When I first nailed this Touchdown Calzones recipe, it instantly became a game day favorite in my kitchen. I was scrambling for something tasty, filling, and fun to serve at a football party. Trust me, these calzones stole the show. Their golden crust, gooey cheese, and meaty filling made everyone ask for seconds—and I knew this was a keeper.
Touchdown Calzones are the perfect blend of classic Italian stuffed bread and game day snacks we all crave. They bring this cozy, comforting vibe, and yet they’re fun to share while rooting for your favorite team or hanging out with friends. I love how easy they come together, but you still get that made-from-scratch satisfaction every time.
They’re totally versatile, too—calzone filling ideas are endless here, so you can get creative, but this version has just the right balance for touchdown-worthy flavor. Honestly, they’ve found their way into my weekly rotation, especially when I need a crowd-pleaser that feels homemade without hours in the kitchen.
If you’re like me and love discovering food that fits right into your busy life and still tastes amazing, you’re going to want to make these Touchdown Calzones ASAP. They’re a recipe that makes the ordinary moments a little bit better and the football party food a lot more exciting. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!
What You’ll Need:
This Touchdown Calzones keeps the ingredient list totally approachable—because good food shouldn’t be complicated. Here’s what you want to grab to make these delicious Italian stuffed bread pockets that everyone will love:
- 1 package (about 1 pound) pizza dough (store-bought works great and saves time)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (go for whole milk mozzarella if you can)
- ½ cup ricotta cheese (adds creamy goodness)
- 1 cup cooked Italian sausage or pepperoni slices (your choice for that meaty punch)
- ½ cup marinara sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (for that subtle aroma)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing the crust golden)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Out of ricotta? No problem, cream cheese blended with a bit of milk works great in this Touchdown Calzones too. You can grab all these at any regular grocery store. Plus, this recipe is kind to your wallet since it uses simple pantry staples and just a few specialty ingredients.
Here’s a quick prep tip: cook your sausage while the dough is resting so you’re not waiting later. Also, don’t overfill your calzones—learned that lesson the hard way when mine exploded in the oven one time! Leftovers keep well wrapped in the fridge up to 3 days, and they reheat beautifully in the oven or air fryer.
I always add a little extra mozzarella on top for that irresistible cheesy crust vibe. It’s a small tweak that makes a big difference with this Touchdown Calzones.
Let’s Cook This Together:
Ready to team up and tackle this Touchdown Calzones? Here’s a step-by-step that makes it feel like we’re cooking side-by-side:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This gets us that perfect crust crunch fast—while you prep the filling, you’re already one step ahead.
- Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle. This is the game day base, so don’t worry if it’s not perfect—rustic shapes add charm!
- Mix the ricotta, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This creamy calzone filling is where all the magic happens.
- Spread the marinara sauce lightly over half the dough—saving space for the filling to rest comfortably without exploding (lesson learned!).
- Pile on your cooked sausage or pepperoni slices, then dollop the cheese mixture over the top. I like to leave about a 1-inch edge all around to seal in the goodness.
- Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press edges together firmly and crimp with your fingers or a fork for that classic calzone seal.
- Brush the outside with olive oil to get that golden crisp and pop it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly—with a delicious aroma that’ll have your whole house cheering.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing to keep all that cheesy filling in place.
Start to finish, this Touchdown Calzones comes together in about 40 minutes. While that’s baking, you can whip up a quick game day salad or grab one of my favorite dips like this tasty Cranberry Jalapeño Dip, which pairs surprisingly well with the savory pockets.
If your Touchdown Calzones looks like it’s puffing up, it’s totally fine—that means the air is trapped inside, just slowly let it cool before cutting. For quicker prep, I’ve used store-bought marinara sauce, but homemade is a dream if you have time.
This is the step where I learned to be patient with my Touchdown Calzones—it makes all the difference between a rushed flip and a perfect seal. While your calzones are baking and filling your kitchen with that incredible smell, pour yourself something to drink and relax. You’ve earned it!
How to Serve & Savor It:
This Touchdown Calzones truly shines when you serve it with a few classic sides and some game day vibes. I love chopping mine into wedges and serving with extra marinara sauce for dunking—makes every bite feel a little celebration.
Pair it with crisp greens tossed in balsamic vinaigrette or a zesty Berry Spinach Smoothie for a fresh contrast. For football party food, crunchy veggie sticks or even some classic pizza sticks like these Steelers game snack ideas with pizza sticks are a winner.
