Vegetarian Calzone Recipe: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy Ideas

There’s something incredibly comforting about biting into a warm, golden-baked calzone filled with a medley of fresh, vibrant vegetables and melty cheese. If you’re a vegetarian craving an Italian-inspired dish that’s both hearty and wholesome, this Vegetarian Calzone recipe is the perfect go-to meal.

Whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing friends at your next gathering, these calzones deliver on flavor, texture, and nutrition. Plus, making them from scratch means you can customize the filling exactly to your liking, ensuring every bite is packed with your favorite veggies and herbs.

In this recipe, I’ll guide you through creating a soft, flavorful dough paired with a delicious mixture of sautéed vegetables, mozzarella, and ricotta, all wrapped in a perfect crescent shape and baked to perfection.

Ready to bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian calzone recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it combines fresh, colorful vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal.

The homemade dough is soft yet crispy on the outside, offering the perfect texture balance.

Additionally, it’s highly customizable. You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or cheeses, or even try vegan alternatives to suit your dietary needs.

The recipe is straightforward enough for beginners yet yields a restaurant-quality result that will impress any palate.

Finally, calzones are incredibly versatile. They work great as a main dish, a party appetizer, or even packed for lunches.

If you love recipes that bring comfort food vibes with a healthy twist, this one is for you!

Ingredients

• For the Dough:
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp active dry yeast
• ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• For the Filling:
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• ½ cup mushrooms, sliced
• ½ cup bell peppers, diced (red or yellow preferred)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Frying pan or skillet
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Pastry brush (for egg wash)
• Knife and cutting board
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center, then add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours or until doubled in size.
4. Prepare the filling: While the dough rises, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté until translucent and fragrant (about 3 minutes).
5. Add the mushrooms and bell peppers, cook for another 5 minutes until soft. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, sautéed vegetables, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
7. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 4 equal portions.
9. On a floured surface, roll each portion into a 9-inch circle.
10. Assemble the calzones: Spoon about ½ cup of the filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
11. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal, then crimp with a fork for extra security.
12. Place the calzones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg to achieve a golden crust.
13. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until the calzones are golden brown and cooked through.
14. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a vegan twist, substitute the ricotta and mozzarella with your favorite plant-based cheeses or cashew cream.

Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or olives for a personalized filling.

To avoid sogginess, ensure your vegetables are well cooked and drained before mixing with the cheese.

If you want a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian calzone pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette or a light tomato soup for dipping. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a simple pasta salad.

If you’re looking to explore more delicious vegetarian Italian dishes, you might enjoy our Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals or try making your own bread with our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.

Conclusion

Making a vegetarian calzone at home is a rewarding culinary adventure that yields a satisfying, delicious meal packed with wholesome ingredients. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between fresh vegetables, gooey cheese, and hearty dough, making it ideal for both family dinners and entertaining guests.

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can customize your calzone to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this calzone recipe is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Don’t forget to check out other flavorful vegetarian recipes like our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or indulge your sweet tooth with the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.

Happy cooking and buon appetito!

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