Super Bowl Mini Calzones

Name: Super Bowl Mini Calzones
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 24 mini calzones
Ingredients: 1 pound pizza dough; Flour for dusting; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni; 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers; 1/4 cup ricotta cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 egg, beaten (for brushing); Parmesan cheese (for sprinkling)

Highlighted under: Cozy Comfort Meals Collection

I love making Super Bowl Mini Calzones for game day! They are bite-sized, easy to hold, and packed with delicious flavors, making them perfect for gathering with friends and family. The best part is how customizable they are; you can fill them with your favorite ingredients. It’s a fun way to enjoy pizza in a new form, and they always leave my guests wanting more. Plus, they’re easy to prepare ahead of time, allowing me to spend more time enjoying the game and less in the kitchen.

Created by

Prudence Whitby

Last updated on 2026-01-13T02:23:35.661Z

When I first experimented with these Mini Calzones, I didn’t expect them to be such a hit at our Super Bowl parties. The combination of gooey cheese, savory meats, and bright veggies enclosed in a golden crust is simply irresistible. I found that using store-bought dough saves time without sacrificing flavor, allowing me to whip up batches quickly.

One tip that has transformed my calzones is to pre-cook the fillings slightly. This ensures they are flavorful and not too watery, keeping the crust perfectly crisp. Trust me, serving these fresh out of the oven will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Deliciously cheesy and packed with flavor
Perfectly portable for game day or parties
Easily customizable for everyone’s taste

Understanding the Dough

The dough is the foundation of your calzones, and using high-quality pizza dough is essential for achieving the perfect texture. You can buy pre-made dough or make your own from scratch. If you're making it from scratch, allow it to rest for at least 30 minutes before rolling out. This step relaxes the gluten, making it easier to shape and preventing it from shrinking back after you cut it into squares.

When rolling out the dough, dust your surface and rolling pin with flour to prevent sticking. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch; this will ensure that your calzones have a nice chew without becoming too doughy. If the dough becomes too sticky while rolling, sprinkle a little extra flour, but be careful not to overdo it. Over-flouring can toughen the dough.

Perfecting the Filling

The filling is where you can truly express your creativity! The combination of mozzarella and ricotta in this recipe creates a gooey, creamy interior, while the pepperoni adds a punch of flavor. Feel free to experiment with other fillings like cooked sausage, spinach, or even a blend of different cheeses. Just remember, too much filling can make sealing difficult, so stick to about a tablespoon per square.

If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can swap out the pepperoni for a mix of mushrooms, zucchini, or artichokes. Just sauté these vegetables first to reduce moisture, which can make the calzones soggy. Also, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano for an extra layer of flavor. Be mindful of the seasoning: a little salt and pepper can go a long way to enhance the overall taste.

Ingredients

Dough

1 pound pizza dough
Flour for dusting

Filling

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
1/4 cup ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
Parmesan cheese (for sprinkling)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle. Cut into 3-inch squares.

Make the Filling

In a bowl, combine the mozzarella, pepperoni, bell peppers, ricotta, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.

Assemble the Calzones

Place about a tablespoon of filling in the center of each dough square. Fold the dough over and pinch the edges to seal tightly. Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with Parmesan.

Bake

Arrange the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve

Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with marinara sauce for dipping!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, add garlic powder to the filling or use different cheeses. Make sure not to overfill the calzones to avoid leakage during baking.

Make-Ahead Tips

These mini calzones can be assembled a day in advance, making them ideal for busy game day preparations. Once you've filled and sealed the calzones, place them on a baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, simply remove the wrap, brush with the beaten egg, and bake as directed. This will save you valuable time on the day of the event.

If you want to prepare them even further ahead of time, consider freezing the uncooked calzones. Arrange them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake from frozen, add 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure they're fully cooked through.

Serving Suggestions

These calzones are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when they are warm, golden, and crispy. Serve them with a side of marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. You can elevate the experience by preparing a variety of dipping sauces, such as garlic aioli or spicy sriracha sauce, to cater to diverse tastes and keep the excitement alive during your gathering.

For a touch of presentation, consider garnishing the calzones with freshly chopped parsley or basil after baking. This will not only add a pop of color but also enhance the flavor. You can also offer a side of mixed greens or a simple salad as a refreshing counterpart to the savory calzones.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought dough?

Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a great time-saver.

→ What other fillings can I use?

Feel free to get creative! You can use vegetables, different meats, or even sweet fillings like Nutella and strawberries.

→ How should 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 mini calzones?

Yes! Freeze them before baking. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time from frozen.