Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love for vegan calzones! There’s just something about biting into a warm, doughy pocket filled with all those delicious veggies and melty vegan cheese that makes my heart sing. I remember the first time I made these for a dinner party. I was a bit nervous, thinking my friends wouldn’t enjoy a meat-free version. But wow, they devoured them in no time! The combination of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and cheesy goodness is simply irresistible. Plus, the beauty of this recipe is how versatile it is! You can throw in any veggies you have on hand or even add some spices to jazz it up. Trust me, once you try this vegan calzone recipe, you’ll be hooked just like I am!
Ingredients for Vegan Calzone Recipe
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1 cup vegan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
Make sure to measure everything out accurately! Fresh spinach, colorful mushrooms, and a good sprinkle of Italian seasoning really elevate the flavor. And don’t forget that warm water for the dough—it makes a world of difference. You can absolutely mix and match the fillings based on what you have at home, so feel free to get creative!
How to Prepare the Vegan Calzone Recipe
Prepping the Dough
Let’s start with the dough because that’s the foundation of our delicious calzones! In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt until they’re well combined. Then, add in the olive oil and warm water. Now comes the fun part—get your hands in there and knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once it feels just right, cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes. This resting period is crucial; it allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out later!
Making the Filling
While the dough is resting, let’s whip up the filling! Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions first and sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Then, add in the sliced mushrooms and chopped spinach. Cook everything together for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are soft and wilted. Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the vegan cheese, Italian seasoning, and nutritional yeast. Give it a good stir to combine everything—oh, the smell is heavenly!
Assembling the Calzones
Now, let’s get to the fun part—assembling our calzones! Once your dough has rested, divide it into four equal pieces. Roll each piece out on a floured surface into a circle, about 6 inches in diameter. Spoon a generous amount of the filling onto one half of each circle, leaving a little space around the edges. Carefully fold the other half over the filling and press the edges together to seal. For an extra touch, you can crimp the edges with a fork to make sure they’re sealed tight. Oops, don’t forget to poke a few holes in the top to let steam escape!
Baking the Calzones
Finally, we’re ready to bake! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place your calzones on it. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they turn a lovely golden brown. Keep an eye on them; you want that perfect crispiness! When they’re done, let them cool for a few minutes before diving in. You’ll be rewarded with a warm, cheesy, veggie-packed delight that’s sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Calzone Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for weeknight dinners!
- Loaded with fresh, vibrant veggies for a healthy twist.
- Cheesy, satisfying, and bursting with flavor that everyone will love.
- Customizable! Use whatever veggies or spices you have on hand.
- Great for meal prep—store in the fridge or freeze for later.
- Perfectly portable for lunches or picnics; just grab and go!
Trust me, once you whip up these calzones, you’ll want to make them again and again!
Tips for Success
To ensure your vegan calzones turn out perfectly, here are some pro tips! First, don’t rush the dough resting time; it really helps make rolling easier. If your dough feels sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour on your work surface. When sautéing the veggies, make sure not to overcrowd the pan—this helps them cook evenly and prevents them from steaming. Also, when sealing the edges, be sure to press firmly to avoid any leaks during baking. Lastly, keep an eye on the calzones in the oven; every oven is different, and you want that gorgeous golden color without overcooking them. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
These vegan calzones are not only delicious but also quite nutritious! Each calzone contains approximately 250 calories, with 8g of fat—just enough to keep you satisfied without weighing you down. You’ll also get around 8g of protein from the vegan cheese and veggies, making it a great option for a plant-based meal. Plus, with 40g of carbohydrates and 4g of fiber, they’ll keep your energy levels up. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy every bite guilt-free!
Serving Suggestions
These vegan calzones are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with a few tasty sides can elevate your meal! I love serving mine with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping—it’s just the perfect match! A fresh garden salad with a zesty vinaigrette also complements the calzones beautifully, adding a nice crunch. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try a side of roasted veggies for an extra dose of flavor. Enjoy your delicious meal!
FAQ about Vegan Calzone Recipe
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour can give your calzones a nutty flavor and extra fiber. Just note that the texture might be a bit denser, so you might need to adjust the water slightly to achieve the right consistency.
What can I substitute for vegan cheese?
If you don’t have vegan cheese on hand, no worries! You can use a mixture of mashed tofu with nutritional yeast or even a blend of cashews and herbs for a creamy filling. Just be sure to season it well!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover calzones can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully! Just wrap them tightly and pop them in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the dough and let it rest, then wrap it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
What other fillings can I use?
The sky’s the limit! Feel free to experiment with other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or even artichokes. You can also add some cooked lentils or chickpeas for extra protein. Just ensure you don’t overfill them, or they might burst in the oven!
Vegan Calzone Recipe: 5 Irresistible Comfort Bites
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 calzones 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A delicious vegan calzone filled with veggies and cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1 cup vegan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour and salt.
- Add olive oil and warm water. Knead until smooth.
- Let the dough rest for 30 minutes.
- Sauté spinach, mushrooms, and onion until soft.
- Mix in vegan cheese, Italian seasoning, and nutritional yeast.
- Roll out the dough and cut into circles.
- Spoon filling onto one half of each circle.
- Fold and seal the edges.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
Notes
- Serve with marinara sauce.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegan calzone recipe