Ideal times for this Touchdown Calzones? Honestly, any time you want a warm, satisfying snack or a casual dinner that feels special. It’s a hit at kids’ parties, late-night munching, and those Sunday football hangouts.
For leftover magic, chop and toss pieces into a salad for a cheesy, warm crunch or slice thin and reheat for game day snacking round two. Seasonal twists I’ve tried: adding sautéed mushrooms or swapping the sausage for smoky grilled chicken for a personal favorite.
My people always ask for these Touchdown Calzones when gathering ‘round the TV—there’s something about the combo of melty cheese, spicy meat, and that crispy crust that just sings during the big game.
Your Questions, Answered:
I get a lot of questions about making these Touchdown Calzones, so let me walk you through some common ones I hear from fellow foodies.
Can I prep parts of this Touchdown Calzones ahead?
Absolutely! You can roll out the dough and prep the filling a day ahead. Keep them separate in the fridge and assemble just before baking. You can even freeze assembled calzones before baking and pop them straight in the oven later.
What’s a good swap for Italian sausage in this Touchdown Calzones?
Ground turkey or chicken works well if you want a leaner option. Or try pepperoni or even roasted veggies for a vegetarian twist. I once tried creamy chicken and broccoli calzones inspired by this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Calzones – Bev Cooks recipe and it was a hit!
How can I make this Touchdown Calzones for more or fewer people?
Simple math! Double the dough and filling for a crowd or halve it for a solo snack. These also work great as mini calzones—as seen in fun ideas like this Score big on game day with mini calzones! Cheesy, delicious, and …
Why does my calzone sometimes leak filling?
Sealing the edges well is key—wet fillings can be tricky. Try brushing the edges with a little water or egg wash before sealing. Don’t overfill, and don’t rush folding. Practice helps!
Can I use gluten-free dough for these Touchdown Calzones?
Totally! There are several great gluten-free pizza doughs out there. Just keep an eye on baking times since they might vary a bit.
What dipping sauces work best?
Classic marinara is the go-to, but ranch dressing, garlic butter, or even a spicy jalapeño dip like my go-to Cranberry Jalapeño Dip are fantastic for switching it up.
Can I make this Touchdown Calzones vegan?
It’s doable using vegan cheese and plant-based sausage. I haven’t tried it myself yet, but readers have had good luck with that approach!
Final Foodie Thoughts:
Touchdown Calzones has a special spot in my foodie heart because it checks all my boxes: easy, flavorful, and totally shareable. This Italian stuffed bread recipe shines no matter the occasion, especially when paired with good company and a football game.
My Top Touchdown Calzones Tips:
- Don’t rush sealing the edges! That’s your ticket to avoiding leaks.
- Add a little extra cheese on top before baking for an irresistible crust.
- Precook your fillings well for the best texture inside.
Three tasty variations I love: classic sausage and pepperoni, creamy chicken with broccoli inspired by the Bev Cooks version, and a veggie-loaded one with mushrooms, spinach, and ricotta.
The sausage and pepperoni version gets requested the most around here—it’s that perfect balance of spicy, savory, and cheesy that always hits a home run. But really, the best part about this Touchdown Calzones is how you can make it your own. Play with calzone filling ideas and find what makes your taste buds cheer.
I hope you love making and sharing this recipe as much as I have. There’s nothing better than enjoying these game day snacks with friends and family—the kind that bring everyone together around the table (or the TV!).
Excited for you to try these Touchdown Calzones and celebrate all the everyday foodie wins ahead!
For more everyday foodie inspiration, check out my quick Berry Spinach Smoothie or sweeten up your snack game with my Cookie Dough Frozen Yogurt Bites. Happy cooking!
Touchdown Calzones
Touchdown Calzones are savory Italian turnovers filled with seasoned meats, gooey cheese, and fresh veggies, perfect for game day or any casual gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 package pizza dough (about 16 oz)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle.
- In a bowl, mix the mozzarella, ricotta, cooked sausage, pepperoni, green bell pepper, red onion, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce over one half of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge.
- Evenly spoon the filling mixture over the sauce.
- Fold the dough over to cover the filling and pinch the edges firmly to seal the calzone.
- Transfer the calzone to the prepared baking sheet.
- Beat the egg and brush it over the top of the calzone for a golden finish.
- Cut a few small slits on top to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes or until the calzone is golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving with remaining marinara sauce.
Notes
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the filling or serve with a side of hot sauce.