Easy Ricotta Spinach Calzones- Flavorful Italian Dinner

Ricotta spinach calzones are a weeknight dinner revelation, a comforting and utterly satisfying handheld parcel of deliciousness that I simply can’t get enough of. Imagin extracte this: a golden, pillowy crust, baked to perfection, encasing a warm, creamy filling bursting with vibrant spinach and the subtle tang of ricotta cheese. It’s no wonder these Italian beauties are a perennial favorite! People adore them for their versatility; they’re perfect for a cozy family meal, a portable lunch, or even a fun appetizer at your next gathering. What truly makes ricotta spinach calzones special is the beautiful balance of textures and flavors. The tender ricotta melds with the earthy spinach, all hugged by that wonderfully chewy dough. It’s a classic combination for a reason, and once you try my version, you’ll understand why this is a dish that will quickly become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

Ricotta Spinach Calzones

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a perfectly baked calzone. Golden brown on the outside, with a creamy, savory filling that oozes with flavor. These Ricotta Spinach Calzones are a fantastic option for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. The combination of creamy ricotta, vibrant spinach, and melted mozzarella is simply irresistible. And the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make at home!

Let’s get our hands on the ingredients we’ll need to create these delicious pockets of joy.

Ingredients:

Now that we have all our components ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating these amazing calzones.

Preparing the Filling

The filling is where all the magic happens, and it comes together quite quickly. The key is to ensure your spinach is well-drained to prevent a soggy calzone.

1. First, we need to prepare our spinach. Take your thawed frozen chopped spinach and place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much liquid as humanly possible. This is a crucial step, as excess moisture can lead to a watery filling and a less-than-ideal texture for your calzones. Once squeezed dry, place the spinach in a medium bowl.
2. To the bowl with the spinach, add the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. This trio of cheeses creates a wonderfully creamy and flavorful base. Now, let’s add the seasonings. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, minced fresh oregano, red pepper flakes (for a little warmth), and salt.
3. Drizzle in the tablespoon of olive oil. This helps to bind the filling together and adds a touch of richness. Gently mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Don’t overmix; just ensure everything is evenly distributed. Taste a tiny bit of the filling (if you dare!) to adjust salt or red pepper flakes to your preference.

Assembling the Calzones

This is where we transform our delicious filling into individual calzone parcels.

4. Now, it’s time to work with our pizza dough. Lightly flour your work surface and your hands. Divide the pound of pizza dough into two equal portions. If your dough is cold, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to make it easier to work with. Roll or stretch each portion of dough into a circle, about 8-10 inches in diameter. You want the dough to be relatively thin, but not so thin that it will tear. If the dough springs back as you’re rolling it, let it rest for a few minutes and then continue.
5. 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 important for sealing the calzones and preventing the filling from escaping during baking. Carefully fold the other half of the dough over the filling, creating a semi-circle.

Sealing and Baking

The final steps involve sealing our calzones and giving them that beautiful, golden-brown finish.

6. Once the calzones are folded, it’s time to seal them tightly. Press down firmly along the edges to crimp them shut. You can use your fingers to create a decorative edge, or even a fork to press down and seal. This ensures that all that delicious filling stays securely inside. Place the assembled calzones onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Now for the egg wash, which gives our calzones that irresistible sheen and color. In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg and 2 tablespoons of water. This is your basic egg wash. Then, in a separate tiny bowl, whisk the large egg yolk. We’ll be using the yolk for a richer glaze. Brush the tops of each calzone generously with the egg wash. Then, using a pastry brush, lightly brush the tops with the egg yolk. This combination will give them a beautiful, golden-brown hue. If you like, you can also make a few small slits in the top of each calzone with a sharp knife. This allows steam to escape and prevents the calzones from puffing up too much.

Baking to Perfection

The final stage is to bake these beauties until they’re golden and delicious.

8. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Once the oven is preheated, place the baking sheet with the calzones into the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and puffed up. The exact baking time will depend on your oven, so keep an eye on them. You want them to be deeply golden, indicating that the dough is fully cooked and crispy.
9. Once they are perfectly baked, carefully remove them from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool slightly. These Ricotta Spinach Calzones are absolutely divine served warm, perhaps with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy the fruits of your labor – a truly satisfying and delicious homemade meal!

Conclusion:

There you have it – a delightful recipe for Ricotta Spinach Calzones that I’m confident you’ll absolutely love! These calzones are a fantastic choice because they’re surprisingly simple to make, yet deliver such impressive flavor and texture. The creamy ricotta, earthy spinach, and savory mozzarella nestled inside a perfectly baked, golden-brown dough create a truly satisfying meal. They’re ideal for a weeknight dinner when you want something comforting and delicious, or they can be a showstopper for a casual gathering with friends and family. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; I guarantee you’ll be hooked!

For serving, I find these ricotta spinach calzones are wonderful on their own, but a simple marinara sauce for dipping elevates them even further. A fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette is also a perfect complement. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding some sautéed mushrooms or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for an extra kick.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Pizza dough can be made up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before you plan to use it.

What kind of cheese can I substitute for mozzarella?

While mozzarella melts beautifully, you could also try a blend of provolone and fontina for a richer flavor, or even some shredded Parmesan for a sharper, saltier note.

How do I reheat leftover calzones?

The best way to reheat is in a preheated oven at around 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crispy again. Microwaving can make them a bit soggy.

Ricotta Spinach Calzones

Savory and satisfying calzones filled with creamy ricotta, wilted spinach, and melted cheeses. Perfect for a weeknight meal or appetizer.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
25 Minutes

Total Time
45 Minutes

Servings
4

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 dry spinach, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt. Mix well.
3. Step 3
   Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a circle about 6-8 inches in diameter.
4. Step 4
   Spoon about 1/4 of the spinach-ricotta filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
5. Step 5
   Place the calzones on the prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and egg yolk. Brush the tops of the calzones with the egg wash.
6. Step 6
   Cut a few small slits in the top of each calzone to allow steam to escape. Bake for 20-25 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.