Cheesy, crispy, comforting- basically a pocket of deliciousness! This Vegan Spinach Artichoke Calzones recipe checks all of the boxes and it’s completely plant-based. Mmmmmm.
Dough
There is just something about a pocket! Pizza is terrific, don’t get me wrong. But sometimes it’s nice for a little change.
This Vegan Spinach Artichoke Calzones brings all the flavor of pizza but it’s also fun to eat! Any regular pizza dough can be used or you can even opt for gluten free.
Calzones are better when they are extra crispy, so we recommend rolling it as thin as you can. Once it’s rolled, it’s ready to be filled!
Creamy Plant-based Cheese
Whenever possible, it’s best to try and eat foods that have been minimally processed. This cheese alternative is made from raw cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and tapioca starch. The starch makes this “cheese” perfectly stretchy which is just what this Vegan Spinach Artichoke Calzones ordered!
First all of the cheese ingredients are blended. Then, It is heated in a saucepan until your faux cheese thickens and actually has the texture of melted dairy-based cheese. It’s unbelievable!
There’s Veggies Too!
Once you have your dough and vegan mozzarella ready, it’s time to add some veggies. Salty artichoke hearts and sautéed spinach with garlic taste splendidly with the stretchy cheese.
We used canned artichoke hearts to save a little time since everything else is being made from scratch. Just chop them up into small pieces so they are throughout your calzones. If you love artichoke, you can also use two 14 ounce can rather than one.
Pizza by any other name
Pie, pizza, slice, and CALZONE! Yes, it is just a whole pie folded over but it brings an entirely new element to your favorite Friday meal.
The best part? A calzone isn’t any more difficult to make than a traditional pizza! So go ahead, enjoy this Vegan Spinach Artichoke Calzones this Friday. Or Monday. Or Tuesday. Or… you get the idea. Enjoy!
- Cheese
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 7 Tbsp tapioca starch
- 4 Tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 2 Cups hot water
- Calzone
- 1 14.1 oz can of artichoke hearts chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 onion sliced
- 1 5oz container of fresh spinach
- Pre-made Pizza dough (gluten free is necessary)
- Soak the nuts for 8 hours or boil for 15 minutes and make your dough if needed. Set aside and allow to rise.
- Prepare all produce.
- Add the drained cashews and the rest of the cheese ingredients to a high speed blender and purée until very smooth. Set aside.
- In a skillet with a small amount of oil, over medium heat, sauté the onion for 7-10 minutes. Or until slightly brown. Add the garlic and artichokes and sauté for 3 more minutes.
- Next add the fresh spinach and cover to allow it to wilt. Once wilted and incorporated. Set aside.
- Add the liquid cheese mixture to a sauce pan over medium heat. Stir constantly for approx. 5 minutes or until the mixture has thickened. Transfer to a bowl and cover with a damp cloth.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Roll the dough into 12 inch rounds. The dough we used allowed us to make 4 calzones.
- Place a layer of cheese on one half of the circle and top with spinach mixture. Fold the other half over the filling and roll the edge to seal. Place a thin layer of water over the seal with your finger to assure it sticks.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Serve with fresh basil and your favorite tomato sauce, if desired.
- Enjoy.
Here are some other scrumptious pizza recipes if you aren’t in the mood for folding…
