Spinach and Cheese Calzone
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6
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Ingredients
- CALZONE DOUGH:
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast - regular or fast acting
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon olive oil - to brush on dough
- FILLING:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup onion - chopped
- 1 pound spinach - fresh, stemmed
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 ounces mushroom - sliced

1

- 5 cloves garlic - minced
- 1 tablespoon dried basil or three tablespoons fresh basil - chopped
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 cup smoked mozzarella cheese - shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese - shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese - shredded
 
 
Calzones are Italian baked specialty sandwiches that have become a worldwide favorite. This version
is brimming with delicious ingredients, making it a perfect lunch or light supper entrée.
 
Directions
CALZONE DOUGH:

  • Place water in a large bowl.
  • Sprinkle yeast on top and whisk in the honey until everything is dissolved.
  • Use a whisk
    to stir in the salt and flour.
  • When too thick to mix with the whisk, mix with floured hands.
  • Knead on a floured surface
    for 5 minutes.
  • Shape into a smooth ball and place back in the bowl.
  • Brush with a little
    olive oil and cover the bowl with a towel.
  • Set the bowl in a warm place for 1-2 hours so the dough can rise.
  • The dough should double
    in size.
  • You can make the filling for these while the dough rises.

2

  • The dough may be made in advance and refrigerated or frozen until ready to use.
  • Allow it to come to room temperature before using and knead a few times to warm it up.
  • Punch down the risen dough.
  • Divide it into 6 equal portions.
  • Roll out the dough one
    at a time on a floured surface into a 6-8 inch circle.
    • FILLING:

    • Heat oil over medium heat.
    • Add onion and mushrooms and sauté for 10 minutes.
    • Add spinach, garlic, basil, salt and pepper.
    • Sauté 3 more minutes and set aside.
    • In
      a medium sized bowl, mix ricotta cheese and two mozzarella cheeses.
    • Add the spinach mixture and stir until combined.
    • Preheat oven to 450° F and spray a baking sheet with cooking spray
    • Place 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the filling on one half of the circle of dough, leaving 1/2 inch rim
      around the outside edge.
    • Sprinkle filling with parmesan cheese.
    • Moisten the outside rim
      of the dough with water using your finger or a small pastry brush.
    • Fold the dough over the top of the filling and crimp the edges. This will make a half moon
      shape.
    • Go around the edges with the tines of a fork to seal.
    • Prick the top of the calzone with a fork to let the steam escape while baking.
    • Arrange assembled calzones on the baking sheet and bake for approximately 15 minutes or until
      they are golden brown.
    • Brush the tops with butter or oil during the last five minutes of
      baking.
    • Serve warm.


    3