There’s something magical about the warm, cheesy goodness of a calzone. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or just looking for a comforting snack, these mini spinach-ricotta calzones are guaranteed to be a hit. They’re like bite-sized pockets of joy—packed with creamy ricotta, savory spinach, and gooey mozzarella, all wrapped up in golden, flaky pizza dough. Best of all, they’re super easy to make thanks to store-bought pizza dough, so you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen.

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for kids, adults, and everyone in between. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love finger food? You can serve these as appetizers at your next dinner party, pack them in lunchboxes, or whip them up for a cozy family movie night. I’ve made these so many times, and they’re always gone within minutes.

But wait—there’s more! These calzones are baked, not fried, so they’re lighter than your traditional deep-fried versions. Plus, they’re filled with spinach, which means you’re sneaking in some greens without anyone even noticing. That’s a win-win, right? Let me walk you through how to make these irresistible mini calzones.

Why You’ll Love These Mini Spinach-Ricotta Calzones

Quick and Easy: Using store-bought pizza dough saves you so much time and effort. The filling comes together in minutes, making this a perfect recipe even for busy weeknights.
Versatile: These calzones work as an appetizer, snack, or even a light meal. Pair them with a salad for a complete dinner or serve them as party food with a side of marinara for dipping.
Kid-Friendly: The cheesy filling and soft crust make these a hit with kids. You can even customize the filling if your little ones are picky eaters.
Packed with Flavor: The combination of creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and gooey mozzarella is simply divine. Add a little garlic and seasoning, and you’ve got a flavor-packed bite.
Healthier Option: Baking instead of frying keeps these calzones on the lighter side, and the spinach adds a dose of nutrients without compromising on taste.

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 50 minutes

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 12 mini calzones
Nutrition per calzone:
Calories: 311
Fat: 13g
Carbs: 41g
Protein: 13g

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make these mini spinach-ricotta calzones:

1 pound frozen chopped spinach: Make sure it’s thawed and squeezed really well to remove excess water. Wet spinach can make the filling too soggy.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: For seasoning the spinach mixture.
2 pounds pizza dough: Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. You can use store-bought or homemade dough, whichever you prefer.
¾ cup grated mozzarella cheese: For that delicious stretchy, cheesy factor.
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil: To brush on top of the calzones for a golden, crispy crust.
12 tablespoons ricotta cheese: About 1 tablespoon per calzone, adding creaminess to the filling.
1 clove garlic (optional): Minced and mixed into the spinach for extra flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these mini calzones is easier than you think! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a tray of golden, cheesy pockets in no time.

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Prepare the Spinach Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the thawed and well-drained spinach with minced garlic (if using). Season generously with salt and pepper. This is where you can taste and adjust the flavor—you want it well-seasoned since the dough is fairly neutral.
Divide the Dough: Take your pizza dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and set them aside on a floured surface to prevent sticking.
Shape the Dough: Using your hands, gently stretch each ball into a 4-inch circle. If the dough is sticky, lightly oil your hands to make the process easier. Arrange the circles on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
Assemble the Calzones: Now comes the fun part! Spoon about 1 tablespoon of ricotta cheese onto the center of each dough circle. Add a heaping spoonful of the spinach mixture, followed by 1 tablespoon of grated mozzarella. Be careful not to overfill, or the calzones might burst during baking.
Seal the Calzones: Fold the dough in half over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly with your fingers to seal, then crimp the edges with a fork for extra security (and a pretty design). Use a paring knife to cut a small vent in the top of each calzone—this allows steam to escape and prevents them from getting soggy.
Brush with Olive Oil: Lightly brush the tops of the calzones with olive oil. This helps them bake up golden and crispy.
Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on them—you don’t want them to burn!
Cool and Serve: Let the calzones cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This gives the filling a chance to set slightly, making them easier to handle.

How to Serve

These mini spinach-ricotta calzones are incredibly versatile. Here are some serving ideas:

With Dipping Sauce: Serve with a side of marinara sauce or garlic butter for dipping.
As a Party Appetizer: Arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
With a Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad for a light and balanced meal.
Lunchbox-Friendly: Pack them in lunchboxes for a satisfying midday treat.

Tips for Success

Drain the Spinach Thoroughly: This step is crucial to avoid soggy calzones. Use a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out as much water as possible from the spinach.
Don’t Overfill: Resist the urge to add too much filling. A tablespoon each of ricotta and mozzarella, plus a spoonful of spinach, is plenty.
Seal Well: Make sure the edges are sealed tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out. The fork-crimping method works like a charm!
Use Fresh Mozzarella for Extra Gooeyness: If you have fresh mozzarella on hand, go for it—it melts beautifully and adds an extra layer of indulgence.
Customize the Filling: Feel free to get creative! Add cooked and crumbled turkey sausage, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or even sun-dried tomatoes for a flavor twist.

Recipe Variations

Here are some fun ways to customize your mini calzones:

Vegetarian Delight: Swap spinach for sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or roasted red peppers.
Protein Boost: Add shredded chicken, ground turkey, or turkey sausage to the filling for a heartier option.
Cheese Lover’s Dream: Experiment with different cheeses like feta, Parmesan, or provolone.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pizza dough for a celiac-friendly version.

Freezing and Storing

These calzones freeze beautifully, so you can always have some on hand for busy days.

To Freeze Unbaked: Assemble the calzones as directed, then freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, pop them in the oven straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
To Store Leftovers: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just cook the fresh spinach in a skillet until wilted, then drain and chop it before mixing with the garlic and seasoning.

What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
No problem! You can use cottage cheese or cream cheese as a substitute.

Can I make the dough from scratch?
Of course! If you have a little extra time, homemade pizza dough works beautifully in this recipe.

How do I prevent the calzones from bursting?
Be sure to seal the edges tightly and cut a small vent in the top of each calzone to allow steam to escape.

Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry the calzones at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

Final Thoughts

These mini spinach-ricotta calzones are a true delight—simple, delicious, and endlessly versatile. They’ve become a go-to recipe in my kitchen, and I know they’ll be a hit in yours too. Give them a try, and let me know how they turn out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I can’t wait to see your creations!