Bacon And Spinach Calzone
There's something special about a warm, cheesy calzone, fresh out of the oven, that just can't be beat. As a home cook, I've always been drawn to the combination of crispy crust, gooey cheese, and savory fillings that a great calzone offers. In this recipe, we're going to take that classic calzone to the next level by adding the rich, smoky flavor of bacon and the freshness of spinach.
I remember the first time I made calzones at home - it was a bit of a disaster, to be honest! The dough was too thick, the filling was too sparse, and the whole thing ended up a bit of a mess. But I didn't give up. I kept experimenting, trying different combinations of ingredients and techniques until I landed on this recipe, which has become a staple in my household.
This Bacon And Spinach Calzone is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's easy to make, delicious, and can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you're a fan of spicy food or prefer milder flavors, this recipe is a great starting point.
One of the things I love about this recipe is the way the flavors all come together. The smokiness of the bacon pairs perfectly with the brightness of the spinach, while the cheese adds a rich, creamy element. And let's not forget the crust - crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and perfectly golden brown.
So if you're looking for a new recipe to add to your rotation, I highly recommend giving this Bacon And Spinach Calzone a try. It's a crowd-pleaser, and it's sure to become a favorite in your household, just like it has in mine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
- The combination of crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and gooey cheese is a match made in heaven.
- The calzone is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
- The recipe can be customized to suit your tastes, with options for spicy or mild flavors.
- The calzone is a great way to use up leftover ingredients, such as leftover bacon or spinach.
- The recipe makes a great addition to any meal, whether it's a main course or a side dish.
Why This Recipe Works
The key to a great calzone is in the balance of flavors and textures. In this recipe, we're using a combination of crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and gooey cheese to create a filling that's both savory and satisfying. The crust, made with a simple yeast dough, provides a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior that's perfect for holding all the fillings.
One of the most important things to get right when making calzones is the temperature and cooking time. If the oven is too hot, the crust will burn before the fillings are heated through. On the other hand, if the oven is too cool, the crust won't crisp up properly. In this recipe, we're using a moderate oven temperature and a relatively short cooking time to get the perfect balance of crispy crust and melted fillings.
Another important factor is the type of cheese used. In this recipe, we're using a combination of mozzarella and parmesan, which provides a nice balance of creaminess and flavor. The mozzarella melts beautifully, while the parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delicious Bacon And Spinach Calzone, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The most important thing is to use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh spinach and crispy bacon, to get the best flavor. You'll also need a few pantry staples, such as flour, yeast, and cheese, to make the crust and fillings.
When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose the freshest spinach you can find, and look for bacon that's smoked or cooked to your liking. You'll also want to select a good-quality cheese, such as mozzarella or parmesan, to get the best flavor.
- 1 lb (450g) pizza doughYou can either make your own pizza dough from scratch or use store-bought dough. If using store-bought, be sure to follow the package instructions for thawing and rising.
- 6 slices of baconYou can use any type of bacon you like, but thick-cut bacon works best for this recipe. Look for bacon that's smoked or cooked to your liking.
- 2 cups fresh spinach leavesFresh spinach is essential for this recipe, as it adds a bright, fresh flavor to the calzone. Be sure to choose leaves that are free of wilt and damage.
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheeseMozzarella cheese is a must for any calzone, as it melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture. You can use either fresh or dried mozzarella, depending on your preference.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to the calzone that complements the other ingredients perfectly. You can use either fresh or dried parmesan, depending on your preference.
- 1 egg, beatenThe beaten egg is used to brush the crust before baking, which helps to create a golden brown color and a crispy texture.
- 1 tsp dried oreganoDried oregano adds a pungent, earthy flavor to the calzone that pairs well with the bacon and spinach. You can use either dried or fresh oregano, depending on your preference.
- 1/2 tsp saltSalt is essential for bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients. Use a high-quality salt, such as kosher or sea salt, for the best flavor.
- 1/4 tsp black pepperBlack pepper adds a subtle, spicy flavor to the calzone that complements the other ingredients perfectly. Use a high-quality pepper, such as freshly ground black pepper, for the best flavor.
- 2 tbsp olive oilOlive oil is used to brush the crust before baking, which helps to create a crispy texture and a golden brown color.
Equipment You’ll Need
How to Make Bacon And Spinach Calzone
- 1Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- 2Roll out the pizza dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (6 mm). Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet.
- 3In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
- 4In the same skillet, add the fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
- 5In a large bowl, combine the cooked spinach, crispy bacon, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese. Mix well to combine.
- 6Brush the edges of the dough with the beaten egg. Spoon the spinach and bacon mixture onto one half of the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch (1 cm) border around the edges.
- 7Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, pressing the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges and create a decorative border.
- 8Brush the top of the calzone with olive oil and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
- 9Bake the calzone in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the fillings are heated through.
