Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Vegetarian Delight: A meat-free option that’s still filling and full of flavor.
- Quick to Make: With only 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of baking, these calzones are quick and easy.
- Customizable: Add more spices or veggies to the filling for extra flavor.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make extra and store them for an easy meal later in the week.
Ingredients
For the Calzones:
- 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese
- 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 ounce grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten with 2 tablespoons water, plus 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons minced fresh oregano
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C).
2. Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, olive oil, egg yolk, garlic powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt. Mix well.
3. Shape the Dough:
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and divide it into 4 equal pieces.
- Using a rolling pin, flatten each piece into a 7-inch round, placing each on a piece of parchment paper.
4. Fill the Calzones:
- Spread one-quarter of the spinach mixture evenly over half of each dough round, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge.
- Brush the edges with the egg wash, then fold the dough over to cover the filling. Leave the bottom ½-inch border uncovered.
- Press the edges together and pinch to seal.
5. Bake the Calzones:
- Cut 5 steam vents in the top of each calzone and brush with the remaining egg wash.
- Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8 minutes. Afterward, brush with any leftover egg wash and sprinkle with Parmesan, then bake for an additional 7 minutes, until golden brown.
6. Cool and Serve:
- Let the calzones cool for 5 minutes on a wire rack before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 calzones
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Calzones: Add more red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to spice up the filling.
- Extra Veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to the filling for more texture and flavor.
- Different Cheese: Swap the ricotta for goat cheese or cream cheese for a different twist.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works just as well as store-bought for this recipe.
How can I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Make sure to press the edges tightly to seal the calzone, and be sure the filling isn’t too runny.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the calzones ahead of time, freeze them uncooked, and bake them straight from the freezer.
Can I add meat to the filling?
Sure! Ground turkey, sausage, or pepperoni would all make great additions to these calzones.
Conclusion
Ricotta and Spinach Calzones are an easy, flavorful, and versatile meal that can be enjoyed any night of the week. Whether you’re looking for a simple vegetarian option or want to add some protein, these calzones are a great addition to your recipe collection. Give them a try for a fun and satisfying meal!
Ricotta and Spinach Calzones
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 calzones
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Ricotta and Spinach Calzones are a quick, cheesy, and savory vegetarian treat. Filled with a creamy ricotta-spinach mixture and baked to golden perfection, these calzones are the perfect handheld meal for any night of the week!
Ingredients
For the Calzones:
- Frozen chopped spinach – 10 ounces, thawed and squeezed dry
- Ricotta cheese – 8 ounces
- Shredded mozzarella cheese – 4 ounces
- Grated Parmesan cheese – 1 ounce
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
- Large egg – 1, lightly beaten with 2 tablespoons water, plus 1 egg yolk
- Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
- Minced fresh oregano – 1 ½ teaspoons
- Red pepper flakes – ⅛ teaspoon
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Pizza dough – 1 lb (store-bought or homemade)
Notes
✅ Spicy Calzones – Add extra red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for more heat.
✅ Extra Veggies – Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to the filling for added texture.
✅ Different Cheese – Swap ricotta for goat cheese or cream cheese for a different flavor.
✅ Meat Option – Add ground turkey, sausage, or pepperoni to the filling for a protein boost.
