Super Bowl Mini Calzones

Name: Super Bowl Mini Calzones
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 mini calzones
Ingredients: 1 lb store-bought pizza dough; Flour for dusting; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled; 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers; 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for dipping); Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I often find that the excitement of game day is best celebrated with delicious food, and what could be better than mini calzones? They are the perfect bite-sized treats to share while cheering for our favorite teams. This recipe is straightforward and allows for endless variations using your favorite fillings. I love how they can be stuffed with peppers, meats, and cheese, creating a perfect blend of flavors that everyone enjoys. Plus, they are great for dipping into marinara sauce, making them even more irresistible.

Created by

Violet Hart

Last updated on 2026-01-13T03:04:18.246Z

When testing these Super Bowl Mini Calzones, I experimented with different fillings and found that the combination of spicy Italian sausage and melty mozzarella was a knockout. The flavorful sausage balances perfectly with the gooey cheese, making every bite a treat. I also learned that using store-bought pizza dough saves time without sacrificing flavor, and it's incredibly simple to work with.

Another helpful tip is to let the calzones rest for a few minutes after baking. This gives the cheese a chance to set slightly, making them easier to slice and eat. Trust me, your guests will love them, and they’ll disappear quickly from the table!

        Why You'll Love These Mini Calzones
        Perfectly portable for game day snacking
Endless filling possibilities for every taste
Crispy exterior with a gooey, cheesy inside

      

Mastering the Dough

A key element to achieving the perfect mini calzone lies in the dough. Using store-bought pizza dough not only saves time but also ensures a reliable texture. Rolling it to about 1/4 inch thick allows for an ideal crispness while baking. If you want an extra layer of flavor, consider adding Italian herbs or garlic powder to the dough during the rolling phase. This subtle enhancement elevates the overall taste of the calzones without adding complexity to the recipe.

Don’t skip the dusting of flour when handling the dough. This prevents sticking and helps maintain the right texture. If the dough becomes too tough while rolling, let it rest for a few minutes to relax the gluten. This technique makes it easier to handle and results in a more tender calzone. By managing the dough carefully, you ensure a delightful contrast between the crispy exterior and the gooey filling.

Customizing Your Fillings

One of my favorite aspects of mini calzones is their versatility. While the recipe suggests mozzarella and Italian sausage, feel free to experiment with different cheeses or proteins. For a lighter option, swap out sausage for grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms. Vegetarian versions can be made using spinach, ricotta, or even a combination of hearty vegetables like zucchini and eggplant. This adaptability means you can create a calzone that caters to any dietary preference.

When filling the calzones, be sure not to overstuff them. About a tablespoon of each filling is usually perfect; this allows for proper sealing and prevents bursting during baking. Sealing the edges tightly ensures that all those delicious flavors stay locked inside. For an extra flavor kick, drizzle a little pesto or hot sauce into the filling before sealing; it adds an unexpected depth to every bite.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for your mini calzones:

For the Dough

1 lb store-bought pizza dough
Flour for dusting

For the Filling

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled
1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
1/2 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
Salt and pepper to taste

Once you have all the ingredients ready, you're good to go!

Instructions

Preheat Oven

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

Prepare Dough

On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough until about 1/4 inch thick. Cut it into 4-inch circles.

Fill Calzones

On one half of each dough circle, place a tablespoon of mozzarella, a tablespoon of sausage, and a few pieces of bell pepper. Season with salt and pepper.

Seal

Fold the dough over and press to seal the edges. You can use a fork to crimp for extra security.

Bake

Place the calzones on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve

Allow to cool for a couple of minutes, then serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Enjoy your mini calzones!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize the fillings to include your favorite vegetables or meats. You can also add herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serving your mini calzones with warm marinara sauce is a classic choice, but you can elevate this dish further with additional dips. Try pairing them with a tangy garlic aioli or a spicy arrabbiata sauce. These contrasting flavors not only complement the calzones but also invite your guests to mix and match during game day.

For a more festive presentation, arrange the calzones on a platter with sliced fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top. This not only adds flavor but also enhances their visual appeal, making them a standout dish during your Super Bowl gathering.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers (though they’re hard to resist), store the mini calzones in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to three days. For best results when reheating, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This method will restore their crispy texture without making them soggy, unlike using a microwave.

If you want to prepare them ahead of time, you can assemble the calzones and freeze them before baking. Simply place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding an extra 5-7 minutes to the cook time. This approach allows you to enjoy freshly baked calzones without the last-minute rush.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze these mini calzones?

Yes! Once baked, let them cool and then freeze in an airtight container. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F for about 20 minutes.

→ What other fillings can I use?

You can use chicken, pepperoni, vegetables, or even a mix of cheeses. Just make sure to pre-cook any meats.

→ Do I have to use store-bought dough?

Not at all! You can make your own pizza dough if you prefer, just ensure it has enough time to rise.

→ How do I make them healthier?

Use whole wheat dough, lean meats, and plenty of vegetables to increase the nutritional value.