Mini calzones are a fantastic treat that brings comfort and joy to any table. Imagine biting into a warm, cheesy pocket that’s bursting with your favorite flavors. They combine the essence of pizza with the convenience of being portable snacks. Whether you’ve got the kids running around or you’re having friends over for a casual get-together, these mini delights are perfect! Making mini calzones is super simple, and the best part is, you can customize the fillings however you like. So you can cater to every taste, from classic cheese and pepperoni to more adventurous vegetable digs. Plus, they come together in no time, so you’ll have more moments to enjoy with your company rather than being stuck in the kitchen. Trust me, once you make these little bundles of joy, they’ll quickly become a go-to recipe in your home.
Why This Recipe Works
Mini calzones are a delightful combination of convenience and flavor, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Using pizza dough simplifies the process, allowing you to focus on the tasty fillings while keeping preparation time short. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create something that feels both indulgent and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the golden, crispy exterior perfectly contrasts with the gooey inside, making every bite a true pleasure.
Why You’ll Love This Mini Calzones
These mini calzones are not just easy to make – they’re also customizable! Whether you’re a meat lover, a veggie enthusiast, or a cheese connoisseur, you can fill these pockets with your favorite ingredients. Think pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, or spinach; the options are endless! Plus, their handheld size makes them perfect for serving at parties or as a satisfying snack during movie night. Kids adore them, and they add a fun twist to lunchboxes, too! You’re bound to love the versatility and endless possibilities that mini calzones bring into your cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) can Pillsbury Biscuits
- 1/2 cup Pizza Sauce
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, Shredded
- 2 tbsp Butter, melted
- 1/2 tbsp Italian Seasoning
Preparing Your Mini Calzones
Preheat Your Oven
First things first, let’s get your oven ready. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. It keeps things tidy and makes clean-up a breeze!
Roll Out the Biscuits
Now it’s time for some dough action! Open the can of Pillsbury biscuits and take out each one. Using a rolling pin, gently roll each biscuit out until it’s slightly larger and thinner. Imagine making a small pizza – that’s the vibe we’re going for! This creates a perfect base for all the delicious fillings you’re about to add.
Add Your Toppings
Next up, let’s layer in the flavor. On each rolled-out biscuit, spread a spoonful of pizza sauce, leaving a small border around the edges. Now sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce. Feel free to add more or less cheese; it’s all about your personal taste here. Want some extra zing? Adding some pepperoni or veggies at this stage works wonders too!
Fold and Seal
Here’s where the magic happens! Carefully fold each biscuit over the toppings, creating a half-moon shape. To make sure all that cheesy goodness stays inside, use a fork to press and seal the edges securely. This step is essential because you don’t want any filling leaking out while they bake.
Brush with Butter and Season
Once you’ve sealed your mini calzones, it’s time to add a little love. Brush the folded calzones generously with melted butter. It adds an extra layer of flavor while giving them that beautiful golden color. Lightly sprinkle them with Italian seasoning for an extra burst of flavor.
Bake to Perfection
Now it’s showtime! Place your calzones on the prepared baking sheet and pop them into the oven. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-13 minutes or until they are golden brown and the dough is cooked through. As they bake, your kitchen will fill with the most wonderful aroma—just try not to peek too often!
Serving Suggestions
When your mini calzones come out of the oven, get ready to serve something special. They’re wonderful on their own, but you can take them up a notch by serving them with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping. If you want a balanced meal, pair them with a fresh salad or some crispy garlic bread for an amazing dining experience. Whatever you pick, just know that these mini calzones are bound to be a hit!
Tips for Success
- To ensure your calzones don’t spring a leak, make sure the edges are well-sealed. Press down firmly with a fork.
- Feel free to experiment with different fillings, such as pepperoni, mushrooms, spinach, or even ricotta cheese. The sky’s the limit!
Variations
Take your mini calzones up a notch with these fun variations:
– Vegetarian Mini Calzones: Substitute traditional fillings with roasted vegetables and ricotta. It’s both delicious and healthy.
– Spicy Mini Calzones: For those who love a kick, add jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes to the filling.
– Breakfast Calzones: Start your day right by swapping out pizza sauce for scrambled eggs and adding breakfast meats and cheese.
Storage Tips
Got extras? No problem! Store leftover mini calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them in the oven or microwave for a quick snack that tastes just as good as fresh.
Pairing Ideas
These mini calzones pair beautifully with a light vegetable soup or a vibrant pasta salad. They also make a great addition to a game day spread, ensuring everyone’s munching on something tasty while cheering for their favorite team.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade dough for calzones?
Yes! Homemade dough can add a personal touch, but pre-made biscuit dough is quicker and easier.
2. How do I ensure my calzones don’t become soggy?
To avoid sogginess, make sure to avoid overfilling them and use less sauce in the filling.
3. Can I freeze mini calzones?
Absolutely! Freeze them before baking and cook directly from frozen when ready to indulge.
4. How long do mini calzones last in the fridge?
They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored properly.
5. What can I add to the filling?
Feel free to get creative – meats, cheeses, vegetables, and even sauces can elevate your calzones!
These mini calzones are a delightful and customizable dish that can suit every occasion, from casual family dinners to celebratory gatherings. Their crispy exterior and delicious interior are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Enjoy exploring different fillings, so everyone can enjoy their perfect mini calzone!
Print
Mini Calzones
These mini calzones are a fun, customizable treat that combines the flavors of pizza in a portable snack. Ideal for parties or family meals, they are easy to make and deliciously satisfying.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini calzones 1x
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) can Pillsbury Biscuits
- 1/2 cup Pizza Sauce
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, Shredded
- 2 tbsp Butter, melted
- 1/2 tbsp Italian Seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out each biscuit until slightly larger and thinner.
- Spread pizza sauce on each biscuit, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, and add additional toppings if desired.
- Fold each biscuit in half and seal the edges with a fork.
- Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
- Bake for 12-13 minutes until golden brown.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Ensure edges are well-sealed to prevent leakage.
Experiment with different fillings like vegetables, meats, or cheeses.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 15
