What’s the difference between Calzone and Stromboli?

Have you ever seen an Italian food dish and wondered what the difference between calzone and stromboli? Both look very similar on the surface, but there are a few subtle differences that provide unique flavor and texture to each. In this blog post, we’ll dive into both of these delicious dishes from Italy’s kitchen—explaining their characteristics, flavors, and even some interesting facts about when they originated. So gourmet chefs’ get your aprons out and get ready to learn all about calzone and stromboli!

What is a calzone?

A calzone is a stuffed Italian pastry that looks like a half-moon shaped turnover. It is made from pizza dough, filled with cheese and other savory ingredients such as ricotta, salami, prosciutto, or vegetables. The difference between a calzone and stromboli lies in the way it’s folded—a calzone is folded over on itself, while a stromboli is rolled up into a tube shape.

History of the Calzone

The calzone is said to have originated in Naples, Italy. According to legend, the calzone was created when a Neapolitan baker wanted to make an individual-sized pizza that he could take with him while traveling. He folded the dough over itself and sealed it shut, filling it with all sorts of delicious ingredients before baking it.

The healthy benefit of calzone

Calzone is a delicious and healthier alternative to pizza. It has fewer calories and carbs because it’s not covered in cheese or sauce. Additionally, the dough used to make calzones is made with whole wheat flour which provides an excellent source of fiber, protein, and other essential nutrients.

What is a stromboli?

Stromboli is an Italian-American sandwich that resembles a calzone but is made differencely. It consists of pizza dough filled with cheese and other ingredients such as salami, ham or vegetables, then rolled up like a burrito or wrap. The difference between calzone and stromboli lies in the way they are shaped—a calzone is folded over on itself while a stromboli is rolled up.

History of the stromboli

Unlike the calzone, which has been around for centuries, the stromboli is a relatively new invention. It was created in 1950 by an Italian-American chef named Nazzareno Romano at his restaurant in Philadelphia. The sandwich was named after the Italian island of Stromboli, due to its similar shape.

The healthy benefit of stromboli

Stromboli is a healthier alternative to the calzone because it’s not as heavy or greasy. It also contains fewer calories, carbs and fat than regular pizza. Additionally, the dough used for stromboli is made with whole wheat flour, providing an excellent source of fiber, protein and other essential nutrients.

When did these dishes originate?

The origin of both dishes can be traced back to Italy but there’s some debate as to which is actually the older dish. Calzone is thought to have originated in Naples, Italy during the 18th century, while stromboli is believed to have been invented in the United States by Italian immigrants in 1950s.

The difference between calzone and stromboli

The difference between calzone and stromboli is mainly in the way they’re shaped and cooked. Calzones are folded over on themselves while Strombolis are rolled up like a burrito or wrap. Furthermore, calzones tend to be larger than strombolis and contain more filling, making them heartier and more substantial. Strombolis, on the other hand, have thinner crusts and are usually filled with simpler ingredients.

Dough, Shape and Sealing Technique

The difference between calzone and stromboli lies in the dough, shape, and sealing technique. Calzones are made with pizza dough that is folded over on itself to form a half-moon shape, while strombolis are rolled up into a tube-like shape using pizza or Italian flatbread.

Fillings

The difference between calzone and stromboli fillings also vary. Calzones are typically filled with cheese, ricotta, salami, prosciutto or vegetables. Strombolis on the other hand are usually filled with cheese and a range of meat or vegetable toppings such as pepperoni, ham, peppers or onions.

Baking Time and Temperature

The difference between calzone and stromboli baking time and temperature is also distinct. Calzones are usually baked for 15-20 minutes at 375°F, while strombolis require a shorter cooking time of 10-12 minutes at 450°F.

To sum it up, the difference between calzone and stromboli lies in the way they are made and filled. Calzones have a half-moon shape, are filled with cheese, ricotta, salami, prosciutto or vegetables and require a baking time of 15-20 minutes at 375°F. Strombolis on the other hand are rolled up into a tube shape, are filled with cheese and a range of meat or vegetable toppings such as pepperoni, ham, peppers or onions and require a shorter cooking time of 10-12 minutes at 450°F.

How to make a calzone?

Making a calzone is actually quite simple and can be done in a few easy steps. Start by rolling out the pizza dough into an oval shape, then add your favorite toppings such as cheese, vegetables or meat. Fold the dough in half over itself, then crimp the edges of the calzone with a fork to seal it shut. Finally, bake in the oven until golden brown and enjoy!

How to make a stromboli?

Making a stromboli is just as easy as making a calzone. Start by rolling out your pizza dough into a rectangular shape, then add your favorite toppings such as cheese, vegetables or meat. Roll up the dough like a burrito or wrap, then crimp the edges with a fork to seal it shut. Finally, bake in the oven until golden brown and enjoy!

Which one is better – calzones or strombolis?

Both calzones and strombolis offer delicious flavors and textures, so it really comes down to personal preference. Calzones are typically filled with ricotta cheese and other savory ingredients, while strombolis contain more of a variety of meats or vegetables.

So if you’re looking for something lighter and fresher in flavor, go for a calzone. But if you’re in the mood for something with a bit more of a kick, go for the stromboli. At the end of the day, it comes down to which one you like best and will satisfy your craving!

