Mini Stuffed Pizzas (Calzones)

Imagine biting into a golden, crispy pocket of dough filled with gooey cheese, savory sauce, and your favorite toppings. Mini stuffed pizzas, also known as calzones, are little bundles of joy that deliver all the flavors of pizza in a perfectly portable package. The smell of the dough baking alongside bubbling cheese and aromatic herbs fills the kitchen with instant happiness. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer whether you’re cooking for a casual dinner, a party, or a fun snack. Every bite is a satisfying mix of textures and flavors, from the crisp exterior to the melty, flavorful filling inside.

Recipe Origin

Calzones hail from Naples, Italy, where they were originally a way to fold pizza into a convenient, hand-held meal. They quickly became a favorite because of their versatility—you can fill them with just about anything and still get that irresistible pizza taste. This mini version is perfect for portion control, sharing with friends, or making ahead for a fun snack or meal.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Skillet or saucepan, mixing spoon, knife, cutting board, rolling pin, baking sheet, parchment paper, and an oven. You’ll also want a small bowl for egg wash if you want a shiny golden finish on the dough.

Why You’ll Love Mini Stuffed Pizzas

This recipe isn’t just about pizza—it’s about creativity, convenience, and joy.

Versatile: Perfect for weeknight dinners, kid-friendly lunches, or party appetizers. Imagine serving these at a game night or family gathering and seeing them disappear in minutes.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples like tomato sauce, dough, and cheese. You can use whatever toppings you have on hand.

Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. From start to finish, these can be ready in under an hour.

Customizable: Load them with your favorite toppings, experiment with herbs, or add a kick of spice. Make them veggie-packed, meaty, or a mix of both.

Crowd-Pleasing: Kids, adults, and picky eaters all love mini calzones. They are fun to eat, easy to handle, and full of flavor in every bite.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Roll the dough evenly to avoid thick spots that don’t cook properly.
• Don’t overfill the calzones or they might burst during baking.
• Brush the tops with olive oil or an egg wash for a golden, shiny finish.
• Preheat the oven fully to ensure a crispy crust and melted filling.
• Experiment with different cheeses for varied flavor and texture.

Ingredients in Mini Stuffed Pizzas

Here’s where the magic happens. Each component plays a role in creating perfectly balanced, flavorful mini pizzas.

Olive Oil: Sautéing the onions and garlic brings out their sweetness and adds depth to the sauce.

Onion: Finely chopped or grated to meld into the tomato sauce and create a subtle, aromatic base.

Garlic: Adds a warm, fragrant note that enhances the overall flavor of the filling.

Tomato Sauce: The foundation of the filling, rich and slightly tangy, carrying all the herbs and seasonings.

Tomato Paste: Intensifies the flavor and thickens the sauce for a perfect calzone filling.

Refrigerated Pizza Dough: Convenient and easy to work with. You can also make your own dough for a more artisanal version.

Pizza Seasoning: A blend of rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes that creates the classic pizza flavor profile.

Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance the flavors in the sauce and filling.

Toppings and Cheese: Anything you love—pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, sausage, mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone. The sky’s the limit here.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s make these delicious mini stuffed pizzas step by step.

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened, then add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, pizza seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 10 minutes until thickened and flavorful.

Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into rectangles or circles, depending on your preference. Keep them small enough to create mini calzones.

Assemble the Calzones: Spoon a small amount of sauce onto one half of each dough piece. Add your favorite toppings and cheese. Fold the dough over to create a pocket, pressing the edges firmly to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for extra security.

Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the calzones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil or an egg wash. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese inside is melted.

Cool Slightly and Serve: Let the mini calzones rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to settle slightly and prevents burns from hot cheese.

Enjoy: Serve warm with extra sauce on the side for dipping. Each bite gives a crispy exterior, gooey cheese, and a burst of flavorful toppings.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 320
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Mini Stuffed Pizzas

Fresh Salads: Pair with a simple green salad or arugula for a fresh contrast.

Dipping Sauces: Marinara, garlic butter, or pesto make excellent accompaniments.

Vegetable Sides: Roasted veggies, carrot sticks, or a medley of bell peppers work beautifully alongside calzones.

As a Snack or Appetizer: These are perfect for parties, game nights, or any casual gathering.

Presentation: Arrange on a platter, sprinkle with extra cheese or herbs, and serve with small bowls of sauce for dipping. Kids and adults alike love the interactive aspect.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can assemble the calzones ahead of time and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness or microwave for a quicker option. They also freeze well; wrap individually and bake from frozen for about 25 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Variations to Try

• Meat Lovers: Load with pepperoni, sausage, or cooked chicken.
• Veggie Packed: Include mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, and olives.
• Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapenos to the filling.
• Cheese Explosion: Mix mozzarella, cheddar, and provolone for an extra gooey interior.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: Chop toppings and make the sauce ahead to save time.

Customize: Everyone can build their own calzones with preferred toppings for a fun family meal.

Double the Batch: Make extra for freezer meals or lunchbox options.

Experiment: Try different herbs or sauces for unique flavor combinations.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use homemade dough instead of refrigerated?
A1: Absolutely. Just make sure it’s rested and easy to roll.

Q2: Can I make these vegetarian?
A2: Yes, just stick to cheese and veggie toppings.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: In an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q4: Can I freeze mini calzones?
A4: Yes, they freeze well. Wrap individually, then bake from frozen for 25 minutes at 400 degrees.

Q5: Can I use a different cheese?
A5: Yes, mozzarella is classic, but cheddar, provolone, or gouda work beautifully.

Q6: Can I make these spicy?
A6: Absolutely. Add red pepper flakes, sliced jalapenos, or spicy sausage.

Q7: How do I prevent the calzones from bursting?
A7: Don’t overfill and crimp the edges well with a fork.

Q8: Can I use tomato paste alone instead of sauce?
A8: Sauce is best for moisture and flavor; using paste alone may be too thick.

Q9: Can I make mini calzones for kids?
A9: Yes, keep the filling simple with cheese and mild toppings.

Q10: How do I reheat leftovers?
A10: Oven is best for crisp crust, microwave for quick reheating.

Conclusion

Mini Stuffed Pizzas (Calzones) are a fun, versatile, and incredibly delicious meal that everyone will love. The golden crust, gooey cheese, and flavorful sauce make each bite irresistible. Perfect for weeknight dinners, lunchboxes, parties, or just a cozy snack, these calzones are customizable, easy to make, and endlessly satisfying. Get your dough, sauce, and toppings ready, and enjoy a handheld slice of pizza perfection that’s sure to become a family favorite.

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