Easy Spinach Calzones Recipe

If you’re craving a warm, comforting meal that feels like a cozy hug from the inside, let me introduce you to this Easy Spinach Calzones Recipe. It’s a delightful combination of tender, cheesy filling wrapped snugly in golden, crispy dough that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat. The blend of ricotta, mozzarella, fresh spinach, and a hint of garlic creates a perfect balance of flavors that will quickly make this recipe a favorite go-to for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend indulgences. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a homemade calzone experience that feels special yet stays incredibly simple.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating that perfect calzone bite. From creamy cheeses to fresh vegetables and flavorful seasonings, every item adds body, richness, and vibrancy, ensuring you’re set up for culinary success without any fuss.

• 8 oz low-fat ricotta cheese: Provides a creamy, mild base that blends wonderfully with the other cheeses.
• 1 large egg: Helps bind the filling together for a perfect, firm texture inside.
• 1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning: Adds a classic medley of herbs that lifts the flavor profile instantly.
• 8 oz mozzarella cheese (or fontina, shredded fresh from the block): Brings gooey, melty richness every bite deserves.
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese (finely shredded from the block): Introduces a sharp, nutty depth that balances the creamy elements.
• 1 ½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Used for sautéing to infuse a subtle fruitiness while softening the veggies.
• 5 oz fresh baby spinach: The star green that adds freshness, color, and a mild earthiness.
• ½ cup chopped fresh mushrooms: Adds umami and texture for an extra layer of flavor complexity.
• ⅓ sweet onion (finely chopped): Sweetness and aroma that caramelize during cooking to enhance the filling.
• 2 cloves fresh garlic (minced): Gives that punch of warmth and a hint of spice everyone craves.
• ½ tsp salt: Essential for bringing out and balancing all the flavors.
• ¼ tsp pepper: Light peppery heat that rounds out the seasonings.
• 14.1 oz package refrigerated pizza dough: The golden vessel holding all that cheesy goodness together.
• 2 tbsp butter (melted): Used for brushing the tops to create a buttery, glossy finish.
• ½ tsp garlic salt: Mixed into butter for an extra burst of garlicky flavor on the crust.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: For sprinkling on top to add a final savory touch.

How to Make Easy Spinach Calzones Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Filling

Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking your calzones to golden perfection. While it warms up, sauté the chopped onions and mushrooms in olive oil over medium heat until they’re soft and fragrant. Then add the fresh spinach and garlic, cooking just until the spinach wilts but still retains its vibrant color. Make sure to drain out any excess moisture—this keeps your calzone filling from becoming soggy—then let it cool while you move on to the next steps.

Step 2: Combine Cheeses and Seasonings

In a large bowl, mix together your ricotta, shredded mozzarella, egg, dried Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. This combination ensures that every bite is rich, melty, and perfectly seasoned. Once that’s done, incorporate your cooled spinach and mushroom mixture gently into the cheese blend, folding everything together carefully so the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Roll and Portion the Dough

Flour a large surface and unroll your refrigerated pizza dough into a large rectangle. If the dough isn’t perfectly even, use a rolling pin to smooth it out. Then cut the dough into six even squares with a pizza cutter or sharp knife. This step is key to creating equal-sized calzones that bake uniformly.

Step 4: Fill and Seal the Calzones

Divide your heavenly cheese and spinach filling among the dough squares. Fold each square over the filling, stretching the dough slightly if needed to enclose it fully. Then roll the edges and press them down firmly with a fork to seal the goodness inside. This sealing step prevents leaks during baking and creates those charming ridged edges classic to calzones.

Step 5: Prep for Baking

Place your calzones onto a greased cookie sheet or a pizza pan sprayed with cooking spray. Use a sharp knife to cut a few small slits on the top of each calzone, allowing steam to escape as they bake. Before sliding them into the oven, brush the tops lightly with olive oil—it helps develop a gorgeous golden crust that’s crisp and inviting.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection and Finish

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, keeping an eye out for that perfect brown color on the tops and bottoms. Meanwhile, stir melted butter with garlic salt to prepare a finishing glaze. Once the calzones come out of the oven, brush this flavorful butter mixture on top and sprinkle a bit of grated Parmesan for an irresistible finishing touch that amps up the taste and gives the crust a beautiful shine.

Step 7: Serve with a Dip

The last step is all about the dipping sauce. Serve your Easy Spinach Calzones Recipe warm alongside your favorite marinara sauce—because a tangy tomato dip takes these calzones from tasty to unforgettable.

How to Serve Easy Spinach Calzones Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley sprinkled over the calzones right before serving brighten up the dish visually and add an extra burst of fresh flavor. A light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese can provide that perfect savory crunch on top, making each bite a delight.

Side Dishes

Keep things balanced by pairing your calzones with a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette or a light soup like tomato basil or minestrone. These sides complement the richness of the calzones without overpowering them, creating a well-rounded meal experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, cut the calzones into smaller wedges for serving at parties as finger food. Arrange them on a platter with small bowls of different dipping sauces—garlic aioli, spicy marinara, or even pesto—to give your guests options that keep things exciting and interactive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers—and believe me, that’s a good problem to have—store the calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, you can easily enjoy a quick snack or meal without compromising texture or flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze these calzones either before or after baking. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen calzones last up to 2 months and are perfect for meal prep or last-minute dinners.

Reheating

To reheat, it’s best to use an oven or toaster oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and crispy again—usually about 10 to 15 minutes. Microwaving is faster but can make the crust soggy, so save that for a quick fix.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess water before mixing it into the filling to keep your calzones from turning watery.

What can I substitute for the ricotta cheese?

If ricotta isn’t your thing, cottage cheese or even cream cheese can work in a pinch, though the texture and taste will be a bit different—ricotta gives that lovely light creaminess.

Can I make these calzones gluten-free?

Definitely. Use a gluten-free pizza dough option from your store or homemade gluten-free dough to keep it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets while still enjoying this Easy Spinach Calzones Recipe.

How can I make these calzones vegan?

Swap out the cheeses for vegan cheese alternatives and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg. Also, make sure your pizza dough is free of any animal products.

What’s the best dipping sauce to serve with these calzones?

Marinara sauce is a classic choice because its tangy tomato base complements the cheesy spinach filling perfectly, but you can also try pesto or even a garlic-infused olive oil dip for variety.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Spinach Calzones Recipe is one of those dishes that brings comfort and satisfaction to the table with minimal effort. It’s nurturing, delicious, and perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring solo. So go ahead, give it a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and again for a cozy, cheesy escape that never gets old.

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