Super Bowl Mini Calzones

Name: Super Bowl Mini Calzones
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp sugar; 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast; ¾ cup warm water; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup diced pepperoni; ½ cup ricotta cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)

Highlighted under: Comfort Inspiration

I absolutely love making Super Bowl Mini Calzones for game day. These little pockets of joy are filled with delicious ingredients that everyone loves. Whether they are stuffed with pepperoni, cheese, or fresh vegetables, they are always a hit at our gatherings. The dough is easy to prepare, and the options for fillings are virtually endless. Baking them gives a crisp texture, making them perfect for dipping into marinara sauce. I can’t wait to share this recipe with you, as I know it will become a favorite at your parties too!

Created by

Esmeray Collins

Last updated on 2026-01-13T02:25:35.403Z

When I first created these Super Bowl Mini Calzones, I wanted to make a fun and portable snack for my friends to enjoy while we cheered on our team. I experimented with different fillings and settled on a classic mix of mozzarella and pepperoni, which never fails to impress.

The key to a perfect calzone is ensuring the dough is rolled thin enough, allowing for that delightful crispness once baked. Additionally, a brush of olive oil before baking enhances flavor and gives it a beautiful golden color. Trust me, these will disappear fast!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Customizable fillings to suit everyone's tastes
Perfectly crispy crust with a gooey interior
Ideal for party snacking or a fun family meal

      

Understanding the Dough

The dough for these mini calzones is the foundation for great flavor and texture. Using all-purpose flour balances structure and tenderness, while the olive oil enriches the dough, contributing to a crisp crust when baked. Be sure to mix the yeast with warm water—around 110°F (43°C)—to activate it properly; too hot can kill the yeast. Kneading until smooth is crucial, as this develops the gluten, giving your calzones their desired chewiness. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour as you knead to achieve the right consistency.

Allowing the dough to rise is an essential step in developing flavor. The 30 minutes of rising lets the yeast work, resulting in a light and airy texture. If you find that your dough isn’t rising, double-check that your yeast is active—if it doesn’t froth, it may be expired. For a deeper flavor, consider letting the dough rise in the refrigerator overnight and bringing it back to room temperature before shaping.

Exploring Filling Variations

The filling options for your mini calzones are virtually endless, making them perfect for catering to various dietary preferences. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, substitute the pepperoni with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers. You could also include feta cheese or olives for added texture and flavor. To maintain the moisture balance, avoid overloading the calzones with fillings, as this can cause them to burst while baking.

For a spicy kick, incorporate some sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes into your filling mixture. Additionally, I love using different types of cheese—try swapping half of the mozzarella for provolone or gouda for a unique flavor profile. Just ensure that whatever fillings you choose are cut into small pieces for even distribution and optimal baking.

Serving and Storing Calzones

Once baked, serve your mini calzones immediately for the best flavor and texture. The golden, crispy crust is perfect for dipping, and pairing them with warm marinara sauce enhances the overall experience. For a twist, consider making a garlic butter glaze to brush on top right after they come out of the oven—just melt butter with minced garlic and a sprinkle of parsley for a delicious finishing touch.

If you have leftover calzones, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, until heated through. Alternatively, you can freeze uncooked calzones before baking; just assemble and freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add a few extra minutes to the oven time.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before you start cooking for a seamless experience.

Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
¾ cup warm water
2 tbsp olive oil

Fillings

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup diced pepperoni
½ cup ricotta cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Steps

Follow these simple steps to create delightful mini calzones.

Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, combine the warm water and sugar, then sprinkle yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. In a separate bowl, mix flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, mix mozzarella, pepperoni, ricotta, and Italian seasoning. Set aside.

Assemble the Calzones

After the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into 4-inch circles. Place a spoonful of filling onto each circle, fold in half, and crimp edges to seal.

Bake

Arrange the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with olive oil. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve

Let the calzones cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Enjoy your homemade Super Bowl Mini Calzones with friends and family!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to your filling. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top before baking can also elevate the taste.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your calzones are sealing poorly, it’s usually due to excess filling or not crimping the edges tightly enough. Make sure to leave enough space around the edges when adding your filling and press firmly to create a strong seal. If they still open during baking, consider using a fork to crimp the edges more securely. You might also try brushing the edges with a bit of beaten egg before sealing; this acts as glue.

Another common issue is dough that's too dry or too wet. If your dough is dry and crumbly, add a teaspoon of warm water while kneading to bring it together. Conversely, if it’s too wet, incorporate a bit more flour gradually. Remember to adjust based on the humidity in your environment; sometimes unexpected weather can impact dough consistency.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable. If you’re hosting a large gathering, simply double the ingredient quantities, ensuring that your kneading and baking times may slightly increase due to the larger batch. When assembling the calzones, work in smaller batches to maintain uniformity in size and ease of handling. Each calzone should be consistent in thickness for even baking, so adjust your rolling technique accordingly.

For smaller gatherings or a quick snack, you can halve the recipe. Just be mindful of shrinking your baking time, as fewer calzones will need less time in the oven. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the recommended baking time, and use visual cues—look for that golden brown color indicating they are ready to be enjoyed.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough is a great time-saver.

→ What other fillings can I use?

You can mix it up with cooked chicken, spinach, or even a vegan filling.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can these be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble them and freeze before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.