Mini Football Buffalo Chicken Calzones

Introduction

Mini Football Buffalo Chicken Calzones are the ultimate game-day snack, combining the bold, zesty flavors of buffalo chicken with the comforting flakiness of golden-brown pizza dough. Shaped like mini footballs, these calzones are both delicious and festive, making them the perfect addition to any sports-themed gathering. Filled with a cheesy, spicy buffalo chicken mixture, they’re easy to hold and packed with flavor in every bite.

I remember making these for the first time during a big game-day party, and they were a massive hit. The combination of spicy buffalo chicken, gooey melted cheese, and perfectly crisp dough made them disappear from the plate in no time. Not to mention, the football shape added a fun, playful touch that had everyone talking.

What’s great about these calzones is how versatile they are. You can customize the filling with your favorite cheeses, add a touch of ranch or blue cheese dressing, or even include some diced veggies for extra texture. They’re also simple to make with pre-made pizza dough, and the assembly process is a fun activity for kids or guests to join in on. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a creative snack, these Mini Football Buffalo Chicken Calzones are guaranteed to score big!

Perfect for:

• Game-day snacks
• Tailgating parties
• Casual gatherings
• Kid-friendly meals
• Make-ahead party appetizers

Why You’ll Love This Mini Football Buffalo Chicken Calzones

Here’s why these Mini Football Buffalo Chicken Calzones will be a hit:

• Fun and Festive: The football shape makes these calzones ideal for sports fans and game-day events.
• Bold Buffalo Flavor: The spicy buffalo chicken filling is perfectly balanced with creamy cheese for a mouthwatering experience.
• Portable: Their handheld size makes them easy to serve and eat.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level or add your favorite toppings to make them your own.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep these calzones in advance and bake them fresh when needed.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 8 mini calzones
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 18g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Mini Football Buffalo Chicken Calzones:

• 1 lb (450g) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cooked chicken
• ½ cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

For Decoration (Optional):

• Thin strips of mozzarella cheese or dough for “football laces”

Ingredient Highlights

• Shredded Chicken: A great way to use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken, this forms the base of the filling.
• Buffalo Sauce: Adds the signature tangy, spicy flavor that buffalo chicken is known for.
• Cheese: A blend of mozzarella, cream cheese, and blue cheese ensures a creamy and indulgent filling.
• Pizza Dough: Store-bought dough makes this recipe quick and easy, but homemade works wonderfully too.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Mini Football Buffalo Chicken Calzones:

Prepare the Filling:

1. Mix the Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, and blue cheese (if using). Mix well until evenly coated.

Assemble the Calzones:

2. Roll Out the Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a football-shaped cookie cutter (or freehand with a knife) to cut out pairs of matching football shapes.
3. Fill the Calzones: Place a spoonful of the buffalo chicken mixture in the center of half the football shapes. Be careful not to overfill. Cover each filled shape with a matching top piece of dough.
4. Seal the Edges: Pinch the edges of the dough together tightly, using a fork to crimp and seal them completely.

Decorate and Bake:

5. Add Laces: If desired, place thin strips of mozzarella cheese or extra dough on top of the calzones to mimic football laces. Brush the calzones with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added texture.
6. Bake: Transfer the calzones to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.

Serve:

7. Cool and Serve: Allow the calzones to cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

How to Serve Mini Football Buffalo Chicken Calzones

Mini Football Buffalo Chicken Calzones can be served in various ways:

• As a Snack: Serve them as-is for a delicious game-day snack.
• With Dipping Sauces: Pair with ranch, blue cheese dressing, or extra buffalo sauce for dipping.
• On a Platter: Arrange on a serving platter with celery and carrot sticks for a complete buffalo chicken experience.
• As a Meal: Serve alongside a fresh salad or fries for a more filling option.

Additional Tips for Mini Football Buffalo Chicken Calzones

Here are some tips to make sure your Mini Football Buffalo Chicken Calzones turn out perfectly:

• Seal the Edges Well: Make sure the edges are tightly sealed to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
• Adjust the Spice Level: For less heat, use a mild buffalo sauce or mix it with a little more cream cheese. For extra heat, add some hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the filling.
• Don’t Overfill: Avoid overstuffing the calzones, as this can cause them to burst during baking.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the calzones ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Recipe Variations for Mini Football Buffalo Chicken Calzones

Here are 10 variations to customize your Mini Football Buffalo Chicken Calzones:

• Spicy Buffalo Calzones: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• BBQ Chicken Calzones: Swap the buffalo sauce for BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
• Vegetarian Buffalo Calzones: Use buffalo cauliflower instead of chicken for a meat-free version.
• Cheesy Garlic Calzones: Add garlic powder and more mozzarella for an ultra-cheesy filling.
• Buffalo Ranch Calzones: Mix ranch dressing into the filling for a creamy variation.
• Spinach and Buffalo Chicken Calzones: Add chopped spinach to the filling for extra nutrients.
• Whole Wheat Calzones: Use whole wheat pizza dough for a healthier alternative.
• Mini Pizza Calzones: Add pepperoni or marinara sauce to the buffalo chicken mixture for a pizza-inspired flavor.
• Breakfast Calzones: Mix scrambled eggs with the buffalo chicken filling for a brunch option.
• Bacon Buffalo Calzones: Add crispy bacon bits to the filling for a smoky, savory addition.

Freezing and Storage for Mini Football Buffalo Chicken Calzones

• Freezing: To freeze, assemble the calzones but don’t bake them. Place them on a tray in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.
• Storage: Store leftover baked calzones in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

Special Equipment for Mini Football Buffalo Chicken Calzones

Here’s some special equipment that can help you make these Mini Football Buffalo Chicken Calzones:

• Football-shaped cookie cutter – For shaping the dough into footballs.
• Pastry brush – For brushing egg wash onto the dough for a golden finish.
• Rolling pin – To roll out the dough evenly.
• Baking sheet – For baking the calzones.
• Parchment paper – To prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
• Small mixing bowl – For combining the buffalo chicken filling.
• Fork – For sealing the edges of the calzones with a decorative crimp.
• Sharp knife or scoring tool – To create the football laces on top of the calzones.
• Cheese grater – If shredding fresh cheese for the filling.
• Cooling rack – To cool the calzones without making the bottom soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions for Mini Football Buffalo Chicken Calzones

1. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
   Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe.
2. Can I make these in advance?
   Yes, assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.
3. What if I don’t have a football-shaped cutter?
   You can use a knife to cut out football shapes freehand or make circular calzones.
4. Can I make them spicier?
   Add more buffalo sauce, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños for a spicier filling.
5. What dipping sauces work best?
   Ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or extra buffalo sauce are all great options.

Print

Conclusion

Mini Football Buffalo Chicken Calzones are a delicious, fun, and festive snack that’s perfect for game days or casual gatherings. These bite-sized treats are filled with zesty buffalo chicken, melty cheese, and wrapped in golden, flaky dough, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Their playful football shape adds a touch of creativity and excitement to your snack spread, making them a hit with kids and adults alike.

This recipe is easy to customize, allowing you to adjust the spice level or add your favorite ingredients for a personal touch. Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a game night at home, these calzones bring flavor and fun to the table.

I’d love to see how your Mini Football Buffalo Chicken Calzones turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!