Craving something comforting, cheesy, and irresistibly satisfying? 🍕✨ Look no further than Ricotta Spinach Calzones. These golden, oven-baked pockets are filled with a creamy ricotta-spinach mixture that melts in your mouth, wrapped inside fluffy pizza dough that crisps beautifully as it bakes.
Calzones are more than just food—they’re an experience. They combine the flavors of pizza with the convenience of a hand-held pastry. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, preparing snacks for a party, or simply treating yourself to something indulgent, ricotta spinach calzones deliver the perfect balance of comfort food and Italian authenticity.
What Is a Calzone?
A calzone is an Italian folded pizza that originated in Naples. The word calzone literally means “stocking” or “trouser leg” in Italian—fitting, because calzones are designed to be portable pizza pockets.
Traditionally, calzones are stuffed with cheese, vegetables, and meats, sealed like a half-moon, and baked in a hot oven until the crust turns golden brown. They’re served with marinara or tomato sauce on the side for dipping.
Unlike pizza, which can be messy with toppings sliding off, calzones keep everything tucked neatly inside. This makes them:
- Perfect for on-the-go meals
- Great for kids’ lunchboxes
- Ideal for meal prepping and freezing
And among all the variations, ricotta and spinach calzones are especially beloved because they deliver both creaminess and nutrition in every bite.
Why Ricotta Spinach Calzones Are So Popular
Here’s why this combination works like magic:
🧀 Creamy & Cheesy Goodness
Ricotta is light, creamy, and slightly sweet, making it the perfect base for savory fillings. When combined with mozzarella and Parmesan, the result is gooey, melty perfection.
🌱 Healthy Twist with Spinach
Spinach balances out the richness of the cheese. It adds vitamins, minerals, fiber, and a fresh, earthy taste.
👌 Perfect Texture Balance
Crispy golden crust outside + soft cheesy filling inside = a match made in culinary heaven.
🍽️ Versatility at Its Best
You can make them vegetarian, add proteins like chicken or sausage, or even spice them up with jalapeños.
⏱️ Simple Yet Impressive
They’re surprisingly easy to make from scratch, yet they look and taste like a restaurant-quality dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make ricotta spinach calzones at home, you’ll need just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients.
For the Dough (Homemade Option)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for a chewier texture)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
(Shortcut: You can also use store-bought pizza dough to save time.)
For the Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen spinach, thawed & drained well)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg (optional, helps bind filling)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Serving
- Warm marinara sauce for dipping
- Garlic butter for brushing (optional)
Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Mix until a dough forms. Knead for 5 minutes on a floured surface until smooth.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
(If using store-bought dough, skip this step.)
2. Make the Filling
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onion for 3 minutes, then add garlic for 1 minute.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted (or heated through if frozen). Let cool slightly.
- Mix spinach with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Assemble the Calzones
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide dough into 4–6 equal portions. Roll each into a circle (6–8 inches).
- Spoon filling onto one half of each circle. Don’t overfill.
- Fold dough over filling to form a half-moon. Press edges with a fork to seal.
- Place on baking sheet. Brush tops with olive oil or melted butter.
4. Bake
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes.
5. Serve & Enjoy
Serve warm with marinara or garlic butter. Each bite will be crispy outside, cheesy inside, and bursting with flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Make it meaty: Add sausage, pepperoni, or shredded chicken.
- Go veggie-heavy: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted peppers.
- Spicy kick: Add chili flakes or jalapeños.
- Mini calzones: Perfect for parties or kids’ snacks.
- Vegan version: Use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella.
Health Benefits of Ricotta Spinach Calzones
- Protein boost from ricotta, mozzarella, and egg
- Rich in calcium for strong bones
- Iron & vitamins from spinach (A, C, K, and folate)
- Good fats from olive oil and cheese
- Customizable for healthier versions (use whole wheat dough, low-fat cheese, etc.)
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 days. Reheat in oven for best texture.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked calzones for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes! Just thaw completely and squeeze out excess water.
2. Can I use puff pastry instead of pizza dough?
Absolutely, but expect a flakier, lighter result.
3. How do I keep calzones from leaking?
Seal edges tightly with a fork and avoid overfilling.
4. What’s the best dipping sauce?
Classic marinara is perfect, but garlic butter, Alfredo, or pesto also work.
5. Can I make them ahead?
Yes—prep, assemble, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Conclusion
Ricotta Spinach Calzones are the ultimate comfort-meets-nutrition dish. With their golden crust, creamy ricotta, and fresh spinach filling, they’re perfect for any occasion—family dinners, parties, or quick make-ahead meals.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility: you can make them vegetarian, add proteins, or even prepare them in mini versions for appetizers. Pair them with marinara sauce, and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser every time.
