Calzone and Stromboli are two popular Italian dishes that are often confused for each other. Both are similar, as they resemble folded pizzas, and include a wide range of ingredients like cheese, meats, and vegetables. However, the two dishes have different origins and unique characteristics that set them apart.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about the differences between calzones and strombolis, so you can better understand the differences between them and appreciate each dish.
Difference Between Calzone and Stromboli
We’ll talk about the differences in their shape, preparation, ingredients, filling, origins, and serving style. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions about the two dishes.
Shape and Preparation
The most noticeable difference between calzones and strombolis is their shape and appearance. Calzones are typically folded in half, like a crescent, and baked. They resemble a turned-over or closed pizza.
On the other hand, strombolis are more like a rolled-up pizza. The dough is spread out, and the filling is placed in the middle, then rolled up and baked. Strombolis are typically longer and narrower than calzones.
Calzone is often served as a singular portion, as it is baked and sliced into individual servings, while strombolis are typically served as a shareable or family-style dish.
Ingredients & Filling
While the ingredients in both dishes can be similar, there are some differences. The fillings for each dish are different.
Calzones are typically filled with ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, and various toppings like vegetables like spinach and peppers, and meats like ham and salami.
Strombolis, on the other hand, usually contain the same ingredients as a pizza, such as tomato sauce, cheese, and toppings like sausage, peppers, and onions. That being said, strombolis can also have different variations depending on the region or restaurant.
The ingredients in calzone are mixed together before being added to the dough, while ingredients in stromboli are layered on top of each other before being rolled into the dough.
Origins
Calzones and strombolis have different origins. Calzones originated in Naples, Italy, as a portable meal for laborers. They were easy to carry and could be eaten on the go.
Strombolis on the other hand are said to have originated in the United States. They are named after the Stromboli volcano in Italy, and are believed to have been created by Italian immigrants in the United States.
Serving Style
Calzones and strombolis are typically served in different ways because why not?
Calzones are often served as a standalone dish, with a side of marinara or tomato sauce for dipping. They are typically served as an entree, and can be filled with a variety of ingredients.
Strombolis, on the other hand, are often served as a sandwich. They can be cut into slices, or served whole and cut into sections, like a sub sandwich.
Which is better: calzone or stromboli?
The preference for calzone or stromboli is subjective and varies from person to person. Calzones are typically folded in half with the ingredients inside, while stromboli is rolled up with ingredients inside.
Calzones often have a thicker crust, while strombolis have a thinner and flakier crust. So it ultimately depends on personal taste.
Is stromboli the same as calzone?
No, stromboli and calzone are not the same. While both are Italian-American dishes made with pizza dough and filled with various ingredients, a calzone is typically folded in half and sealed, while stromboli is rolled up like a jelly roll.
Is a calzone just a folded pizza?
A calzone is made with pizza dough that is folded in half and filled with various ingredients, similar to a pizza.
The preparation and cooking methods are different, and a calzone typically has a thicker and chewy crust compared to a pizza.
What’s the difference between stromboli, calzone, and turnover?
The difference between the three is the method of preparation, with calzone being folded in half and stromboli being rolled up like a jellyroll.
A turnover, on the other hand, is a pastry that is filled with sweet or savory ingredients and then folded over to form a triangular shape. It is typically made with puff pastry or phyllo dough.
What is a calzone vs panzerotti vs stromboli?
The difference between calzone vs panzerotti vs stromboli is in the shape and size, with calzones being larger and folded in half, while panzerotti are smaller and typically fried.
Stromboli is also similar, but it is rolled up like a jellyroll.
What is inside a stromboli?
The fillings of a stromboli can vary, but they typically include a combination of meats, cheese, and vegetables, such as salami, pepperoni, ham, mozzarella cheese, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
What is a calzone with sauce inside called?
A calzone with sauce inside is often called a sauce-in calzone or a pizza calzone.
Why do New Yorkers eat their pizza folded?
Folding pizza is a common way to eat pizza in New York, as it allows for easier handling and consumption on the go. It is not a traditional Italian way of eating pizza.
Does calzone or stromboli have sauce inside?
Both calzone and stromboli can have sauce inside, but it is not always included. The sauce is often served on the side for dipping.
A stromboli does not typically have sauce inside, but it can be served on the side for dipping.
A deep-fried calzone is often called a fried calzone or panzerotto fritto.
Calzone vs Stromboli vs Wedgie
The main difference between calzone vs stromboli vs wedgie is that calzone is typically folded into a half-moon shape while stromboli is rolled up into a log shape.
A wedgie is a regional specialty of Western Pennsylvania that is similar to a calzone but has a unique preparation method. It’s made by folding a circular piece of pizza dough over a filling of cheese and other ingredients, then folding the edges over and baking it.
Stromboli can be made with ricotta cheese, but it is not a required ingredient.
The filling for a stromboli can vary widely and may include meats, cheeses, vegetables, and other ingredients depending on the preferences of the cook.
Cutting slits in a calzone allows steam to escape during the baking process, preventing the calzone from becoming soggy.
In conclusion, while both calzones and strombolis are delicious Italian dishes filled with ingredients like cheese, sauce, and meats, they have some key differences.
- Calzones are typically folded in half, filled with ricotta cheese and mozzarella cheese, and served as a standalone entree with a side of tomato sauce.
- Strombolis are typically rolled up, similar to a pizza, and contain tomato sauce, cheese, and toppings like sausage and peppers. They are often served as a sandwich.
Knowing the differences between calzones and strombolis can help you choose the perfect Italian meal for any occasion.