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This ricotta and spinach calzone recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. The combination of creamy cheeses and savory spinach wrapped in a golden pizza dough creates an irresistible handheld dinner that feels both indulgent and wholesome.
I discovered this America's Test Kitchen gem during a busy weeknight when I needed something substantial but quick. My family was so impressed they requested these calzones three times in the following two weeks. The crisp exterior giving way to that molten cheese filling becomes something everyone looks forward to.
Ingredients
- Frozen chopped spinach: Serves as the nutritious base thawed and squeezed thoroughly dry to prevent soggy calzones
- Ricotta cheese: Provides that classic creamy texture essential for authentic calzones
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that perfect cheese pull when you take your first bite
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp salty dimension that elevates the overall flavor profile
- Olive oil: Enriches the filling and adds a subtle fruity note
- Eggs: Function in two ways; the yolk enriches the filling while the egg wash creates that golden crust
- Garlic powder: Infuses the entire filling with aromatic flavor without the harshness of fresh garlic
- Fresh oregano: Brings a bright herbaceous note that dried simply cannot match
- Red pepper flakes: Provide a gentle heat that balances the richness of the cheeses
- Pizza dough: Forms the foundation; choose store-bought for convenience or homemade for extra flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Oven:
- Heat your oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature is crucial for achieving a crisp exterior while maintaining a moist interior. Position your rack in the middle of the oven to ensure even cooking throughout the calzones.
- Mix the Filling:
- Combine thawed and thoroughly squeezed spinach with ricotta, mozzarella, olive oil, egg yolk, garlic powder, fresh oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt in a large bowl. Mix until uniformly combined but avoid overmixing which can make the filling too dense. The texture should be creamy but still have some structure.
- Prepare the Dough:
- Divide your pizza dough into four equal portions on a lightly floured surface. This ensures consistent cooking and serving sizes. Work with one piece at a time, keeping the others covered to prevent drying out. Roll or stretch each portion into a 7-inch round directly on parchment paper for easy transfer.
- Fill and Shape:
- Spread one-quarter of the spinach filling over half of each dough circle, maintaining a one-inch border around the edge. This border is essential for proper sealing. Brush the exposed edge with egg wash which acts as both glue and will help create a golden finish.
- Seal the Calzones:
- Fold the empty half of dough over your filling, leaving a small border uncovered at the bottom. Press firmly around the edges then pinch with your fingers to create a secure seal. A proper seal prevents filling from leaking during baking and helps create steam inside for a tender interior.
- Finish and Bake:
- Cut five small steam vents in the top of each calzone with a sharp knife. These vents release pressure during baking preventing explosions. Brush tops generously with egg wash then bake for 8 minutes. Apply more egg wash and sprinkle with Parmesan before returning to the oven for 7 more minutes until deeply golden.
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The frozen spinach is actually my secret hero in this recipe. I always keep packages in my freezer specifically for these calzones. One winter evening when we were snowed in, I created these with pantry ingredients, and they've become our comfort food tradition ever since. My daughter now requests them before her big soccer games for good luck.
Make-Ahead Options
These calzones are perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare the filling up to two days ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. The assembled but unbaked calzones can also be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking, though you may need to add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time if baking cold. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked calzones on a baking sheet until solid, then wrap individually in plastic and aluminum foil. They'll keep for up to 3 months and can be baked directly from frozen by adding about 10 minutes to the cooking time.
Customization Ideas
The beauty of calzones lies in their versatility. While this classic spinach and ricotta version is a favorite, you can easily customize the filling to suit your taste or use what you have on hand. Try adding sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor, or mix in diced artichoke hearts for Mediterranean flair. Swap the oregano for basil in summer months when it's plentiful. For meat lovers, adding some cooked and crumbled Italian sausage works beautifully with the spinach and cheese. Just be careful not to overfill, regardless of which ingredients you choose.
Serving Suggestions
These calzones are substantial enough to serve as a complete meal, but they pair wonderfully with accompaniments that complement their rich flavor. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil provides a peppery, acidic counterpoint that cuts through the richness. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a cup of tomato soup for dipping. While marinara sauce isn't traditional with this particular calzone filling, a small dish of warm marinara on the side is always appreciated by those who enjoy the extra flavor dimension.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach by sautéing it briefly until wilted and then squeezing out excess moisture before adding it to the filling.
- → Can I make the calzone dough from scratch?
Absolutely! Using homemade pizza dough can add a personal touch and allow you to control the ingredients for your desired texture and flavor.
- → How do I store leftover calzones?
Store cooled calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to maintain their crisp texture.
- → Can I add other fillings to the calzones?
Yes, feel free to customize the filling with cooked sausage, sautéed mushrooms, or any vegetables of your choice to suit your taste.
- → What is the best way to reheat calzones?
Reheat calzones in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.