Touchdown Calzones: The Ultimate Game Day Recipe

Touchdown Calzones: the ultimate game-day grub that’s guaranteed to score big with your friends and family! Forget greasy takeout; we’re talking about homemade, customizable pockets of cheesy, savory goodness that are surprisingly easy to make. Imagine sinking your teeth into warm, golden-brown dough, bursting with melted mozzarella, flavorful pepperoni, and your favorite pizza toppings. Are you drooling yet?

Calzones, essentially pizza’s folded cousin, have a rich history rooted in the culinary traditions of Naples, Italy. Originally conceived as a convenient street food for workers on the go, these portable pies quickly gained popularity for their deliciousness and practicality. The beauty of a calzone lies in its versatility. You can fill it with virtually anything your heart desires, making it a fantastic way to use up leftover ingredients or cater to individual preferences.

What’s not to love? People adore Touchdown Calzones because they’re incredibly satisfying, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The crispy crust gives way to a soft, chewy interior, while the melted cheese and savory fillings create a symphony of taste that’s simply irresistible. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing (or not!), making them an ideal choice for parties, potlucks, or a cozy night in. So, ditch the delivery menu and let’s get cooking! I’m going to show you how to make the best Touchdown Calzones you’ve ever tasted!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 ¼ cups warm water (105-115°F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• For the Filling:
• 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Optional: Pizza sauce for dipping

Preparing the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This step is crucial to ensure your yeast is alive and active, which will give you a nice, airy dough. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old, and you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.
2. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. Kneading develops the gluten in the flour, which gives the dough its structure and chewiness.
4. First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size. This rising period allows the yeast to work its magic, creating air pockets in the dough and giving it a light and fluffy texture.

Preparing the Filling:

1. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy calzone!
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the sausage. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until they release their moisture and start to brown.
3. Add Tomato Sauce and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This simmering process is key to developing a rich and flavorful sauce.
4. Cool the Filling: Remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling cool completely. This is important because if the filling is too hot, it will melt the cheese and make the calzones soggy.
5. Combine Cheeses: In a separate bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.

Assembling the Calzones:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the calzones from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Divide the Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces.
3. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one piece of dough into a 10-12 inch circle.
4. Add the Filling: Spread half of the cheese mixture over one half of the dough circle, leaving a ½-inch border. Top with half of the sausage and vegetable mixture.
5. Fold and Seal: Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges together to seal tightly. You can also crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch and to ensure a good seal.
6. Repeat: Repeat steps 3-5 with the remaining dough and filling.
7. Egg Wash: Place the assembled calzones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color.
8. Vent the Calzones: Cut a few slits in the top of each calzone to allow steam to escape during baking. This will prevent them from bursting.

Baking the Calzones:

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and the filling is heated through.
2. Cool Slightly: Let the calzones cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving. This will prevent you from burning your mouth on the hot filling.
3. Serve: Serve warm with pizza sauce for dipping, if desired. Enjoy your homemade Touchdown Calzones! They’re perfect for game day or any time you’re craving a delicious and satisfying meal.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! These Touchdown Calzones are more than just a recipe; they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, a flavor explosion, and a fun way to celebrate game day (or any day, really!). I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves pizza, Italian food, or just delicious, comforting meals. The combination of the crispy, golden crust with the savory, cheesy filling is simply irresistible.

But what makes these calzones truly special is their versatility. Feel free to get creative with your fillings! While I’ve shared my go-to combination of pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and peppers, the possibilities are endless. Vegetarian? Load them up with spinach, ricotta, artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes. Craving something spicy? Add some jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce. You could even try a Hawaiian-inspired version with ham and pineapple (controversial, I know, but don’t knock it ’til you try it!).

Serving Suggestions:

These Touchdown Calzones are fantastic on their own, but they’re even better with a few simple accompaniments. A side of marinara sauce for dipping is a must, in my opinion. A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the richness of the calzones. And for a truly indulgent experience, try serving them with a side of garlic butter for dipping the crust.

For a party, you can pre-make the calzones and keep them warm in a low oven until serving time. Or, you can even let your guests assemble their own calzones for a fun and interactive experience. Set out a variety of fillings and let everyone customize their own creation.

Variations to Explore:

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses! Mozzarella is a classic choice, but provolone, fontina, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan can add a unique flavor dimension. You can also try using different types of dough. A whole wheat dough will give the calzones a slightly nutty flavor, while a sourdough dough will add a tangy twist.

Another fun variation is to make mini calzones, perfect for appetizers or snacks. Simply divide the dough into smaller portions and fill them with your favorite ingredients. These are also great for kids!

I’m so confident that you’ll love these Touchdown Calzones. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and endlessly customizable. They’re perfect for game day, family dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a homemade masterpiece.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the joy of homemade calzones. I can’t wait to hear what you think!

I truly hope you give this recipe a try. And when you do, please, please, please share your experience! Let me know what fillings you used, what variations you tried, and how much everyone loved them. You can leave a comment below, tag me on social media, or even send me an email. I’m always eager to hear from fellow food lovers and see your culinary creations. Happy baking, and enjoy your delicious Touchdown Calzones!