Football-Shaped Calzones are the perfect addition to your Superbowl Party Food Ideas this season! These handheld pockets of deliciousness not only look festive on your game day spread but also deliver that crowd-pleasing combination of crispy crust and gooey, cheesy filling that everyone craves while watching the big game. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a full-blown Super Bowl bash, these themed calzones will score major points with your guests.
Nutritional Benefits
Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a quick look at what these tasty football treats offer nutritionally. While they’re definitely a treat, you can customize the fillings to include lean proteins and vegetables to boost their nutritional value.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Protein | 15g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Calcium | 250mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
Ingredients & Substitutions
Creating the perfect Football-Shaped Calzones starts with quality ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need, along with possible substitutions to accommodate dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
| Ingredient | Role | Possible Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| 2 lbs pizza dough | Base | Refrigerated crescent roll dough, puff pastry |
| 2 cups mozzarella cheese | Filling | Cheddar, provolone, dairy-free cheese |
| 1 cup ricotta cheese | Filling | Cottage cheese, mascarpone |
| 1 cup pepperoni, chopped | Filling | Italian sausage, ground beef, plant-based meat |
| 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced | Filling | Spinach, mushrooms, olives |
| 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped | Flavor | Shallots, green onions |
| 1 cup marinara sauce | Filling/Dipping | Pizza sauce, pesto |
| 1 egg + 1 tbsp water | Egg wash | Milk, butter, olive oil |
| 2 tbsp string cheese | Decoration | White cheese slices, cream cheese |
| 1 tbsp Italian seasoning | Flavor | Oregano, basil, parsley mix |
Equipment Needed
– Rolling pin
– Baking sheets
– Parchment paper
– Pizza cutter or sharp knife
– Small bowl for egg wash
– Pastry brush
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Mixing bowls
– Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating these Football-Shaped Calzones for your Superbowl Party Food Ideas spread is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps for game day perfection:
1. Prepare the dough: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Divide the pizza dough into 8 equal portions. On a floured surface, roll each portion into an oval shape, about 1/4 inch thick.
2. Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine the mozzarella, ricotta, chopped pepperoni, bell peppers, onion, and Italian seasoning. Add 1/4 cup of marinara sauce to the mixture and stir until well combined.
3. Fill the calzones: Place about 1/3 cup of filling on one half of each oval, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
4. Shape the footballs: Fold the empty half of the dough over the filling. Press the edges firmly and crimp with a fork to seal. Trim any excess dough with a pizza cutter to create a more defined football shape.
5. Add football details: Brush each calzone with egg wash. Cut thin strips from the string cheese and place one lengthwise down the middle of each calzone to represent the football’s laces. Add small horizontal strips to complete the football look.
6. Bake to perfection: Transfer the calzones to parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve: Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving with the remaining marinara sauce for dipping.
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
– Leaking filling? Make sure to really seal the edges with a fork and don’t overstuff your calzones.
– Dough not browning properly? Ensure your oven is properly preheated and consider placing the baking sheet on the lower rack.
– Make it a team effort! Set up an assembly line and let guests customize their own football calzones with their preferred fillings.
– Crispy crust secret: For an extra crispy exterior, lightly brush the calzones with olive oil before applying the egg wash.
– Cheese string troubles? If your string cheese decorations aren’t sticking well, gently press them into the dough or place them on after the egg wash is applied.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
– Make ahead: You can prepare the calzones up to the baking step and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Simply brush with egg wash right before baking.
– Freezer-friendly: Baked calzones can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then foil.
– Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwave reheating as it will make the crust soggy.
– Game day timing: Prepare these slightly ahead of kickoff so they’re warm when served, or make smaller batches throughout the game for fresh treats.
Conclusion
These Football-Shaped Calzones aren’t just adorable—they’re delicious handheld meals that will keep your guests satisfied throughout the game. They’re the perfect addition to your Superbowl Party Food Ideas menu because they’re customizable, portable, and themed perfectly for the occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned host or planning your first game day gathering, these football-themed treats will surely be a touchdown with your crowd!
FAQ
Can I make these vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the pepperoni and load up with vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers. You could also add plant-based meat alternatives.
How do I prevent my calzones from getting soggy?
Don’t add too much sauce to the filling mixture. Instead, serve additional sauce on the side for dipping. Also, make sure to let the calzones cool slightly before serving.
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes! Pre-made pizza dough from your grocery store works perfectly for this recipe and saves significant time.
How many does this recipe serve?
This recipe makes 8 football-shaped calzones, which can serve 8-16 people depending on what other Super Bowl Appetizers For Party you’re serving alongside them.
Can I make mini calzones for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Divide the dough into 16-20 portions instead of 8 for bite-sized football calzones. Just reduce the baking time by about 3-5 minutes.
How do I know when the calzones are done baking?
The crust should be golden brown, and if you tap the bottom, it should sound hollow. The internal temperature should reach 165°F if you’re using a meat filling.
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