Carrie'S Spinach And Cheese Calzone
A delicious spinach and cheese calzone with crispy crust and savory filling, perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner that appeals to cheese lovers and spinach fans alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475°F.
- Cook frozen spinach according to package directions; drain well.
- Squeeze spinach to remove excess water.
- In a skillet, cook chopped onion and garlic in margarine until tender, but not brown.
- Add spinach; heat through.
- In a mixing bowl, combine half of the beaten egg, Ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and spinach mixture.
- Divide the pizza dough into two equal portions.
- On a foil-lined cookie sheet, flatten each portion into a circle, not too thin.
- Fill each dough circle with half of the spinach-cheese mixture.
- Pull the dough up and over the filling, forming a semi-circle, and pinch well to seal.
- Brush each calzone with the remaining beaten egg.
- Bake for 14 minutes.
- Serve with marinara sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding herbs like basil or oregano to the spinach mixture. If you're out of ricotta, cottage cheese can serve as a great substitute. To save time, you can use pre-made marinara sauce or try a homemade version. If you prefer a crispier crust, bake the calzones directly on a pizza stone instead of a cookie sheet.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious calzones with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping. They pair nicely with a fresh salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a cozy dinner, consider serving alongside slices of Farmer'S Garlic Bread to round out the experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. For a quick option, you can microwave them, but the crust may lose some crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Carrie'S Spinach And Cheese Calzone contains roughly 915 calories, with 31g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (273% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (156% of the Daily Value), and iron (89% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1338mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the calzones before baking them?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked calzones. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of frozen spinach?
If you prefer fresh spinach, use about 1 pound, sauté it until wilted, and then drain thoroughly. This can enhance the flavor and texture of your calzones. Just make sure to remove as much moisture as possible before mixing with the cheeses.
How can I make these calzones more filling?
To add more substance, consider including diced cooked chicken, mushrooms, or bell peppers in the filling. You can also increase the amount of cheese or serve them with a side of pasta for a heartier meal. These modifications can provide a satisfying twist to the recipe.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).