Looking for a delicious and easy recipe that’s perfect for snacking, lunch, or even a cozy dinner? Spinach and cheese mini calzones are exactly what you need! These little pockets of goodness are packed with flavor, and they’re super simple to make. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about making these tasty treats!
What Are Mini Calzones?
Mini calzones are like little pizza pockets that you can fill with all sorts of delicious ingredients. Traditionally, they come from Italy and are made with pizza dough. You can fill them up with your favorite toppings, make them for a quick meal, or enjoy them as snacks. In this recipe, we’ll use a savory mix of spinach and cheese—yum!
Why Spinach and Cheese?
You might be wondering why spinach and cheese make such a great combo. Well, spinach is not just tasty; it’s also packed with nutrients like iron and vitamins A and C. Pairing it with cheese adds a creamy texture and rich flavor that makes every bite a total delight. Plus, if you have kids (or just a picky eater in the house), sneaking in some veggies is always a win!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we get cooking, here’s what you’ll need to gather up for this mini calzone recipe. Make sure all your ingredients are halal!
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3/4 cup warm water (not too hot!)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or frozen, thawed, and drained)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A sprinkle of Italian seasoning (optional)
For the Topping:
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Extra mozzarella or Parmesan for sprinkling (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the Dough
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, and salt. Give it a good stir using a whisk or fork.
Add Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center and pour in the olive oil and warm water. Stir until the dough starts coming together.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes. You want it to be smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour.
Let It Rise: Place the dough ball in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 30 minutes. It should double in size!
Prepare the Filling
- Mix It Up: In a separate bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until it’s nice and creamy.
Assemble the Calzones
Preheat the Oven: While your dough is rising, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into 8 equal portions (or more if you want smaller calzones). Roll each piece into a small circle on a floured surface, about 5–6 inches wide.
Fill ‘Em Up: Place about 2 tablespoons of the spinach and cheese mixture on one half of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill them!
Seal the Calzones: Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for an extra seal and a cute look.
Bake and Enjoy
Give Them a Shine: Brush the tops of the calzones with the beaten egg. This gives them a lovely golden color when they bake. If you want, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top.
Bake: Place the calzones on a greased baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Let them cool for a few minutes, then dive in! They’re incredible on their own or served with marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips for Perfect Calzones
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the filling and even make the dough ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake.
- Freezing: These calzones freeze well! Make a big batch, bake them, and then let them cool. Once they’re cool, pop them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat them in the oven.
- Mix Up the Filling: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add in some cooked meat like chicken or turkey for extra protein. Just keep it halal!
FAQs About Spinach and Cheese Mini Calzones
Can I use store-bought dough?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought pizza dough works great. Just roll it out and fill it as directed.
What cheese can I substitute?
If you can’t find ricotta, you can use cottage cheese instead. For mozzarella, you could try provolone or fontina if you want different flavors.
How do I know when they’re done?
Look for a golden-brown color on the tops. If you tap on them and they sound hollow, they’re likely cooked through!
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes! This recipe is already vegetarian since it uses spinach and cheese. You can also add other veggies like mushrooms, peppers, or even some artichokes.
What can I serve with calzones?
These mini calzones are great on their own, but you could serve them with a fresh salad, some garlic bread, or a dipping sauce like marinara for extra flavor!
Now that you have the full scoop on how to make spinach and cheese mini calzones, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking! They’re fun to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or just making a quick dinner for yourself, these calzones will definitely impress.
