Cheesy Spinach Calzone Delight
Indulge in the delightful world of homemade calzones with this easy recipe that allows you to customize your fillings to encompass your taste buds. A simple and versatile dough made in a bread machine is the perfect canvas for a variety of delicious ingredients. In this version, we've traded traditional pepperoni for nutritious and vibrant chopped spinach, making it a kid-friendly option loaded with flavor. Feel free to experiment with sautéed vegetables, rich ricotta, or ripe olives to elevate the filling even further. These calzones also make fantastic party snacks or lunchbox treats that can be paired with marinara sauce for delectable dipping. Experience cheesy goodness wrapped in golden-brown perfection with each bite!
N/A
Servings
240
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
1 1/4 cups (Warm)
salt
1 teaspoon (None)
oregano
1/2 teaspoon (Dried)
basil
1/2 teaspoon (Dried)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (None)
bread flour
3 cups (None)
powdered milk
1 teaspoon (None)
white sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons (None)
active dry yeast
2 teaspoons (None)
pizza sauce
3/4 cup (None)
cooked spinach, chopped
4 ounces (Cooked and chopped)
shredded mozzarella cheese
1 1/4 cups (None)
butter, melted
2 tablespoons (Melted)
Instructions
1
Begin by adding the water, salt, oregano, basil, garlic powder, bread flour, powdered milk, sugar, and active dry yeast to the bread machine in the specified order from your manufacturer's instructions.
2
Select the 'Dough' cycle on your bread machine and allow it to complete the mixing and rising process.
3
Once the cycle finishes, dust a clean surface with flour and roll out the dough into a rectangle approximately 16 x 10 inches in size.
4
Transfer the rolled dough carefully to a greased cookie sheet, ensuring it sits flat.
5
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach and shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
6
Spoon the pizza sauce along the center of the dough lengthwise, leaving enough space on each side for sealing. Follow this with a generous amount of the cheese and spinach filling.
7
Using a sharp knife, make diagonal cuts about 1.5 inches apart on each side of the center filling, taking care not to cut more than half an inch from the filling.
8
Crisscross the cut strips over the filling, creating a beautiful braided effect to seal in the contents. Use a bit of water to moisten the edges and ensure a tight seal.
9
For a simpler method, you can fold the dough over the filling without making cuts, though the look will be less intricate, the taste will be just as delightful.
10
Brush the calzone's top with melted butter for a golden finish.
11
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 45 minutes, until the calzone is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Nutrition Information
9.5g
Fat
27.3g
Carbs
7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cheesy Spinach Calzone Delight?
It is a homemade calzone made with a versatile bread machine dough, filled with pizza sauce, chopped spinach, and mozzarella cheese.
How is the dough for this calzone prepared?
The dough is prepared using a bread machine. You add ingredients like bread flour, water, yeast, and seasonings, then run the 'Dough' cycle.
What ingredients are needed for the calzone dough?
The dough requires water, salt, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, bread flour, powdered milk, white sugar, and active dry yeast.
In what order should I add dough ingredients to the bread machine?
You should add them in the order specified by your bread machine manufacturer's instructions.
What size should I roll the dough out to?
Roll the dough out into a rectangle approximately 16 x 10 inches in size.
What type of flour is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using bread flour for the best results.
How do I prepare the spinach filling?
Mix 4 ounces of cooked, chopped spinach with 1 1/4 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese in a mixing bowl until evenly distributed.
How do I layer the ingredients inside the dough?
Spoon the pizza sauce along the center of the dough lengthwise, then add the cheese and spinach filling on top.
How can I create a braided look on the calzone?
Make diagonal cuts 1.5 inches apart on the sides of the dough, then crisscross these strips over the filling.
What if I find the braiding technique too difficult?
You can simply fold the dough over the filling to seal it; the taste will remain the same even if the look is less intricate.
How do I ensure the calzone stays sealed while baking?
Moisten the edges of the dough with a bit of water to ensure a tight seal.
What provides the calzone with its golden finish?
Brush the top of the dough with 2 tablespoons of melted butter before putting it in the oven.
At what temperature should the calzone be baked?
The calzone should be baked in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the calzone take to bake?
It takes approximately 35 to 45 minutes to bake.
How can I tell when the calzone is fully cooked?
It is done when the crust is golden brown and the calzone sounds hollow when you tap it.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is described as a kid-friendly option that is loaded with flavor.
Can I customize the fillings in this calzone?
Absolutely. You can add sautéed vegetables, rich ricotta cheese, or ripe olives to customize the flavor.
What can I serve with the calzone?
It is great served with marinara sauce for dipping.
Can these calzones be used for parties?
Yes, they make fantastic party snacks or treats for lunchboxes.
How many calories are in this spinach calzone?
There are approximately 240 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 9.5 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 27.3 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this recipe provide?
This recipe provides 7 grams of protein per serving.
How much spinach do I need?
You will need 4 ounces of cooked and chopped spinach.
How much pizza sauce is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of pizza sauce.
Can I add meat to this calzone?
Yes, while this version uses spinach, you can easily substitute or add traditional pepperoni.
What type of yeast is used for the dough?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast.
Is sugar necessary for the dough?
The recipe includes 1 1/2 tablespoons of white sugar to help the yeast and the dough's flavor.
How much mozzarella cheese should I use?
You should use 1 1/4 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Does the water need to be a specific temperature?
The recipe recommends using 1 1/4 cups of warm water for the dough.