Super Bowl Mini Calzones

Name: Super Bowl Mini Calzones
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 calzones
Ingredients: 1 cup warm water; 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast; 2 1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup pepperoni slices; 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers; 1/4 cup marinara sauce (for dipping); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Highlighted under: Everyday World Food Recipes

I love making Super Bowl Mini Calzones for our game day gatherings because they offer the perfect combination of flavor and fun! These mini calzones are not only delicious but also super easy to customize with your favorite fillings. Whether you prefer classic pepperoni, fresh vegetables, or a gooey cheese blend, I find that everyone gets excited about choosing their own ingredients. They cook quickly, which means I can whip up a few batches just before the game starts, keeping everyone happy and satisfied during the big play!

Created by

Elowen Carter

Last updated on 2026-01-13T02:49:34.891Z

Making these Mini Calzones has become a cherished tradition in my house each Super Bowl season. The creativity that goes into each calzone is what I cherish the most; everyone can express their taste preferences. Just the other day, I experimented with a sweet and savory combination using fig jam and goat cheese, and it was a hit!

Another tip I've learned is to pre-bake the calzones for 7 minutes and then freeze them. This way, I can make them ahead of time and just pop them in the oven when it’s game time. The golden crust turns flaky and crispy, while the inside remains warm and melty, ensuring every bite is heavenly!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Cute, bite-sized treats that are perfect for sharing
Endless filling options for everyone’s taste buds
Easy to make ahead and cook right before the game

Understanding the Dough

The dough is the foundation of your calzones, and getting it right is crucial. The warm water activates the yeast and helps the dough rise, creating that delightful texture we all love. If you're unsure about the yeast's potency, you can test it by adding a pinch of sugar to the warm water and waiting for about 10 minutes; if it bubbles, you’re good to go! Remember to knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, which usually takes about 5 minutes.

When adding flour, do so gradually until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. This step is vital to prevent a sticky mess. If your dough feels too dry, add a teaspoon of water; too wet? Dust with a bit of flour. Achieving a slight tackiness is ideal, as this indicates it will rise beautifully without sticking excessively.

Filling Peformance

Choosing the right fillings brings your mini calzones to life! While the recipe suggests mozzarella and ricotta, feel free to experiment. Sharp cheddar or provolone could offer a different flavor profile. For a healthier option, substitute turkey pepperoni or even skip the meat entirely with a hearty mix of sautéed mushrooms and spinach, enhancing the nutritional value without sacrificing taste.

Adding a teaspoon of Italian seasoning is excellent for flavor development, but consider integrating garlic powder or fresh basil for additional depth. Remember not to overfill your calzones; leave some space for the dough to seal properly, which prevents the fillings from leaking out during baking. A heaping tablespoon of filling per calzone is usually a safe bet.

Baking Tips and Serving Suggestions

Baking at the right temperature is essential for achieving the perfect golden-brown crust. If your mini calzones aren’t browning enough after 12 minutes, a quick broil on high for 1-2 minutes can add a nice finishing touch—but keep a close eye to avoid burning. The internal temperature should ideally reach 190°F (88°C), ensuring the cheese is melted and the dough is fully cooked.

Serve your calzones piping hot alongside marinara sauce for dipping. For a fun twist, pair them with a side of ranch dressing or a zesty pesto. Present them on a large platter for communal sharing, and consider adding a fresh salad to balance out the flavors. These calzones also make for great leftovers; reheat them in the oven for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delicious mini calzones:

For the Dough

1 cup warm water
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
2 1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar

For the Filling

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup pepperoni slices
1/4 cup chopped bell peppers
1/4 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Once you have gathered all the ingredients, we can start preparing these tasty bites!

Instructions

Follow these steps to whip up your calzones:

Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Mix in sugar, olive oil, and salt. Gradually add flour, stirring until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.

Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm area until doubled in size, around 30 minutes.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough is rising.

Shape the Calzones

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle and fill with desired ingredients. Fold and seal the edges with a fork.

Bake

Place the calzones on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve hot with marinara sauce on the side.

Enjoy your mini calzones with friends and family during the game!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, brush the tops of the calzones with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder or Parmesan cheese before baking.

Make-Ahead Options

These mini calzones are excellent for meal prep! You can prepare the dough and filling in advance and chill them separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just remember to let the dough come back to room temperature before rolling out, which should take about 30 minutes. This way, you can save time on game day while still serving fresh calzones.

If you're in bulk-making mode, consider freezing the assembled calzones. You can either freeze them before baking or bake them first and then freeze for later consumption. Just layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Scaling the Recipe

If you're anticipating a larger crowd, scaling up the recipe is simple! For every additional dozen calzones, use 1 cup of warm water, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and proportionally increase your flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Keep in mind that larger batches might require a longer rise time, so keep an eye on how much the dough swells.

In contrast, if you want to make a smaller batch, simply halve the ingredient amounts. This works particularly well without compromising flavor or texture, and you'll still enjoy the same delightful experience. It’s a great way to test new fillings without committing to a full recipe.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes! Store-bought pizza dough works great for an even quicker preparation.

→ What are some good filling suggestions?

Feel free to use vegetables, different cheeses, or cooked meats like chicken or sausage for variety.

→ Can these be frozen?

Absolutely! You can make a batch ahead of time and freeze them before baking. Just bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes.

→ How can I make these healthier?

Consider using whole wheat flour, and packing them with veggies and lean proteins for a healthier twist.