Craving a comforting, cheesy, and utterly delicious meal that's also surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This Calzone Ricotta Filling recipe is your answer. Forget complicated pizza dough from scratch; this recipe focuses on creating a truly sensational ricotta filling that will transform even store-bought calzones into a homemade masterpiece. It's the perfect quick dinner idea, ideal for busy weeknights, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family and friends alike. This recipe is a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients, resulting in a healthy meal that's bursting with flavor. Get ready to elevate your calzone game!
Ingredients:
- 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese (full-fat for best results)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (optional, for extra sharpness)
Instructions:
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Combine the ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, thoroughly combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, basil, parsley, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. If using, add the Pecorino Romano cheese now and mix until everything is evenly distributed.
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Taste and adjust: Give your ricotta mixture a taste test. Adjust the seasoning to your preference – you might want a little extra salt, pepper, or herbs depending on your taste.
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Prepare the calzones: Now, it's time to assemble your calzones. You can use store-bought calzone dough or make your own – but let's be honest, the delicious filling is the star here! Spread a generous amount of the ricotta filling evenly over one half of each calzone dough circle.
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Fold and seal: Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, pressing firmly along the edges to seal. Crimp the edges to create a decorative seal (or just pinch them together tightly).
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Bake to perfection: Bake according to the instructions on your calzone dough package, or until the calzones are golden brown and the filling is heated through. This usually takes around 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
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Serve and enjoy: Let the calzones cool slightly before slicing and serving. A simple side salad makes a perfect accompaniment to this delicious homemade meal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Calzone Ricotta Filling:
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the ricotta filling can make it watery. Gently fold the ingredients together until just combined.
- Fresh herbs are best: Using fresh basil and parsley adds a bright, vibrant flavor that you won't get from dried herbs.
- Adjust to your taste: Feel free to add other ingredients to customize your filling. Sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, or even cooked sausage would be delicious additions.
- Pre-bake the filling (optional): For a drier filling, you can spread it on a baking sheet and bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes before adding it to your calzones.
Variations:
- Spicy Calzone: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a kick.
- Vegetarian Calzone: Add sauteed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Meat Lovers Calzone: Incorporate cooked sausage, pepperoni, or ground beef into the filling.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your calzones and the specific ingredients used, but a general estimate is:
- Calories: 300-400
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This easy recipe for calzone ricotta filling offers a delightful and satisfying culinary experience, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a relaxed weekend gathering. Enjoy!