Spinach and Cheese Pocket

My Inspiration for the Spinach and Cheese Pocket

I remember the first time I made the Spinach and Cheese Pocket. It was a lazy Sunday afternoon, and I wanted to create something special but simple. I had some fresh spinach and a block of mozzarella sitting in the fridge. I didn’t feel like making a full pizza, but I was in the mood for something cheesy and comforting. That’s when the idea hit me — why not take all those delicious flavors and fold them into a pocket of dough?

The Perfect Dough

Making the dough from scratch felt like a bit of an adventure. I always enjoy the process of kneading dough — it’s relaxing, almost like a meditation. The dough needs time to rise, so I patiently waited, knowing that the end result would be worth it. While the dough was resting, I worked on the filling. The combination of creamy ricotta, stretchy mozzarella, and perfectly seasoned spinach felt like the ultimate comfort food. I knew this dish was going to be something special.

Assembling the Pockets

The fun part was assembling the pockets. Rolling out the dough, spreading the cheesy spinach mixture, and folding it over felt so satisfying. I made sure to pinch the edges tightly because I didn’t want any of that creamy goodness to escape while baking. After brushing the tops with olive oil and sprinkling a little salt, I popped them into the oven. The kitchen filled with the most wonderful aroma — warm, cheesy, and inviting.

Sharing the Delicious Results

When they came out of the oven, the pockets were perfectly golden and crispy. I couldn’t wait to take a bite. The first thing I noticed was how beautifully the cheese had melted, mixing with the spinach in every bite. It was such a simple dish, but it felt so rich and full of flavor. I shared them with my family, and they were a hit! Now, these Spinach and Cheese Pockets have become a go-to recipe whenever I need a quick, satisfying meal.

Chef’s Notes- Spinach and Cheese Pocket

• Make sure to knead the dough for at least 8-10 minutes. A well-kneaded dough is smooth and elastic, which ensures a light, airy crust.
• Press the thawed spinach between paper towels or in a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture. Any water left in the spinach can make the filling soggy.
• Don’t overfill the calzone. Too much filling can cause the dough to tear or leak during baking.
• Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 450°F before placing the calzones inside. This high temperature is key to achieving a golden, crispy crust while maintaining a soft interior.
• After folding the dough over the filling, firmly pinch the edges to seal and prevent leakage. Rolling the edges under creates a decorative and more secure seal.
• Let the dough rest after kneading and again after shaping into calzones. Resting ensures that the dough becomes easier to handle and rises properly, resulting in a tender bite.
• Brushing the calzone with olive oil before baking adds extra flavor and a beautiful sheen, helping to crisp the crust.

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Spinach and Cheese Pocket

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Course: Main Course, SnackCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Medium

Servings

4

pockets

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Calories

450

kcal

Resting Time

1

hour 

30

minutes

Total time

2

hours 

25

minutes

Dive into the world of flavors with this scrumptious Spinach and Cheese Pocket! Perfect for a quick meal or a delightful snack, this recipe combines the creamy goodness of ricotta and mozzarella with the nutritious punch of spinach, all wrapped in a golden, crispy dough. It’s a culinary masterpiece that even the most discerning palates will appreciate. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned cook, this recipe is your ticket to a delectable homemade treat. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your guests with this easy-to-make, mouthwatering creation!

Ingredients

• Dough Ingredients

• 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)

• 3/4 cup lukewarm water (110°F)

• 1 tsp granulated sugar

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

• 1 tsp sea salt

Directions

• Dough Preparation – In a small bowl, combine yeast with warm water and sugar; let it sit for about 3 minutes until frothy. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mixture using a spatula until it forms a rough dough.
• Filling Preparation – In a medium bowl, mix thawed spinach with ricotta and mozzarella cheeses. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Shaping the Calzone – Preheat oven to 450°F. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into an oval shape about 8 by 11 inches. Spread the filling over half of the dough, leaving a border around the edge.
• Sealing and Baking – Fold the dough over the filling and pinch edges to seal. Roll edges under to create a decorative rim. Place on a cornmeal-dusted baking sheet and brush with olive oil. Bake for 25 minutes until golden brown.

Equipment

• chef’s knife
• cutting board
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• measuring cups and spoons

Notes

• For best results, ensure the spinach is thoroughly drained to avoid soggy calzones. Serve with a side of marinara sauce or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to the filling for extra flavor!

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 450kcal
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 750mg
• Potassium: 300mg
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Vitamin A: 1500IU
• Vitamin C: 6mg
• Calcium: 250mg
• Iron: 3mg

FAQ-Spinach and Cheese Pocket

Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough works well as a time-saver. Just ensure it’s fresh and brought to room temperature before rolling out.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour mix and ensure the yeast is gluten-free.

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, you can! Sauté fresh spinach in a little olive oil until wilted, then drain it thoroughly before adding it to the cheese mixture.

How do I prevent the calzone from becoming soggy?

Make sure the spinach is well-drained, and avoid overfilling the calzone. Also, bake it on a high heat to crisp the dough quickly.

What can I serve with these spinach and cheese pockets?

These pockets are great with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, or you can serve them alongside a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.