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.