Description
These Ricotta and Spinach Calzones are golden, crispy, and filled with a creamy, cheesy mixture of ricotta, spinach, and herbs. They’re the perfect handheld Italian comfort food—warm, hearty, and ideal for dinner, meal prep, or a cozy weekend treat.
Ingredients
For the Dough (or use store-bought pizza dough):
2¼ tsp (1 packet) Active Dry Yeast
1 cup Warm Water (110°F/45°C)
2½ cups All-Purpose Flour
1 tsp Salt
1 tbsp Olive Oil
1 tsp Sugar
For the Filling:
1 cup Ricotta Cheese
1 cup Fresh Spinach, chopped (or thawed and drained frozen spinach)
½ cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
1 clove Garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian Seasoning
Salt and Pepper, to taste
Pinch of Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
For Assembly:
1 Egg (for egg wash)
Marinara Sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Make the Dough: Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water; let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt, then add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix ricotta, spinach, mozzarella, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until smooth and creamy.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape the Calzones: Divide the dough into 4 portions and roll each into a 7-inch circle. Spoon filling onto one half, leaving a 1-inch border. Fold over and seal edges by pressing with a fork.
- Egg Wash: Beat egg and brush over tops of calzones for a golden finish.
- Bake: Arrange calzones on the baking sheet and bake 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, then serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
Use part-skim ricotta for a lighter version.
Add sautéed mushrooms, onions, or artichokes for extra flavor.
Brush crust with garlic butter before baking for added richness.
Freeze baked or unbaked calzones for up to 2 months.
Reheat in the oven to keep the crust crispy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
