Homemade Spinach-Ricotta Calzone

 A Crispy, Cheesy Twist on a food-filled memory

I have so many great memories of going to our favorite pizza joint, Jolly’s in Franklin, when I was growing up. It was a staple for us, and every Monday after food shopping, my dad would take me there. He always had coins for the jukebox, and we’d have the best conversations while waiting for our food. Their fried calzones were absolutely amazing!

These days, I don’t eat too much fried food, but every now and then, my hubby goes on a quest for the perfect dough. That’s how we stumbled upon this calzone recipe—and it quickly became a new favorite in our house! Though it’s not fried, it checks all the boxes for a delicious, comforting meal.

Ingredients:
Dough:
2 cups (240g) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
1 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
3/4 teaspoon table salt
1 tablespoon (14g) olive oil
1/2 cup to 3/4 cup (113g to 170g) lukewarm water (adjust based on season; less in summer, more in winter)
Filling:
1 1/2 cups (283g) cooked spinach, squeezed completely dry
1 cup (227g) ricotta cheese (whole-milk or part-skim)
1/2 cup (57g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon table salt
For the Topping (optional):

Toppings (Optional)

Marinara or pizza sauce
Shredded mozzarella cheese (or your preferred pizza cheese)

Instructions:
Making the Dough:
Begin by measuring your flour accurately (weighing it is best). In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, olive oil, and lukewarm water. Stir until the mixture comes together into a dough, then knead the dough using your hands, a mixer, or a bread machine. Your goal is a soft, smooth dough—add more water if it’s too dry.

Once the dough is ready, place it in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise for about 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling:
While the dough rises, prepare your filling. In a bowl, combine the cooked spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well until everything is fully combined. This will make about 2 cups of filling.

Shape Calzone:
After the dough has risen, gently deflate it and turn it out onto a clean work surface. Divide the dough in half.
Take one half and place it on a piece of parchment paper (or lightly greased baking sheet). Pat it into a 10" to 11" circle. Repeat with the second half of the dough.

Assembling the Calzone:
Spread half of the filling onto the center of each dough circle, leaving some space around the edges. Fold the dough over to cover the filling and create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together and crimp them to seal the calzone.

If you used parchment, lift the paper onto a baking sheet or pizza stone. If you're using a pizza stone, make sure to place the parchment onto a peel for easy transfer.

Finishing Touches:
Cut 3-4 small slits on top of each calzone to allow steam to escape during baking. Brush the top with olive oil or a thin layer of pizza sauce, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella or your favorite pizza cheese.

Resting and Baking:
Let the calzone rest uncovered for 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). This resting time helps the dough relax, making it easier to bake.

Place the calzone in the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and crisp.

Serving:
Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before slicing. Serve with a side of tomato sauce for dipping if desired.

Tips:
If you prefer a crisper crust, you can bake the calzone directly on a pizza stone.
For extra flavor, feel free to add herbs such as basil or oregano into the filling mixture.
Calzones can be customized with different fillings, such as pepperoni, sausage, or mushrooms.

You’ll Love This Recipe:
This homemade calzone is a true crowd-pleaser. The dough is perfectly soft yet crisp on the outside, and the spinach and ricotta filling brings a creamy, savory flavor that’s balanced with the richness of Parmesan. The optional mozzarella topping adds a gooey, melty finish to every bite.

Whether you're making it for dinner, meal prep, or as a fun snack, these Spinach-Ricotta Calzones will definitely satisfy your cravings!

Enjoy your homemade calzones, and live life uninterrupted with delicious food made from the heart.