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 pound pizza dough; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup pepperoni slices; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Marinara sauce for dipping; Olive oil for brushing

Highlighted under: Everyday Planning

I love making Super Bowl Mini Calzones because they are the ultimate game day snack! These bite-sized pockets are filled with a delicious mix of mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and Italian herbs. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also disappear quickly once the first halftime commercial hits. I often make a big batch and serve them alongside marinara sauce for dipping, making them a hit at any party. Trust me, you’ll want to save this recipe for your next gathering!

Created by

Briar Kensington

Last updated on 2026-01-13T04:49:43.341Z

When I first made these Super Bowl Mini Calzones, I was amazed at how simple yet satisfying they turned out. The trick is to use store-bought pizza dough, which saves a lot of time without sacrificing flavor. I remember rolling out the dough into small rounds and filling them with a generous amount of cheese and my favorite toppings. The aroma while they baked in the oven was incredible, and as soon as I pulled them out, they were gone in minutes!

One helpful tip I discovered is to brush the calzones with olive oil before baking. This creates a beautiful golden-brown crust that not only looks appetizing but adds a wonderful crunch. I often experiment with different fillings, like veggies or chicken, but my classic pepperoni and cheese combo will always be my favorite for game day.

        Why You'll Love These Mini Calzones
        A delicious blend of flavors in every bite
Perfect for sharing with friends during the game
Customizable with your favorite fillings

      

Perfecting the Dough

Using fresh pizza dough is key to achieving the ideal texture for your mini calzones. When rolling out the dough, aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch to ensure they bake through evenly. If you're short on time, store-bought dough is a great alternative. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling to prevent it from shrinking back.

One common issue with homemade calzones is that they can sometimes burst open during baking. To avoid this, ensure you adequately seal the edges by pinching them firmly together and crimping with a fork. This extra step not only reinforces the seal but adds a charming decorative touch as well.

Filling Variations

These mini calzones are highly customizable! While a classic filling of mozzarella, pepperoni, and herbs is undeniably tasty, feel free to experiment. Substitute the pepperoni with cooked sausage, or add sautéed vegetables for a healthier twist. For a gourmet touch, try incorporating a dollop of ricotta or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

When adding ingredients to your calzone, consider moisture levels. Ingredients like fresh tomatoes or spinach can release water during cooking and make the calzones soggy. To counter this, pre-cook watery ingredients briefly to evaporate excess moisture or use firmer alternatives to maintain the integrity of the dough.

Serving and Storing Tips

The best part about mini calzones is that they're perfect for serving fresh from the oven and also great for leftovers! If you plan to serve them at a party, try to keep them warm in a low oven (around 200°F / 93°C) until it's time to enjoy. Pair them with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping to elevate the snacking experience.

If you want to make these calzones ahead of time, you can freeze them before baking. Assemble and fill the calzones, then place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. To bake, you can cook them straight from the freezer, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time until they are golden brown.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients to get started:

Calzone Ingredients

1 pound pizza dough
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup pepperoni slices
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Marinara sauce for dipping
Olive oil for brushing

Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s move on to the steps!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your calzones:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the Dough

Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface until it is about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into 4-inch circles.

Fill the Calzones

In a bowl, mix the mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Place a tablespoon of the filling in the center of each dough circle.

Seal the Calzones

Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and pinch the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a more decorative look.

Bake the Calzones

Brush the tops with olive oil and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve and Enjoy

Let them cool for a few minutes before serving with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Your delicious Super Bowl Mini Calzones are now ready to be devoured!

Pro Tips

Feel free to get creative with the fillings! You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor.

Ingredient Insights

Mozzarella cheese is crucial for that melty, gooey texture that makes calzones irresistible. Opt for whole milk mozzarella for a richer flavor, but low-moisture mozzarella is also a great choice and helps prevent a soggy crust.

Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, savory note that complements the flavors of the mozzarella and pepperoni perfectly. If you need a dairy-free version, consider using nutritional yeast for a similar umami flavor without the cheese.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

If your calzones are turning out too doughy, make sure you're rolling out the dough thin enough and providing enough filling space. Too much filling can lead to a difficult seal and an undercooked center. Keep fillings to about a tablespoon per calzone for best results.

Should you find your calzones browning too quickly while baking, consider covering them loosely with aluminum foil. This will slow down the browning process, allowing the inside to cook fully without burning the outside.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze these calzones?

Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just wrap them tightly and bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

→ What other fillings can I use?

You can use cooked chicken, sausage, or even veggies like spinach or mushrooms. The options are endless!

→ Can I make the dough from scratch?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite pizza dough recipe, feel free to use it instead of store-bought.

→ How do I reheat leftovers?

You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.