Mini Spinach Ricotta Calzones

Mini Spinach Ricotta Calzones are delightful, handheld Italian pastries filled with creamy ricotta, tender spinach, and gooey mozzarella — all encased in golden, flaky pizza dough. They’re like little pockets of happiness — warm, cheesy, and satisfying.

These mini calzones make a perfect appetizer, snack, or light meal. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving comfort food, they deliver all the rich flavors of a full-sized calzone in a convenient, bite-sized form.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it combines my favorite things — cheese, spinach, and soft, golden dough — into one irresistible bite. The creamy filling of ricotta and spinach balances richness with freshness, and the crust crisps beautifully in the oven while staying tender inside.

These mini calzones are incredibly versatile — you can serve them as appetizers, party snacks, lunchbox treats, or even make them for a casual dinner. The aroma of baking dough and melted cheese filling the kitchen is pure comfort and joy!

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

You must try Mini Spinach Ricotta Calzones because:

• They’re fun to make and eat — kids and adults both love them.
• Perfect for meal prep, parties, or picnics — portable and mess-free.
• The creamy, cheesy filling tastes like heaven wrapped in golden bread.
• You can customize endlessly — add your favorite vegetables, herbs, or even meats.

It’s a mini treat with maximum flavor — simple, homemade, and full of Italian warmth.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 10–12 mini calzones
• Calories: Approx. 210 kcal per calzone

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Appetizer / Snack / Main Course

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• ¾ cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese (well-drained)
• 1 cup fresh spinach (blanched, squeezed, and chopped)
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg (lightly beaten)
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional but enhances flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Brushing:

• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
• Olive oil or melted butter (optional)

For Serving:

• Warm marinara or pizza sauce for dipping

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Make the dough and let it rest.
2. Prepare the filling by mixing spinach, ricotta, and cheeses.
3. Roll and fill small circles of dough with the mixture.
4. Seal, brush, and bake until golden brown.
5. Serve warm with marinara sauce.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, sugar, and olive oil. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add flour and salt, and mix to form a dough.
3. Knead on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. Blanch spinach in boiling water for 1 minute, then cool and squeeze out excess moisture.
2. In a bowl, combine ricotta, spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg.
3. Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix until creamy and uniform.

Step 3: Assemble the Mini Calzones

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Punch down the dough and divide into small balls (about golf-ball size).
3. Roll each ball into a 4–5-inch circle.
4. Place 1 tablespoon of filling in the center.
5. Fold over to form a half-moon shape.
6. Seal edges tightly with a fork or by pinching.
7. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Brush and Bake

1. Brush tops with egg wash (or olive oil for a golden shine).
2. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.
3. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm with a side of marinara or pizza sauce for dipping. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of herbs like basil or oregano.

How to Serve

• Serve these mini calzones fresh from the oven, alongside a bowl of marinara or garlic butter dip.
• Pair them with a light salad or soup for a balanced meal.
• Perfect for parties, picnics, or lunchboxes — they travel well and stay tasty even at room temperature.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Always drain ricotta and spinach well to avoid soggy filling.
• Don’t overfill the calzones — a tablespoon of filling is perfect for mini size.
• Seal edges firmly to prevent leaking during baking.
• You can air-fry them at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes for a crispier texture.
• Brush with garlic butter after baking for extra flavor.

Variations

1. Cheese Lover’s Calzones: Add cheddar, provolone, or feta.
2. Veggie Calzones: Add sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers.
3. Meat Version: Include diced cooked chicken, sausage, or ham.
4. Spicy Twist: Add chili flakes or jalapeños for a kick.
5. Mini Breakfast Calzones: Fill with scrambled eggs, spinach, and cheese.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerate: Store cooled calzones in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer before serving.
• Freeze (Unbaked): Arrange assembled calzones on a tray and freeze until solid. Transfer to freezer bags and store up to 2 months.
• To Bake from Frozen: Bake directly (no thawing) at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden.
• Freeze (Baked): Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes.

Special Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Pastry brush
• Fork (for sealing edges)

FAQ

Q1: Can I use puff pastry instead of pizza dough?
Yes! Puff pastry creates a flakier, more buttery version — just reduce baking time by a few minutes.

Q2: Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a gluten-free pizza dough mix and ensure your fillings are gluten-free.

Q3: Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes — assemble and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q4: My calzones opened while baking — what went wrong?
They may not have been sealed well or were overfilled. Press edges firmly and avoid too much filling.

Q5: Can I add sauce inside the calzone?
You can, but add only a teaspoon to prevent sogginess. It’s better served on the side.

Conclusion

Mini Spinach Ricotta Calzones are a bite-sized version of pure Italian comfort. With their golden crust, creamy spinach-ricotta filling, and irresistible cheesy aroma, they’re the perfect mix of indulgence and convenience.

Whether you’re making them for a family meal, party platter, or a cozy weekend snack, these little pockets of flavor will bring smiles to everyone’s faces.