minutes

    Servings
    4 servings

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound pizza dough
    • 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

    Instructions

    1. Step 1
      Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
    2. Step 2
      In a large bowl, combine the squeezed spinach, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, olive oil, garlic powder, minced oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt. Mix until well combined.
    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 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 tightly with a fork to seal.
    6. Step 6
      Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the egg wash (egg beaten with water).
    7. Step 7
      Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through.

    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.

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