Sausage and spinach calzones are a satisfying, handheld meal that combines savory sausage, fresh spinach, and melty cheese, all wrapped in a warm, golden-brown pizza dough. These calzones are the perfect way to enjoy the classic flavors of pizza in a portable, easy-to-eat form. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, a casual gathering, or as a delicious snack, they are sure to be a hit.
To start, the filling is made by browning ground sausage in a skillet until it’s fully cooked and crispy on the edges. The sausage provides a rich, savory flavor that pairs wonderfully with the mild, earthy taste of fresh spinach. The spinach is lightly sautéed with garlic until it wilts down, keeping its vibrant color and fresh flavor. Once the spinach is cooked, it’s combined with the sausage, along with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. You can also add ricotta cheese for extra creaminess, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
The pizza dough is rolled out into individual rounds, and a spoonful of the sausage and spinach mixture is placed in the center of each. The dough is then folded over to create a half-moon shape, and the edges are sealed tightly to keep the filling inside while it bakes. For an extra touch, the calzones can be brushed with olive oil or melted butter before baking, which helps them turn golden and crispy.
The calzones are baked in the oven until the dough is perfectly browned, and the filling is hot and bubbly. The result is a crispy, savory pocket filled with a delicious combination of sausage, spinach, and melted cheese – all wrapped in a soft, chewy crust.
Sausage and spinach calzones are incredibly versatile. You can swap the sausage for pepperoni, chicken, or even vegetarian fillings like mushrooms or peppers. Serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, and you have a complete, satisfying meal. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated the next day, these calzones make for a delightful, comforting meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage casing removed
- 1 cup spinach fresh, chopped
- 1 pizza dough store-bought or homemade
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 egg beaten, for egg wash
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Roll out the pizza dough into a large circle. Spread ricotta cheese on half of the dough, leaving an edge for sealing.
- Top with cooked sausage, spinach, and mozzarella cheese.
- Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges by pressing with a fork.
- Brush the top of the calzone with the beaten egg.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
These calzones are a game changer! The combination of sausage and spinach is simply delicious. Will make again for sure!
I don’t know, it sounds easy, but mine turned out super mushy. Maybe I used too much cheese? Not sure if I’ll try again.
I think maybe you just put in too much cheese! Try using less next time. They’re really good when they’re not overstuffed.
Mushy calzones? Ugh, that’s the worst! Maybe try baking longer or at a higher temp? Just a thought!
Good recipe but where’s the garlic? Sausage needs more flavor! Can’t believe anyone would say it’s perfect. 🤷♂️
Garlic would definitely amp up the flavor! I always add some minced garlic when cooking sausage. It’s a game-changer! 🌟
Yummy and fun to make! Everyone in my fam liked it, even the picky ones 😊.
Looks good, but my family doesn’t like spinach. Can I just leave it out? 🤔
I made these last weekend and my kids went crazy for them! Great recipe, thanks for sharing! 👍
Real delicious! A bit time consuming, but worth it!
I totally agree! These calzones are worth every minute spent! Sooo good!
Are calzones supposed to be this oily? Mine looked like a greasy blob.
I’ve made calzones before and they can definitely get greasy if there’s too much filling or oil. Try draining more fat next time!
My kids didn’t like them, said they taste weird. I thought they were yummy though?!
Yummy! 🙂 Easy recipe, will make again when I want somethin quick.
I don’t get why you would use ricotta in calzones. Isn’t it supposed to be just mozzarella? 🤔
These calzones were amazing! Absolutely loved them!
These calzones are da best! My kids lovd it, I make it often.
I’m glad your kids loved it! These calzones are so much fun to make together. Did you add anything special to yours?
I mean, they look great and all, but are they really the best? I feel like some people just say that. What if they don’t like spinach?
Too much cheese for my liking. Next time I’ll cut back on it.
Sausage and spinach combo? Never thought it could be this good! Thanks for sharing!
I know right? It’s a great combo! The spinach really balances the sausage flavor. Glad you liked it!
I tried making these but ended up with a mess. Dough wouldn’t roll out right. Might need more practice.
Sausage is too greasy, I won’t make these again. Ground turkey might work better.
I get it! Sausage can be super greasy sometimes. Turkey is a good alternative! I’ve used it before and they turned out great!
I followed the recipe but my calzones fell apart! Need better sealing tips.
This recipe is super easy and tastes amazing! I added some garlic powder for extra flavor.