Ricotta Spinach Calzones: A Delicious, Cheesy, and Flavorful Italian Favorite

Craving a comforting, cheesy, and savory dish? Ricotta Spinach Calzones are the perfect meal to satisfy your hunger. These handheld pockets of deliciousness are stuffed with a creamy ricotta and spinach filling, wrapped in golden, crispy pizza dough, and baked to perfection. The blend of creamy ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, and a hint of garlic makes these calzones a favorite among both adults and kids. Whether you're having a casual dinner, hosting a pizza night, or prepping meals ahead of time, these calzones will hit the spot!

The beauty of calzones is their versatility. While the classic filling features ricotta and spinach, you can easily add other ingredients like mushrooms, garlic, or even sausage. Plus, they’re easy to customize with your favorite sauce for dipping. Let's dive into how to make these delicious Ricotta Spinach Calzones from scratch!

Why Ricotta Spinach Calzones Work So Well

Creamy and Flavorful Filling

Ricotta cheese is creamy and mild, which makes it the perfect base for the savory spinach. The richness of the ricotta is balanced by the earthy flavor of the spinach, making every bite a perfect harmony of flavors.

Perfectly Portable

Calzones are like a pizza in a pocket—easy to hold and eat, making them perfect for meal prep, lunch boxes, or parties. The golden crust keeps the filling inside, making it a mess-free meal.

Hearty Yet Light

While calzones are rich and satisfying, they’re not overly heavy. The spinach adds freshness and nutrients, while the dough provides a satisfying base. It’s the ideal combination of comfort and lightness.

Quick and Easy to Make

With simple ingredients, these calzones are easy to assemble and bake. They’re perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend cooking project with the family.

Ingredients for Ricotta Spinach Calzones

For the Filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg (optional, for binding)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)

For the Calzone Dough:

• 1 package pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • Homemade Dough Option:
    • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
    • 1 teaspoon sugar
    • 1 ½ cups warm water
    • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For Dipping:

• Marinara sauce or garlic butter (optional)

How to Make Ricotta Spinach Calzones

1. Prepare the Filling

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion (if using) and sauté for about 3 minutes, until softened.
• Add the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
• Add the spinach to the pan and cook until wilted (if using fresh spinach) or heated through (if using frozen). Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
• Once cooled, squeeze any excess water from the spinach if using frozen spinach.
• In a large bowl, combine the cooked spinach, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg (if using). Mix until smooth and well combined. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano to taste.

2. Prepare the Dough

• If using store-bought pizza dough, follow the package instructions. If you prefer to make your own dough:
  • In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
  • In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, and stir until a dough forms.
  • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Cover with a towel and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
• Once the dough is ready, punch it down and divide it into 4-6 equal portions, depending on how large you want the calzones to be. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten it into a round circle (about 6-8 inches in diameter).

3. Assemble the Calzones

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the ricotta spinach filling onto one half of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as it will make folding difficult.
• Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together tightly and crimp with a fork to seal the calzone.
• Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You can brush the tops with a little olive oil or melted butter for a golden finish, if desired.

4. Bake the Calzones

• Bake the calzones in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly. The exact time will depend on the size of your calzones.
• Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before cutting into them.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Ricotta Spinach Calzones with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, or drizzle with garlic butter for extra flavor. Enjoy them as a main dish, snack, or appetizer!

6. Enjoy!

Your Ricotta Spinach Calzones are now ready to be devoured. They are rich, savory, and perfectly satisfying.

Tips & Variations

• Add extra veggies: You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the filling for added flavor and texture.
• Use store-bought dough: To save time, you can use pre-made pizza dough from the store.
• Add protein: If you want to make these calzones heartier, you can add grilled chicken, sausage, or even bacon to the filling.
• Make them vegan: Use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella, and omit the egg to make these calzones vegan-friendly.
• Make mini calzones: For smaller portions or appetizers, you can divide the dough into smaller portions and make mini calzones.

Health Benefits of Ricotta Spinach Calzones

Rich in Protein

The ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and egg in the filling provide a good amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth, as well as overall health.

Packed with Nutrients

Spinach is loaded with iron, vitamin K, vitamin A, and antioxidants, making these calzones not only tasty but also nutrient-dense. The combination of spinach and cheese offers a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals.

High in Fiber

The dough provides a moderate amount of fiber, especially if you use whole wheat pizza dough, which helps with digestion and keeps you full longer.

Rich in Healthy Fats

The cheese and olive oil in the filling provide healthy fats, which are important for heart health and brain function.

Conclusion

Ricotta Spinach Calzones are the ultimate comfort food, offering a perfect balance of savory, creamy filling and crispy, golden crust. Whether you're making them for a cozy family dinner, a fun party appetizer, or a delicious lunch, these calzones are sure to satisfy your cravings. The best part is that they’re easy to make and highly customizable—add your favorite veggies or proteins, or make them vegan for a plant-based twist. Serve with a side of marinara or garlic butter for the perfect dipping experience!

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FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before using it.

2. Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, frozen spinach works just fine for these calzones. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the filling.

3. Can I add other cheeses?

Absolutely! You can substitute mozzarella with provolone, goat cheese, or Parmesan for a different flavor.

4. How long will leftovers keep?

Leftover calzones can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

5. Can I freeze these calzones?

Yes, you can freeze uncooked calzones. Just assemble them, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, you can cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

6. Can I use a different type of dough?

Yes, you can use whole wheat pizza dough, gluten-free pizza dough, or even puff pastry for a different twist on the classic calzone.

7. How can I make these calzones spicier?

Add some crushed red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or a bit of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.

8. Can I make mini calzones?

Yes! You can divide the dough into smaller portions and create mini calzones, which are perfect for snacks or appetizers.

9. How do I prevent the calzones from getting soggy?

Make sure to drain any excess moisture from the spinach before adding it to the filling. You can also lightly toast the dough before filling it to help prevent sogginess.

10. Can I use a store-bought ricotta cheese?

Yes, store-bought ricotta works perfectly for this recipe. Just choose a high-quality ricotta for the best flavor.