If you’re craving a flavorful, Mediterranean-inspired dish, these Delicious Spinach and Feta Cheese Calzones are the perfect solution! With a perfect combination of fresh spinach, fennel, red pepper, and tangy feta, these calzones bring together healthy ingredients and irresistible flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for friends and family, these calzones are a fantastic way to enjoy a homemade, comforting meal. Let’s dive into this simple yet delicious recipe for spinach and feta cheese calzones!

Ingredients for the Filling:

• 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced or diced
• 50 g fresh spinach leaves
• 50 g pancetta, chopped (optional)
• 50 g shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
• 100 g crumbled feta cheese
• 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon (optional, for a fresh touch)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
If you’re using the pizza dough recipe we made earlier, allow the dough to rest for at least 1 hour, until it doubles in size. Alternatively, make a fresh batch using the same dough instructions.

2. Cook the Filling:

• Sauté the Vegetables: Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, fennel, and red bell pepper. Stir occasionally for 5-7 minutes, allowing them to soften.
• Incorporate the Pancetta: Once the vegetables are soft, add the chopped pancetta. Cook until it turns golden and crispy.
• Add Spinach and Season: Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cook them until they wilt. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme.
• Cool the Filling: Remove from heat and let the mixture cool before adding the cheeses.

3. Assemble the Calzones:

• Roll the Dough: Divide the dough into 4-6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle about 20 cm in diameter.
• Add the Filling: Place the filling in the center of each dough circle, leaving space around the edges.
• Seal the Calzones: Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together, then crimp with a fork to seal.

4. Bake the Calzones:

• Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 200°C (392°F). If you have a pizza stone, preheat it as well for an extra crispy crust.
• Bake: Place the calzones on a baking sheet and brush with a little olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

• Add Fresh Lemon: Once out of the oven, drizzle the calzones with a bit of lemon juice for a fresh twist. Serve them with marinara sauce or pesto for dipping, if desired.

Additional Tips:

• If the spinach is too watery, squeeze out the excess moisture before adding it to the filling.
• For extra crunch, try adding pine nuts or pistachios to the filling.
• Swap the pancetta for turkey bacon or skip the meat for a vegetarian version.