Super Bowl Mini Calzones

Name: Super Bowl Mini Calzones
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 24 mini calzones
Ingredients: 1 pound pre-made pizza dough; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup diced pepperoni; 1/2 cup finely chopped bell peppers; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg (for egg wash); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

I love making Super Bowl Mini Calzones because they’re bite-sized and packed with flavor, making them perfect for game day gatherings. Every time I serve them, they vanish within minutes! The combination of gooey cheese, savory meats, and vibrant veggies wrapped in a crispy crust is undeniably satisfying. Plus, they're easy to personalize according to everyone's taste preferences, ensuring that every guest has something they'll enjoy. With a prep time of just a few minutes, they allow me to spend more time with my friends and family during the big game.

Created by

Brittany Shaw

Last updated on 2026-01-12T01:10:11.926Z

When I first experimented with mini calzones, I was amazed at how easy they were to whip up. I bought some premade pizza dough and filled them with my favorite ingredients—pepperoni, bell peppers, and plenty of cheese. The key to achieving a golden, flaky crust was to brush them with olive oil before baking. This small step went a long way in elevating their appearance and taste!

Throughout my trials, I discovered that letting the calzones rest for a few minutes after baking makes them easier to handle and enhances the flavor as the ingredients settle. I love trying different fillings each time, so I encourage you to experiment with whatever you have on hand. Enjoy them during the game, or have them as a fun snack any day!

        Why You'll Love These Mini Calzones
        Bite-sized perfection for easy snacking during the game
Customize with your favorite fillings and toppings
Crispy on the outside, gooey and delicious on the inside

      

Perfecting the Dough

For these Super Bowl Mini Calzones, using pre-made pizza dough significantly cuts down on prep time, allowing you to focus on filling them. However, if you prefer homemade dough, using a high-gluten flour will give your calzones a wonderfully chewy texture. Remember to let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes to an hour if you’ve made it from scratch, as this will enhance its elasticity and make it easier to roll out into thin circles.

A common issue when working with dough is overworking it, which can lead to tough calzones. Just handle the dough gently and avoid excessive kneading. If you find the dough is springing back too much as you roll it out, let it rest for a few more minutes before continuing. The key is to roll it thin enough to be crispy but thick enough to hold the filling without tearing.

Flavorful Fillings

The filling mixture plays a crucial role in the overall flavor of your mini calzones. The combination of mozzarella and ricotta cheese yields a delectable gooey texture, while the pepperoni adds savory richness. Feel free to adjust the ratio of cheese according to your preference, or swap the ricotta for cream cheese for an extra creamy bite. Adding minced garlic or herbs to the filling can elevate the taste even further.

If you want to cater to dietary preferences, consider alternatives like turkey pepperoni or vegetable substitutes such as spinach and mushrooms. For a spicy kick, try incorporating diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the mix. Just be mindful of the moisture level; too many wet ingredients can lead to soggy calzones, so always drain vegetables beforehand if needed.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your mini calzones a total hit:

For the Calzones

1 pound pre-made pizza dough
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup diced pepperoni
1/2 cup finely chopped bell peppers
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg (for egg wash)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Feel free to switch up the ingredients based on what you have available!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your mini calzones:

Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Divide the pizza dough into 24 equal pieces and roll each piece into a small circle on a floured surface.

Fill the Calzones

In a mixing bowl, combine mozzarella, ricotta, pepperoni, bell peppers, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each dough circle.

Seal and Brush

Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges to seal. Brush each calzone with the beaten egg and olive oil.

Bake

Arrange the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious mini calzones!

Pro Tips

Feel free to experiment with different fillings like vegetables, chicken, or even sweet versions with Nutella and strawberries.

Make-Ahead and Storage

These mini calzones can be made ahead of time, which is perfect for busy game day preparation. After assembling and sealing them, place the calzones on a baking sheet and freeze them before baking. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a zip-top bag where they'll stay fresh for up to three months. When you're ready to bake, there's no need to thaw them; simply add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time for frozen calzones.

If you have leftovers after your gathering (though unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes for the best results, as this helps restore the crisp texture of the crust.

Serving Suggestions

To keep your guests happy and engaged during the game, set out a variety of dipping sauces alongside your mini calzones. Marinara sauce is a classic choice, but ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or even a spicy buffalo dip can add exciting flavor dimensions. Providing a few options encourages everyone to customize their experience and reveals the versatility of the calzones.

Consider serving your mini calzones on a large platter garnished with fresh herbs like basil or parsley. This not only elevates the presentation but also adds a pop of color. I like to arrange them in a circular pattern for a fun visual effect, drawing your guests’ attention and appetites to this delightful snack.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh dough instead of pre-made?

Absolutely! Just ensure that you roll it out thinly for the best results.

→ What are some good filling options?

You can use ham, mushrooms, spinach, or even cheese and olive varieties. Be creative!

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for crispy results.

→ Can I freeze these calzones?

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