pizzawarePizza is without a doubt the food most associated with Italian cuisine that springs to mind. Calzone and stromboli are two other delectable choices that are well worth trying.
Although they seem very similar, these two dishes are not the same. We’ll compare stromboli with calzone in this article so you can choose whether to get the next time you’re in the mood for Italian food.
Pizza dough, cheese, and fillings are used to make both stromboli and calzone. They are made and served differently, though. Like a pasty or empanada, a calzone has a circle of dough that is folded in half over the contents and sealed by crimping.
A stromboli, on the other hand, begins with a rectangular piece of dough and is covered with toppings and cheese before being rolled up and cooked. A lengthy, cylindrical shape that can be cut into pieces for serving is the end result.
While stromboli and calzones have some commonalities, they also stand out for their distinct variances. Both of these meals have Italian-American roots, which adds interest to their origin stories.
In order for you to fully appreciate these delectable Italian sweets, we will go deeper into the background and qualities of stromboli and calzone in the following paragraphs.
Origin and Shape
When it comes to stromboli vs calzone, one of the most significant differences is their origin and shape. Let’s take a closer look at these two aspects of these delicious Italian dishes.
Origin
Calzones hail from Naples, Italy, where they have been a popular street food for centuries. On the other hand, stromboli is an Italian-American creation that originated in the United States.
The dish is named after the Italian isle of Stromboli, which is famous for its active volcano.
Shape
The main difference between stromboli and calzone lies in the shape of the dough and how they are sealed.
A calzone features a circle of dough that’s folded in half over the filling and sealed by crimping, like a pasty or empanada.
On the other hand, stromboli is typically made from a rectangular piece of dough that is rolled up around the filling, creating a long, tube-like shape. The ends are then pinched together to create a half-moon shape.
While calzones are usually smaller and intended for a single serving, stromboli is often larger and sliced into shareable portions. The serving size is another key difference between stromboli and calzones.
A stromboli will typically serve 3 to 6 people, while calzones are usually made in smaller, single-serving sizes since they are meant to be an easy handheld lunch or dinner.
In summary, when it comes to stromboli vs calzone, the shape and origin of these dishes are two of the most significant differences.
While calzones are a traditional Italian street food from Naples, stromboli is an Italian-American creation that originated in the United States.
The shape of the dough and how they are sealed also differ, with calzones featuring a circle of dough folded in half and stromboli made from a rectangular piece of dough rolled up around the filling.
Ingredients and Fillings
When it comes to stromboli and calzone, both are made with similar ingredients, but the way they are assembled and filled can vary. Here are some common ingredients and fillings you might find in stromboli and calzone:
- Dough: Both stromboli and calzone are made with pizza dough, which is typically made with flour, water, yeast, salt, and olive oil.
- Cheese: Mozzarella cheese is a common ingredient in both stromboli and calzone, but ricotta cheese is often used in calzone as well. Some variations of stromboli may also include other types of cheese, such as provolone or Parmesan.
- Sauce: Calzone usually contains tomato sauce, while stromboli may or may not have sauce. If sauce is used, it is often marinara sauce.
- Meats: Both stromboli and calzone can be filled with various types of Italian meats, such as salami, pepperoni, ham, and sausage. Vegetarians might opt for fillings like broccoli, spinach, and olives.
- Peppers and Onions: These vegetables are commonly used in stromboli and calzone fillings to add flavor and texture.
When it comes to assembling stromboli and calzone, there are some differences to keep in mind. Stromboli is typically made by layering the fillings on top of the dough and then rolling it up into a cylinder shape. The ends are then pinched closed and the stromboli is baked until golden brown.
Calzone, on the other hand, is made by folding the dough in half and sealing the edges together to create a pocket. The filling is then added to the pocket and the calzone is baked until it is crispy and golden brown.
Overall, the ingredients and fillings used in stromboli and calzone can vary depending on personal preference and regional traditions.
Whether you prefer the crispy, handheld goodness of stromboli or the doughy, cheesy goodness of calzone, there’s no denying that both are delicious options for pizza lovers.
Preparation and Sealing Technique
When it comes to preparing stromboli and calzone, the main difference lies in their shape and sealing technique. We will explore these differences in more detail below.
Dough
The dough for both stromboli and calzone is typically made from the same ingredients: flour, yeast, salt, water, and olive oil.
However, the dough for stromboli is usually rolled out into a rectangular shape, while the dough for calzone is rolled out into a circle.
Sealing Technique
The sealing technique for stromboli and calzone is also different. Stromboli is typically sealed by folding the dough over onto itself, creating a seal all on its own.
An egg wash can be used to help create a more secure closure, although it isn’t usually necessary. The far ends are often left open.
On the other hand, calzone is sealed along the folded edge, often using an egg wash to help contain the hot filling. The dough is folded in half over the filling and sealed by crimping, like a pasty or empanada.
Egg Wash
As mentioned earlier, an egg wash can be used to help seal stromboli and calzone. An egg wash is simply a mixture of beaten eggs and water or milk that is brushed onto the dough before baking. It helps to create a shiny, golden-brown crust and can also help to seal the dough.
Pizzeria
If you’re ordering stromboli or calzone from a pizzeria, you may notice that the sealing technique is slightly different.
Pizzerias often use a fork to crimp the edges of the calzone, creating a more secure seal. Stromboli may also be sliced into smaller pieces before being served.
The preparation and sealing technique for stromboli and calzone is different. Stromboli is typically prepared with a rectangular-shaped dough that is sealed by folding it over onto itself, while calzone is prepared with a circular-shaped dough that is folded in half over the filling and sealed by crimping.
An egg wash can be used to help seal both stromboli and calzone, and pizzerias may use a fork to crimp the edges of the calzone for a more secure seal.
Comparison and Contrast
When it comes to stromboli vs calzone, there are a few key differences that set them apart. In this section, we’ll compare and contrast the two dishes to help you understand what makes them unique.
Size
One of the most obvious differences between stromboli and calzone is their size. Calzones are typically smaller and more compact, while strombolis are larger and more elongated.
This is because strombolis are often made to be shared, while calzones are typically a single serving.
Dough
Another key difference between stromboli and calzone is the type of dough used. Calzones are made with a thicker, bread-like dough, while strombolis are often made with a thinner, pizza-like dough. This gives strombolis a more crispy texture, while calzones are often softer and chewier.
Fillings
Both stromboli and calzone can be filled with a variety of ingredients, but there are some differences in the types of fillings used.
Strombolis often feature meat and cheese, while calzones can have a wider variety of fillings, including vegetables and sauce.
Panzerotti
A panzerotti is a type of Italian turnover that is similar to a calzone. It is made with a fried dough and is often filled with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and other ingredients. While panzerotti is similar to calzone, it is typically smaller and is always fried.
Taco vs Burrito
One way to think about the difference between stromboli and calzone is to compare them to a taco and a burrito. Calzones are folded into a half-moon shape, similar to a taco, while strombolis are rolled up like a burrito.
Cheesesteak
Another popular variation of stromboli is the cheesesteak stromboli, which is filled with sliced steak, onions, peppers, and cheese. This variation is similar to a classic Philly cheesesteak, but rolled up in a stromboli.
Overall, stromboli and calzone are both delicious Italian dishes that are perfect for a quick and easy meal.
Whether you prefer the crispy texture of stromboli or the softer, chewier texture of calzone, there’s no denying that both dishes are a tasty treat.
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