Spinach Calzones with Bleu Cheese
Spinach Calzones with Bleu Cheese Recipe - Italian Cuisine
Introduction
Spinach calzones with bleu cheese are a delicious and savory dish that combines the earthy flavors of spinach and mushrooms with the tangy richness of bleu cheese. These handheld treats are perfect for a quick and easy meal or snack.
History
Calzones are a traditional Italian dish that originated in Naples. They are essentially folded pizzas, with a variety of fillings enclosed in a pocket of dough. Spinach calzones with bleu cheese put a unique twist on this classic recipe by incorporating the bold flavor of bleu cheese.
Ingredients
- 10 oz (283 g) can refrigerated pizza crust
- cooking spray
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups spinach leaves
- 8 thick slices sweet onion
- 1.33 cups sliced cremini or button mushrooms
- 0.75 cup crumbled blue cheese
How to prepare
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Unroll the dough onto a baking sheet coated with cooking spray, then cut it into 4 quarters.
- Pat each quarter into a rectangle and top with 1 cup of spinach, 2 slices of onion, 0.33 cup of mushrooms, and 3 tbsp of cheese.
- Bring 2 opposite corners to the center, pinching the points to seal.
- Bring the remaining 2 corners to the center, pinching all points together to seal well.
- Bake at 425°F for 12 minutes.
Variations
- Substitute the bleu cheese with feta or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Add cooked chicken or sausage for extra protein.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to thoroughly drain the spinach before adding it to the calzones to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Use a good quality bleu cheese for the best flavor.
- Make sure to seal the calzones well to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spinach calzones with a side salad or marinara sauce for dipping.
Cooking Techniques
Baking the calzones at a high temperature ensures that the dough cooks through and becomes crispy on the outside.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have cremini or button mushrooms, you can use any type of mushroom you prefer.
Make Ahead Tips
You can assemble the calzones ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the calzones on a platter with fresh herbs for garnish.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair spinach calzones with a light white wine or a crisp salad.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of spinach calzones with bleu cheese contains approximately 300 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of spinach calzones with bleu cheese contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of spinach calzones with bleu cheese contains approximately 12 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of spinach calzones with bleu cheese contains approximately 10 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Spinach is a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium. Mushrooms also provide a good amount of vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins and potassium.
Alergens
This recipe contains dairy (bleu cheese) and wheat (pizza crust), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.
Summary
Spinach calzones with bleu cheese are a balanced meal option, providing a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Spinach calzones with bleu cheese are a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals, this recipe is a nutritious option for any occasion.
How did I get this recipe?
The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory like a photograph in a family album. It was a warm summer day, the kind that makes you want to throw open all the windows and let the sunshine flood in. I had just returned from a trip to Italy, where I had indulged in the most delicious food I had ever tasted. One dish in particular had captured my heart - spinach calzones with bleu cheese.
I remember the moment vividly. I was wandering the streets of Florence, soaking in the sights and sounds of this beautiful city. The smell of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, drawing me towards a quaint little bakery tucked away in a corner. As I stepped inside, the warm embrace of the oven greeted me, and I knew I was in for a treat.
The baker, a kind old man with a twinkle in his eye, welcomed me with a smile. He must have sensed my curiosity, for he beckoned me closer and gestured towards a tray of golden brown calzones sitting on the counter. "Spinach calzones with bleu cheese," he said, his voice tinged with pride. "A family recipe passed down through generations."
In that moment, I knew I had to learn how to make these delectable treats. The baker welcomed me into his kitchen, where he revealed the secrets of his recipe. The dough, he explained, was made from scratch using a blend of flour, yeast, water, and a touch of olive oil. The filling consisted of fresh spinach sautéed with garlic and onions, mixed with creamy bleu cheese and a sprinkle of herbs.
As I watched him work his magic, I couldn't help but marvel at the simplicity of the ingredients and the artistry of his hands. With each fold of the dough and each pinch of the filling, he created a masterpiece that promised to delight the senses.
After hours of kneading, rolling, and filling, the calzones were finally ready to be baked. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, a tantalizing blend of herbs, cheese, and bread. As we sat down to enjoy our creation, the baker shared stories of his family and their love for good food.
I left the bakery that day with a heart full of joy and a notebook filled with scribbles of the recipe. Over the years, I perfected the art of making spinach calzones with bleu cheese, adapting the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences. Each time I made them, I felt a connection to that sunny day in Florence and the kind old baker who had shared his secrets with me.
Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, surrounded by the familiar sights and smells of home, I can't help but feel grateful for the journey that led me to this recipe. It is more than just a dish; it is a memory, a story, a piece of my heart that I share with those I love.
And so, as I prepare to make spinach calzones with bleu cheese once again, I do so with a smile on my face and a song in my heart. For in each bite of these delicious treats, I taste not just the flavors of Italy, but the warmth of friendship, the joy of discovery, and the love that binds us all together.
Categories
| Blue Cheese Recipes | Calzone Recipes | Cathy's Recipes | Cremini Mushroom Recipes | Italian Recipes | Onion Recipes | Spinach Recipes | White Mushroom Recipes |