How to Create Cheesy Spinach and Ricotta Calzones in Simple English
Calzones are like little pizza pockets that are stuffed with delicious ingredients, baked until golden brown, and bursting with flavor. One of the best fillings for calzones is spinach and ricotta cheese, especially when you make them extra cheesy. They’re perfect for a family dinner, a quick lunch, or even a fun party snack. Don’t worry if you’ve never made calzones before; this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. Let’s dive into how to create cheesy spinach and ricotta calzones—your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make about 4 medium-sized calzones:
For the Dough:
– 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) of active dry yeast
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– ¾ cup warm water (around 110°F)
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Filling:
– 2 cups fresh spinach (or frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
– Pinch of red chili flakes (optional, for a little spice)
For Assembly:
– 1 egg (for egg wash)
– 1 tablespoon water
– Marinara sauce (to serve, optional)
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by making the dough. In a small bowl, mix the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means the yeast is activated.
In a larger bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix everything together until the dough starts to come together. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and stretchy.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest for about 1 hour. During this time, the dough will rise and double in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. If you’re using fresh spinach, sauté it in a pan over medium heat until wilted. Drain any excess liquid. For frozen spinach, simply squeeze out any water after thawing.
In a mixing bowl, combine the spinach, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes (if using). Stir everything together until the filling is well mixed. Taste it to make sure it’s flavorful, and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball. On a floured surface, roll each ball into a circle about 8 inches wide. The dough should be thin but not too fragile—it needs to hold the filling without tearing.
Step 4: Fill and Seal the Calzones
Take one rolled-out dough circle and place a generous amount of the spinach and ricotta filling on one half of the circle. Be careful not to overfill—it’s important to leave some room at the edges to seal the calzone properly.
Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together, then use a fork to crimp and seal the edges. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
Step 5: Add the Egg Wash
To make your calzones golden and shiny when baked, prepare an egg wash. Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush the egg wash over the top of each calzone using a pastry brush or your fingers.
Step 6: Bake the Calzones
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the calzones on a lined baking sheet. Use a knife to cut a small slit or two in the top of each calzone—this allows steam to escape while baking.
Bake the calzones for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the dough is cooked through. You’ll know they’re ready when they smell amazing and look beautifully golden.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Let the calzones cool for a few minutes after baking, as the filling will be very hot. Serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, if you’d like. The cheesy spinach and ricotta filling will be creamy and full of flavor, and the crust will be perfectly crispy.
Tips and Variations
- Add Extra Fillings: You can mix in other ingredients like cooked chicken, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to customize your calzones.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and assemble the calzones when you’re ready to bake.
- Freeze for Later: After baking, let the calzones cool completely and store them in the freezer. Reheat them in the oven when you want a quick meal.
Cheesy spinach and ricotta calzones are a fun and delicious recipe that everyone can enjoy. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for both beginners and experienced home cooks. Give this recipe a try, and get ready for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is comforting! Happy cooking!
