Craving Something Cheesy and Delightfully Flaky?

There’s something magical about the combination of spinach, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella wrapped in fluffy dough. You know what we’re talking about: Spinach and Ricotta Calzones! These little pockets of goodness can easily become your next favorite comfort food. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in some veggies without anyone noticing!

Why Make This Recipe

So, why should you whip up these calzones? For starters, they’re super easy to make, which means less time slaving away in the kitchen and more time enjoying the delicious results. They’re also family-friendly, even the picky eaters won’t be able to resist these cheesy delights. And cleanup? Minimal! Let’s keep those dishes to a minimum, shall we? 😜

Ingredients:

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 package pizza dough
1/4 cup marinara sauce for dipping
Olive oil for brushing

Directions:

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, mix ricotta, spinach, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and cut it into circles.
Place a spoonful of the filling onto one side of each circle.
Fold the dough over and press the edges to seal, using a fork to crimp if desired.
Brush the tops with a little olive oil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

How to Make Spinach and Ricotta Calzones (Overview)

Making these calzones is a breeze! Start by preheating your oven and mixing the filling. Roll out your dough, fill those circles with your spinach and cheese mixture, and seal them up like a pro. A quick brush of olive oil, and then pop them into the oven until they’re golden and crispy. Pro tip: Don’t skip the fork crimping! It keeps the filling in and adds an adorable touch. 😉

How to Serve Spinach and Ricotta Calzones

When it comes to serving, think outside the box! Pair these calzones with a fresh mixed greens salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette. The bright colors and crunchy textures create a perfect contrast. You can even garnish your calzones with a sprinkle of parmesan and fresh basil for an aromatic kick. Did I mention the smell? Heaven! 😍

How to Store Spinach and Ricotta Calzones

These calzones will keep in the fridge for about 3–4 days. They reheat beautifully in the oven, making them perfect for meal prep! Just pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. If you want to savor them longer, feel free to freeze them for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap them tightly!

Tips to Make Spinach and Ricotta Calzones

Add some spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add an exciting zing!
Make it flaky: Let the dough rest for 10-15 minutes before rolling; it helps with texture.
Swap ingredients: Feel free to mix in other veggies like mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes.

You’ll get a totally different dish while keeping it delicious!

Variation

Want to switch things up? Go for a vegan version by using tofu blended with nutritional yeast instead of ricotta, and vegan mozzarella. Or try adding ground meat for a hearty twist!

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach?
Absolutely! Just make sure to squeeze out the excess water from thawed spinach before mixing.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yep! You can prepare the dough the night before and keep it in the fridge. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling out.

Do I need to cook the spinach first?
Nope! Fresh spinach will wilt perfectly during baking, but if you use frozen, thaw it first!

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!