- 10Remove the calzone from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
- 11Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the calzone, which should be at least 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked.
- 12Slice the calzone into wedges and serve hot, garnished with additional parmesan cheese and fresh spinach leaves if desired.
Expert Tips
- To get a crispy crust, make sure to bake the calzone in a hot oven and for a relatively short amount of time.
- Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh spinach and crispy bacon, to get the best flavor.
- Don't overfill the calzone, as this can make it difficult to seal and can result in a messy filling.
- Let the calzone rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving, as this will help the fillings to set and the crust to stay crispy.
- Experiment with different fillings and toppings to create your own unique calzone recipes.
- Consider using a pizza stone in the oven to help create a crispy crust.
- If you're having trouble getting the calzone to seal, try using a little bit of water to help the dough stick together.
- To reheat a leftover calzone, simply bake it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for a few minutes, or until crispy and heated through.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling the calzone, which can make it difficult to seal and can result in a messy filling.
- Not baking the calzone in a hot enough oven, which can result in a soft or soggy crust.
- Not letting the calzone rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving, which can cause the fillings to spill out and the crust to lose its crispiness.
- Using low-quality ingredients, such as wilted spinach or soggy bacon, which can affect the flavor and texture of the calzone.
- Not using enough cheese, which can result in a dry or flavorless calzone.
- Not sealing the calzone properly, which can cause the fillings to escape during baking.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add some diced ham or prosciutto to the filling for added salty flavor.
- Use different types of cheese, such as gorgonzola or feta, to create a unique flavor profile.
- Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to the filling for added freshness.
- Use a different type of dough, such as whole wheat or gluten-free, to create a healthier or more unique calzone.
- Add some spicy pepperoni or sausage to the filling for added heat.
- Use a different type of filling, such as roasted vegetables or meatballs, to create a vegetarian or meat-lover's calzone.
What to Serve With Bacon And Spinach Calzone
This Bacon And Spinach Calzone is perfect for serving as a main course or as a side dish. You can serve it with a variety of sides, such as a green salad, roasted vegetables, or a hearty soup. It's also a great option for a party or gathering, as it's easy to make in large quantities and can be served hot or cold.
Some other ideas for serving this calzone include serving it with a side of marinara sauce or a green salad, or using it as a filling for a sandwich or wrap. You could also try serving it with a variety of dips or spreads, such as hummus or ranch dressing, for a fun and easy snack.
Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating
This Bacon And Spinach Calzone can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store in the fridge, simply wrap the calzone tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. To freeze, wrap the calzone tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
To reheat a leftover calzone, simply bake it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for a few minutes, or until crispy and heated through. You can also try reheating it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the crust to become soggy.
It's also a good idea to let the calzone cool completely before storing it, as this will help to prevent moisture from building up and causing the crust to become soggy. You can also try storing the calzone in a single layer in a container, rather than stacking them on top of each other, to help prevent moisture from building up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of dough should I use for this recipe?
You can use either homemade or store-bought pizza dough for this recipe. If using store-bought, be sure to follow the package instructions for thawing and rising.
Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Yes, you can use different types of cheese in this recipe, such as gorgonzola or feta, to create a unique flavor profile.
How do I get a crispy crust on my calzone?
To get a crispy crust on your calzone, make sure to bake it in a hot oven and for a relatively short amount of time. You can also try using a pizza stone in the oven to help create a crispy crust.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer until you're ready to bake it. Simply assemble the calzone and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
How do I reheat a leftover calzone?
To reheat a leftover calzone, simply bake it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for a few minutes, or until crispy and heated through. You can also try reheating it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the crust to become soggy.
Can I use this recipe to make individual calzones?
Yes, you can use this recipe to make individual calzones. Simply divide the dough and filling into smaller portions and assemble the calzones as instructed.
What's the best way to store leftover calzone?
The best way to store leftover calzone is to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the fridge or freezer. You can also try storing it in a single layer in a container, rather than stacking them on top of each other, to help prevent moisture from building up.
Can I freeze the calzone before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the calzone before baking. Simply assemble the calzone and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer and let the calzone freeze for about 30 minutes, or until frozen solid. Then, transfer the calzone to a freezer-safe bag or container and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) pizza dough
- 6 slices of bacon
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Roll out the pizza dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (6 mm). Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet.
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
- In the same skillet, add the fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked spinach, crispy bacon, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese. Mix well to combine.
- Brush the edges of the dough with the beaten egg. Spoon the spinach and bacon mixture onto one half of the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch (1 cm) border around the edges.
- Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, pressing the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges and create a decorative border.
- Brush the top of the calzone with olive oil and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
- Bake the calzone in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the fillings are heated through.
- Remove the calzone from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the calzone, which should be at least 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked.
- Slice the calzone into wedges and serve hot, garnished with additional parmesan cheese and fresh spinach leaves if desired.