Super Bowl Party Food Mini Calzones

Name: Super Bowl Party Food Mini Calzones
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 24 mini calzones
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet active dry yeast; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup warm water; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup sliced pepperoni; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 egg (beaten for egg wash); 2 tablespoons marinara sauce (for serving)

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I love hosting Super Bowl parties, and these mini calzones have become a crowd favorite. The concept of bite-sized treats makes them perfect for game day. With a delightful mix of cheeses, meats, and fresh ingredients, they’re not only delicious but also super easy to customize. Making them from scratch is truly rewarding, and I often find myself grating the cheese and folding the dough, savoring each step. Trust me, once you try these, they will be the star of your Super Bowl spread!

Created by

Lillian Hayes

Last updated on 2026-01-10T12:13:08.863Z

Creating these mini calzones was a delightful challenge that taught me a lot about dough handling. I experimented with different fillings before settling on the classic combination of pepperoni and mozzarella. The secret to achieving that golden-brown crust lies in not overworking the dough and letting it rest before rolling it out.

One crucial tip I discovered is to avoid overstuffing the calzones—too much filling can lead to messy bursts during baking. By keeping the filling moderate, you achieve a perfectly baked mini calzone that has just the right balance of flavors.

        Why You'll Love These Mini Calzones
        Perfectly portable bites for your guests
Endless filling options to please any palate
Crispy exterior with a warm, gooey center

      

The Importance of the Dough

The foundation of any great calzone lies in its dough. This recipe employs a straightforward yeast dough that's both soft and chewy, providing the perfect base for all your favorite fillings. Letting the dough rise for 30 minutes not only develops its flavor but also ensures it becomes airy and manageable. If you're short on time, you can keep it in a slightly warmer area, such as near an oven, which can speed up the yeast activation process without compromising quality.

Remember to knead the dough adequately, around 5 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. This step is crucial because it develops the gluten structure, which ultimately contributes to that delightful chewiness. When you roll out the dough, ensure it’s not too thick; a thickness of about 1/4 inch will allow for that crispy exterior while still holding the filling inside. If you find the dough is too sticky, dust with a bit of flour as you roll.

Tailoring Your Filling

The filling is where you can truly make these mini calzones your own. While the recipe suggests mozzarella and ricotta as a base, feel free to swap in cheeses that melt well, such as provolone or fontina. For a vegetarian option, replace pepperoni with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. Just ensure the moisture of the vegetables is minimized by cooking them down before adding to the filling to prevent a soggy calzone.

In terms of flavor, consider adding minced garlic or red pepper flakes to the filling for an extra kick. Fresh herbs like oregano or thyme can also enhance the taste. Mixing in some jarred pesto would provide a fresh twist, infusing the calzones with aromatic basil and nuts. This versatility will guarantee that every batch can be unique and tailored to the preferences of your guests.

Perfecting the Bake

The baking process is essential in achieving that golden, crispy exterior we all love. An oven preheated to 400°F (200°C) is ideal, as it allows the calzones to rise properly before browning. Arrange them with enough space on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking—about an inch apart works well. If you're baking multiple trays, rotate them halfway through for even browning.

To check for doneness, look for that lovely golden brown color on top. It typically takes between 15 to 20 minutes. If you notice that they are browning too quickly, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while allowing them to finish cooking. Once out of the oven, let them rest briefly; this will help the cheese settle and prevent burns when biting into them.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for your mini calzones:

For the Dough

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm water
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Filling

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup sliced pepperoni
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Topping

1 egg (beaten for egg wash)
2 tablespoons marinara sauce (for serving)

Ensure everything is prepped before you begin assembling the calzones!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create delicious mini calzones:

Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until frothy. In a separate bowl, combine flour and salt. Slowly add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients, mixing until dough forms.

Knead for 5 minutes, then let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.

Make the Filling

In a bowl, combine mozzarella, ricotta, pepperoni, Parmesan, basil, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into 4-inch circles.

Assemble the Calzones

Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal. Brush the tops with beaten egg.

Bake

Arrange calzones on a greased baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm with marinara sauce.

Enjoy the fun of sharing these tasty bites with friends and family!

Pro Tips

For a twist, experiment with different fillings such as sautéed vegetables or cooked chicken. Always remember to let the calzones cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth on the hot filling!

Storage and Freezing Tips

If you've made a large batch and want to save some for later, these calzones freeze exceptionally well. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through, maintaining that crispy texture.

For short-term storage, these mini calzones can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a minute or two, but be cautious as this method might soften the crust. If you prefer them crispy, opt for the oven, which will restore some crunch while warming them up.

Serving Suggestions

Serving these mini calzones with a side of marinara sauce is a classic choice, but you can elevate the experience by offering a few different dipping sauces. Consider garlic aioli or a spicy ranch dressing to add variety and cater to different tastes. Placing a small bowl of fresh basil or red pepper flakes on the table can also give your guests the opportunity to personalize their calzones.

Another fun serving idea is to create a calzone platter with a variety of fillings and sauces, allowing guests to sample different flavor combinations. You could even make a theme out of it—Italian-Mediterranean with ingredients like feta and olives, or a BBQ twist with shredded chicken and cheese. The options are endless!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the dough the day before and store it in the refrigerator overnight.

→ What other fillings can I use?

You can get creative with fillings like spinach and feta, ham and cheese, or even dessert fillings like Nutella and bananas.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

→ Can I freeze these calzones?

Absolutely! Freeze the assembled but unbaked calzones on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.