How to Make Cheesy Spinach and Ricotta Calzones: A Simple Guide
If you’re craving a delicious, cheesy meal that’s easy to make, spinach and ricotta calzones are perfect! These golden, crispy pockets of dough are stuffed with flavorsome spinach, creamy ricotta cheese, and gooey mozzarella. They’re great for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is straightforward and fun to follow. Let’s get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the calzone dough:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
– 3/4 cup warm water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the filling:
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
– 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon pepper
– 1 egg (for sealing and brushing)
Optional (for serving): marinara or pizza sauce.
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by making the calzone dough. Don’t worry—it’s easier than you think!
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Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm water with sugar and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means the yeast is working.
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Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
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Combine wet and dry ingredients: Slowly pour the yeast mixture into the bowl with the flour. Add the olive oil. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until it forms a dough.
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Knead the dough: Dust your counter with a bit of flour, then knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it’s soft and smooth. If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle more flour as you knead.
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Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest for about 1 hour. It should double in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, let’s work on the cheesy spinach filling!
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Cook the spinach: Heat a small pan over medium heat and sauté the chopped spinach for 1-2 minutes until it wilts. If you want, you can add a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor. Let the spinach cool slightly.
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Mix the cheeses: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Add the cooked spinach, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed. Your filling is ready!
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape it into calzones.
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Divide the dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air, then divide it into 4 equal portions for medium calzones or 6 portions for smaller ones.
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Roll it out: On a floured surface, roll out each portion into a circle, about 6-8 inches wide. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly round—it’s all part of the charm!
Step 4: Fill and Fold
Here’s the fun part—stuffing your calzones!
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Add the filling: Spoon a generous amount of the spinach and ricotta mixture onto one side of the dough circle, leaving a small border. Make sure not to overfill, so you can seal it properly.
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Seal the calzone: Fold the empty side of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly using your fingers or the back of a fork to seal it. This prevents the filling from spilling out while baking.
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Brush with egg wash: Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it lightly over the top of each calzone. This gives them a beautiful golden color when baked.
Step 5: Bake the Calzones
Now it’s time to cook these cheesy delights!
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Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up.
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Prepare a baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
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Bake: Place the calzones on the baking sheet and pop them into the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crisp on the outside.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let your calzones cool for a few minutes before serving—this helps avoid burning your mouth with the hot filling. If you love extra flavor, pair them with warm marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
Helpful Tips:
- You can use store-bought pizza dough if you’re short on time.
- Add other ingredients to the filling, like mushrooms, cooked chicken, or sun-dried tomatoes, to mix things up.
- Calzones freeze well! Wrap them tightly and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave when needed.
Conclusion
Making cheesy spinach and ricotta calzones at home is easy, fun, and rewarding. With a little prep and a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these delicious pockets that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So grab your apron and give it a try—happy cooking!