No matter which one you choose, both calzones and strombolis are sure to provide a delicious and satisfying Italian experience. So next time you’re looking for an Italian-inspired dish, consider the difference between calzone and stromboli before making your choice.

Some recipes with Calzones and Strombolis

With Calzone

– Classic Italian Calzone

– Sausage and Pepperoni Calzone

– Spinach Ricotta Calzones

With Stromboli

– Ham and Cheese Stromboli

– Veggie Stromboli

– Roasted Red Pepper and Artichoke Stromboli

– Buffalo Chicken Stromboli

– BBQ Pork and Pineapple Stromboli.

Hopefully this article has provided insight into the difference between calzone and stromboli, as well as some delicious recipes to try out for yourself! Whether you prefer a classic Italian calzone or something more creative like the BBQ pork and pineapple stromboli, you can’t go wrong with either one.

Conclusion: Difference between calzone and stromboli

The difference between calzone and stromboli comes down to their filling, baking time and temperature. Calzones are typically filled with cheese, ricotta, salami, prosciutto or vegetables and require a 15-20 minute bake in the oven at 375°F. Strombolis on the other hand are usually filled with cheese and a range of meat or vegetable toppings such as pepperoni, ham, peppers or onions and require a shorter 10-12 minute bake in the oven at 450°F. It all comes down to personal preference when deciding which one is better – but either way you’re sure to enjoy a delicious Italian experience!

FAQ: Difference between calzone and stromboli

Is a calzone and a stromboli the same thing?

No, calzones and strombolis are not the same thing. Calzones are typically filled with ricotta cheese and other savory ingredients and require a longer baking time at 375°F, while strombolis contain more of a variety of meats or vegetables and require a shorter baking time at 450°F.

Which has sauce calzone or stromboli?

Calzones can be made with either a red sauce or white sauce. Strombolis, on the other hand, typically do not have any sauce as they are made with pizza dough that is rolled up and sealed to contain the filling inside.

Can I freeze both calzone and stromboli?

Yes, you can freeze both calzones and strombolis. For best results, cool the dish completely before wrapping in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and freezing for up to 3 months. When you are ready to reheat, simply place it in a pre-heated oven at 375°F until heated through.

Whether you prefer a classic Italian calzone or something more creative like the BBQ pork and pineapple stromboli, you now have a better idea of the difference between calzone and stromboli. Both offer delicious flavors and textures that are sure to provide an amazing Italian experience! So why not give them a try today? You won’t be disappointed.

Is a calzone bigger than a stromboli?

No, a calzone and stromboli are typically the same size. However, some recipes call for a smaller calzone compared to a larger stromboli. This difference in size is often due to the difference in ingredients used to make each one. For example, calzones are usually filled with cheese and other savory fillings while strombolis contain heavier toppings such as pepperoni, ham, peppers or onions.

Does stromboli or calzone have ricotta?

Calzones are typically filled with ricotta cheese, while strombolis do not usually contain any ricotta. However, some recipes may call for a small amount of ricotta to be added to the inside of the stromboli.

What is the difference in baking time between calzone and stromboli?

The difference in baking time between calzone and stromboli is quite significant. Calzones typically require a 15-20 minute bake at 375°F, while strombolis need to be baked for 10-12 minutes at 450°F. This difference in baking time is due to the difference in ingredients used to make each one. Calzones are usually filled with cheese, ricotta and other savory ingredients while strombolis contain more of a variety of meats or vegetables.

Is a calzone just a folded pizza?

No, a calzone is not just a folded pizza. While it does contain some of the same ingredients as a pizza (such as cheese and tomato sauce), calzones are filled with other savory ingredients such as ricotta, salami and prosciutto. Additionally, they require a longer baking time at 375°F compared to the shorter baking time of 450°F for strombolis. This difference in ingredients and bake time provide a unique flavor experience for each dish.

Do Italians eat stromboli?

Yes, Italians eat both calzone and stromboli. Both are popular dishes in Italy and can be found on menus of restaurants all over the country.

What is typically in a stromboli?

A stromboli typically contains a variety of meats or vegetables such as pepperoni, ham, peppers or onions. These are usually combined with mozzarella cheese and wrapped up in pizza dough before baking for 10-12 minutes at 450°F. Some recipes may also call for a small amount of ricotta to be added to the inside of the stromboli.

Is a calzone a sandwich?

No, a calzone is not considered to be a sandwich. While it does contain some of the same ingredients as a sandwich (such as cheese and meat), calzones are typically filled with ricotta cheese and other savory fillings before being sealed up in pizza dough and baked in the oven. This difference in ingredients and baking method provide a unique flavor experience compared to a classic sandwich.

Is stromboli just a rolled up pizza?

No, strombolis are not just rolled up pizzas. While they do contain some of the same ingredients as a pizza (such as cheese and tomato sauce), strombolis also contain a variety of meats or vegetables such as pepperoni, ham, peppers or onions. These are all wrapped up in pizza dough before baking for 10-12 minutes at 450°F. This difference in ingredients and baking time provides a unique flavor experience for each dish.