Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a fun and delicious treat – heart-shaped mini calzones! These adorable, savory pastries are perfect for a romantic dinner, a special family meal, or even a festive party. Filled with your favorite ingredients, these mini calzones are both customizable and easy to make. Follow this recipe to create a delightful dish that’s sure to impress your loved ones.
Ingredients for Heart Shaped Mini Calzones
For the Dough
- All-Purpose Flour – 2 1/2 cups
- Active Dry Yeast – 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- Warm Water – 1 cup
- Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons
- Sugar – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
For the Filling
- Ricotta Cheese – 1 cup
- Mozzarella Cheese – 1 cup, shredded
- Parmesan Cheese – 1/2 cup, grated
- Pepperoni – 1/2 cup, chopped (optional)
- Spinach – 1 cup, chopped
- Marinara Sauce – 1 cup
- Italian Seasoning – 1 teaspoon
- Salt and Pepper – to taste
For Assembly
- Egg – 1, beaten (for egg wash)
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – for brushing
- Flour – for dusting
How to Make Heart Shaped Mini Calzones
1. Prepare the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until the dough comes together.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling
- Mix the Cheeses: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
- Add the Fillings: Stir in the chopped pepperoni (if using), spinach, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Assemble the Mini Calzones
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into small balls (about 2 inches in diameter). Roll each ball out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut Out Hearts: Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out as many heart shapes as possible. Gather the scraps, reroll, and cut more hearts until all the dough is used.
- Fill the Calzones: Place a teaspoon of the cheese filling in the center of half of the heart-shaped dough pieces. Brush the edges with a little water.
- Seal the Calzones: Place another heart-shaped dough piece on top and press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
- Egg Wash and Bake: Place the filled calzones on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown.
4. Serve
- Warm and Serve: Let the calzones cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve them warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
About the Main Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
All-Purpose Flour: This versatile flour is perfect for creating a soft and chewy dough. It provides the structure needed to hold the fillings and maintain the heart shape.
Active Dry Yeast: Yeast is essential for the dough to rise and develop a light, airy texture. Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best results.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds flavor and helps to create a tender dough. It also keeps the dough from drying out during the rising process.
Sugar and Salt: Sugar feeds the yeast, helping it to activate and rise. Salt enhances the flavor of the dough and helps to control the yeast’s activity.
Filling Ingredients
Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta adds creaminess and a mild flavor to the filling. It helps to bind the other ingredients together.
Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella is known for its melting qualities, making it perfect for gooey, cheesy calzones.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a sharp, salty flavor that complements the milder cheeses.
Pepperoni: Optional but adds a classic pizza flavor. It can be substituted with other meats like sausage or ham.
Spinach: Adds a nutritious element to the calzones, providing vitamins and minerals. It also adds a nice texture and flavor contrast.
Marinara Sauce: Marinara is used as a dipping sauce, adding a tangy, savory element that pairs perfectly with the cheesy calzones.
Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme adds a burst of flavor to the filling.
Heart-shaped mini calzones are a delightful and festive way to celebrate Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. They are easy to make, customizable, and sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. The combination of a homemade dough filled with creamy cheeses, savory pepperoni, and nutritious spinach, all served with a tangy marinara sauce, creates a perfect bite-sized treat. Enjoy making and sharing these adorable mini calzones with your loved ones!
