Planning the perfect Superbowl Party Food Ideas starts with crowd-pleasing snacks that capture the spirit of the game. These Football-Shaped Calzones are a guaranteed touchdown at any gathering, combining the fun of themed food with delicious flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a small watch party or feeding a hungry crowd, these adorable and tasty handheld treats will score big points with your guests.
Nutritional Benefits
Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a look at what these savory treats offer nutritionally. When made with a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and vegetables, calzones can be a relatively well-rounded food choice for game day.
| Nutrition | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Carbohydrates | 36g |
| Protein | 15g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Calcium | 220mg |
Ingredients & Substitutions
Creating the perfect Football-Shaped Calzones requires the right blend of ingredients, but don’t worry if you need to make substitutions based on dietary needs or what’s in your pantry.
| Ingredient | Role | Possible Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| Pizza dough (2 lbs) | Forms the calzone shell | Store-bought or homemade; gluten-free dough for GF option |
| Ricotta cheese (1 cup) | Creamy base filling | Cottage cheese, plant-based ricotta alternative |
| Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, shredded) | Adds stretch and flavor | Provolone, dairy-free mozzarella |
| Pepperoni (6 oz, chopped) | Adds savory flavor | Italian sausage, turkey pepperoni, plant-based pepperoni |
| Bell peppers (1/2 cup, diced) | Adds crunch and nutrition | Any color bell pepper, diced zucchini |
| Marinara sauce (1 cup) | Internal sauce and dipping | Pizza sauce, arrabbiata sauce |
| Egg (1, beaten) | Egg wash for golden crust | Milk, melted butter, olive oil |
| String cheese (4 sticks) | Creates football laces | White cheddar, provolone strips |
| Italian seasoning (1 tbsp) | Adds herb flavor | Oregano and basil mix |
| Garlic powder (1 tsp) | Flavor enhancer | Fresh minced garlic |
Equipment Needed
To create these game day treats, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
– Baking sheets
– Parchment paper
– Rolling pin
– Sharp knife or pizza cutter
– Mixing bowls
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Pastry brush (for egg wash)
– Football-shaped cookie cutter (optional)
– Kitchen scissors (for cutting cheese laces)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating these crowd-pleasing Football-Shaped Calzones is easier than you might think! Follow these steps for the perfect Superbowl Party Food Ideas that will impress all your guests:
1. Prepare the dough: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Divide the pizza dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into an oval shape about 1/4 inch thick.
2. Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded mozzarella, chopped pepperoni, diced bell peppers, 1/4 cup marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Assemble the calzones: Place about 1/3 cup of filling in the center of each dough oval, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Fold the dough over the filling to create a football shape, pressing and crimping the edges to seal completely.
4. Shape and score: Using a sharp knife, trim any uneven edges to refine the football shape. Place the calzones on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving space between each one.
5. Add the egg wash: Brush each calzone with beaten egg for a golden finish.
6. Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and cooked through.
7. Create football laces: While the calzones are still hot, cut string cheese sticks into thin strips. Place one long strip down the center of each football and add 3-4 shorter horizontal strips to create the classic football lace pattern.
8. Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving with the remaining marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
– Preventing leakage: Make sure to properly seal the edges of your calzones by pressing firmly and crimping with a fork.
– Even baking: Rotate the baking sheets halfway through cooking for even browning.
– Filling consistency: If your filling seems too wet, drain the ricotta cheese or add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs to absorb excess moisture.
– Perfect football shape: Use a football-shaped cookie cutter as a guide, or create a template with parchment paper.
– Make them mini: For bite-sized options, divide the dough into 16 portions instead of 8 for a great finger food option.
– Customization: Set up a “calzone bar” where guests can choose their own fillings before you bake them.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
These football calzones are perfect for preparing ahead of your big game day party:
– Make-ahead: Assemble the calzones up to 24 hours in advance, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Brush with egg wash just before baking.
– Freezing unbaked: Place assembled, unbaked calzones on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to freezer bags and store for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.
– Freezing baked: Cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
– Refrigerating leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
– Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes rather than using a microwave to maintain the crispy texture.
Conclusion
These delicious Football-Shaped Calzones are more than just a meal – they’re a festive addition to your game day spread that combines fun presentation with fantastic flavor. Whether you’re looking for creative Superbowl Party Food Ideas or simply want to add some themed treats to your gathering, these handheld delights will be a hit with fans of all ages. The combination of gooey cheese, savory fillings, and football-shaped presentation makes them an MVP on your party table.
FAQ
Can I make these calzones vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the pepperoni and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, olives, or spinach. You could also add plant-based meat alternatives if desired.
How do I prevent my calzones from getting soggy?
Keep the sauce minimal inside the calzone (just enough for flavor) and serve additional sauce on the side for dipping. Also, make sure any vegetables added aren’t too watery.
Can I use whole wheat dough instead?
Yes, whole wheat dough works great and adds extra nutrition. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly as whole wheat dough sometimes cooks a bit faster.
What can I serve alongside these football calzones?
They pair perfectly with a fresh green salad, vegetable platters, or check out these Simple Cheesy Baked Quesadillas for more Super Bowl Snacks that complement the calzones wonderfully.
Can I prepare these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes until golden brown. You may need to work in batches depending on your air fryer size.
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