Spinach Calzones
Delicious spinach calzones with a crispy crust, melted mozzarella, and savory pimentos, perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Roll out the pizza dough to a 21 x 14-inch rectangle.
- Cut out six 7-inch squares from the dough.
- Thaw the frozen spinach and squeeze out excess water until very dry.
- In a bowl, combine the chopped pimentos, grated Romano cheese, and one beaten egg.
- Spread a portion of the spinach mixture onto each dough square.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the spinach filling.
- Brush the edges of each square with the remaining beaten egg.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangular or half-moon shape and press the edges to seal.
- Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try adding ricotta cheese or feta to the spinach filling for extra creaminess. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought frozen pizza dough instead of making your own. You can also substitute the Romano cheese with Parmesan or omit it entirely for a dairy-free version. Adjust the crushed red pepper to your taste for more or less spice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these calzones with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, and consider pairing them with a fresh garden salad or serving them with Tofu Parmigiana for a delightful vegetarian meal. They also pair wonderfully with seasoned Italian bread for a complete dinner. Enjoy as a snack or a main dish any time!
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Reheat frozen calzones in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Calzones contains roughly 521 calories, with 30g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (120% of the Daily Value), calcium (68% of the Daily Value), and protein (61% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 933mg per serving (41% 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 make the calzones ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the calzones in advance and store them in the fridge before baking. Just cover them with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. When ready to serve, bake them straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for best results.
What can I use instead of frozen spinach?
If you don't have frozen spinach, you can use fresh spinach. Just sauté it in a pan until wilted, then drain and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the filling. This will provide a similar flavor and texture to the calzones.
Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the filling by adding ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or even sun-dried tomatoes. Just be mindful of the moisture content to ensure the calzones seal properly and don't become soggy.
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).