Calzone Recipes With Ricotta Cheese You’ll Love

If you’re craving a warm, cheesy, and comforting Italian treat, look no further than the classic calzone filled with luscious ricotta cheese. Calzones are essentially folded pizzas, stuffed with a rich blend of cheeses, vegetables, and sometimes meats, all wrapped in a golden, crispy dough.

The creamy texture of ricotta cheese makes it a perfect filling base, adding a mild, slightly sweet flavor that balances beautifully with other savory ingredients. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or preparing for a cozy weekend brunch, calzones with ricotta cheese offer both versatility and satisfaction in every bite.

This recipe will guide you through making homemade calzones from scratch, including a simple dough, flavorful ricotta filling, and tips on baking to perfection. Plus, we’ll explore some exciting variations to suit your taste buds and dietary preferences.

If you love Italian-inspired dishes, you might also enjoy our All Recipes Vegetarian Pizza Ideas for Every Occasion or our Dassana Veg Recipes: Easy and Delicious Meals to Try. Let’s dive in and create some calzone magic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Calzones are the perfect handheld meal, combining the best of pizza flavors with a fun, portable twist. Making them at home means you control every ingredient, ensuring freshness and flavor tailored exactly to your liking.

The ricotta cheese filling is creamy and mild, providing a luscious contrast to the crispy, golden crust. Plus, calzones are incredibly adaptable — you can load them with your favorite veggies, herbs, and spices or keep it classic with just cheese and tomato sauce.

Another reason to love this recipe? It’s straightforward and beginner-friendly.

The dough is easy to work with, and the filling comes together quickly. Baking calzones also requires minimal cleanup compared to traditional pizza.

Perfect for busy weeknights, family meals, or impressing guests with homemade Italian fare. You’re going to savor every bite of these cheesy pockets of delight!

Ingredients

• For the Dough:
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• For the Ricotta Filling:
• 1 ½ cups whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Additional:
• ½ cup marinara or pizza sauce (plus extra for serving)
• Olive oil, for brushing

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or dough hook mixer attachment
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet or pizza stone
• Parchment paper
• Small bowl for filling mixture
• Basting brush
• Oven

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Prepare the dough: Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or mix on low speed with a dough hook until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead with a stand mixer for 5-6 minutes.
4. Let the dough rise: Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
5. Prepare the ricotta filling: In a small bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until creamy and uniform.
6. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
7. Divide and roll out the dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 4 equal portions. On a floured surface, roll each portion into a 10-inch circle.
8. Assemble the calzones: Spread about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce on one half of each dough circle, leaving an edge around the perimeter. Spoon ½ cup of the ricotta filling over the sauce.
9. Fold and seal: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press edges firmly and crimp with a fork to seal completely.
10. Brush and bake: Place calzones on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each with olive oil to promote browning. Cut a small slit on top of each calzone to vent steam.
11. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
12. Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

“For a crispier crust, bake calzones on a preheated pizza stone. You can also experiment with fillings like sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even spicy sausage for a savory twist.”

• Make it vegetarian: Add roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant to the ricotta filling.
• Gluten-free option: Use a store-bought gluten-free pizza dough or try a cauliflower crust for a low-carb alternative.
• Herbs and spices: Enhance the filling with red pepper flakes, oregano, or fresh thyme for added flavor.
• Cheese variations: Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a different cheese profile.
• Make ahead: Prepare calzones and freeze before baking. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Calzones pair wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, which helps balance the richness of the cheese and dough. For a heartier meal, consider roasted vegetables or a bowl of warm soup like a classic minestrone or a fresh tomato basil soup.

If you enjoy experimenting with vegetarian meals, check out our Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious for a flavorful complement. For quick and satisfying sandwiches, our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious are a hit and perfect alongside calzones.

Conclusion

Making calzones with ricotta cheese at home is a delightful way to bring a taste of Italy into your kitchen. The creamy cheese filling combined with a crispy, golden crust creates a satisfying and comforting dish perfect for any occasion.

This recipe is customizable, easy to prepare, and sure to impress family and friends alike. Whether you keep it traditional or add your favorite ingredients, homemade calzones are a delicious way to enjoy a warm, cheesy meal that’s both filling and fun.

Don’t hesitate to try out the tips and variations to make this recipe your own. And if you love exploring new recipes, be sure to browse through our extensive recipe collection for more inspiration and flavorful dishes to try next!

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