Super Bowl Mini Calzones

Name: Super Bowl Mini Calzones
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 mini calzones
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup water; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or any choice of filling); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup diced bell peppers (optional); 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I love making these Super Bowl Mini Calzones for game day because they're fun to eat and easy to customize with different fillings. The combination of crispy crust and gooey cheese is always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they can be prepped ahead of time, so when the big game starts, I can just pop them in the oven and enjoy the festivities without fussing in the kitchen.

Created by

Sienna Brooks

Last updated on 2026-01-12T00:25:11.127Z

When I created these Mini Calzones, I wanted to capture the essence of a pizza but in a portable form. I experimented with different fillings, from classic cheese and pepperoni to veggies and pesto, and found that no matter the combination, they always turned out delicious. The trick is to seal them well to prevent any filling from escaping while baking.

Another tip I discovered is to brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle a bit of Italian seasoning before baking. It gives them an extra beautiful color and enhances the flavors. Every time I serve these at parties, they disappear in minutes!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Crispy crust that holds delicious fillings without making a mess
Customizable to suit all tastes, from meat lovers to veggie fans
Perfect bite-sized snacks for parties or game days

      

Understanding Your Dough

The dough for these calzones is a crucial component that sets the stage for the entire dish. Using all-purpose flour gives the calzones their structure, while the baking powder provides a tender, flaky texture. Kneading the dough for about five minutes ensures gluten development, which is essential for a satisfyingly chewy crust. If you find the dough too sticky, add a bit more flour, but be cautious—adding too much can lead to a dense result. It’s also important to let the dough rest for a short period to relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out.

When rolling out the dough, aim for about 1/8-inch thickness, which allows for a crispy exterior while still being sturdy enough to hold your fillings. A floured surface and a rolling pin are your best friends here. If you want to add a bit more flavor, consider incorporating herbs like oregano or garlic powder directly into the dough. This can elevate the overall taste and make your calzones even more irresistible.

Filling Variations and Tips

The filling for your calzones is where you can really let your creativity shine. While I've suggested mozzarella and ricotta as a base, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like provolone or feta for unique flavor profiles. If you’re aiming for a veggie-packed calzone, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or olives, which can also be frozen for later use. Make sure to avoid overly wet fillings, as they can make the calzone soggy, so if you’re using fresh vegetables, sauté them lightly beforehand to reduce moisture.

For a spicier kick, try adding jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the filling. If you're looking for healthier options, turkey pepperoni or a mix of beans and vegetables works well for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor. Just remember to balance the flavors and textures—crunchy elements can complement the creaminess of the cheeses and make each bite exciting.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before starting your calzones:

Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons olive oil

Filling

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or any choice of filling)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Make sure to have these ingredients measured and ready!

Instructions

Follow these steps to assemble and bake your calzones:

Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add water and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.

Cover it with a cloth and let it rest for 10 minutes.

Make the Filling

In a separate bowl, mix the mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, pepperoni, diced bell peppers, and Italian seasoning. Ensure everything is well combined.

Assemble the Calzones

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the dough and cut it into 4-inch circles. Place a small spoonful of the filling on one half of each circle.

Fold the dough over and seal the edges using a fork.

Bake

Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Keep an eye on the calzones to prevent over-baking!

Pro Tips

Make sure not to overfill the calzones to avoid leaks during baking. If you have leftover dough, you can create smaller snacks or toppers for salads.

Make-Ahead and Storage

These calzones can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for busy game days. You can prepare the dough and filling, then assemble the calzones and store them uncooked in the fridge for up to 24 hours. If you want to make them even further in advance, freeze the assembled calzones individually on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and keep them for up to three months. Just be sure to bake them directly from frozen; increase the baking time by about 5-10 minutes, and they’ll come out piping hot and golden.

Proper storage is key to maintaining the texture and flavor of your calzones. After baking, allow them to cool completely before storing leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last for about 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes for the best texture, as microwaving can lead to a soggy crust.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your calzone filling leaks during baking, it could be due to overfilling or not properly sealing the edges. Always leave a small border around the dough edge when adding filling, and make sure to crimp the edges tightly with a fork to create a good seal. Another common problem is a soggy bottom; using parchment paper can help with crisping, and pre-baking the calzone base for a few minutes before adding filling can also mitigate this issue.

In cases where the dough is too tough, this often results from over-kneading or using too much flour. Aim for a soft, pliable dough, and remember that it's better to err on the side of under-kneading if you're unsure. If the calzones don’t rise as expected, ensure that your baking powder is fresh, as expired leavening agents can lead to a flat, dense texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought dough?

Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough can save time and work just as well.

→ What other fillings work well?

You can use any fillings you like, such as spinach and feta, or even sweet fillings like Nutella and bananas!

→ Can I freeze the calzones?

Yes! After assembling, freeze the calzones on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the time.

→ How do I reheat leftover calzones?

The best way to reheat them is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to keep them crispy.