pizzawareAlthough many people have probably heard of the iconic Italian-American dish stromboli, not everyone is familiar with it.
In essence, stromboli is a baked turnover loaded with different Italian cheeses and frequently hot cold meats or veggies from Italy. Either pizza dough or Italian bread dough is employed.
Since they are both baked pastries with similar fillings, stromboli and calzone are frequently confused. However, the way a calzone and stromboli are sealed is the main distinction between the two.
A stromboli is rolled up like a jelly roll and cut to serve, whereas a calzone is folded in half and sealed. So, to sum up, stromboli is a tasty and filling dish that can be eaten as a dinner or an appetizer.
What is a Stromboli?
Stromboli is an Italian-American dish that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is a type of baked turnover that is filled with various Italian kinds of cheese, typically mozzarella, and usually Italian cold cuts or vegetables served hot.
The dough used is either Italian bread dough or pizza dough. The dish is often confused with a calzone, but there are some key differences between the two.
Origins
Contrary to popular belief, stromboli originated in the United States way back in the fifties. It is a sandwich whose name is derived from an Italian movie made by Roberto Rossellini and starring Ingrid Bergman.
It might not be the best blockbuster movie, but it caused quite a storm at the time because of the alleged relationship that took place on the film set between the two stars.
The sandwich was created by Mike Aquino, a chef in Spokane, Washington, who named it after the movie.
Definition
The major difference between a calzone and a stromboli is how they are sealed. A calzone is like a taco, and a stromboli is like a burrito.
A calzone is folded in half and sealed, while a stromboli is rolled up like a jelly roll and then baked. Additionally, a calzone usually contains ricotta cheese, while a stromboli does not.
Stromboli is a versatile dish that can be filled with a variety of ingredients, including sausage, peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
It is often served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. The dish can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or even as a snack.
Stromboli is an Italian-American dish that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is a type of baked turnover that is filled with various Italian kinds of cheese and usually Italian cold cuts or vegetables served hot.
The dish is often confused with a calzone, but there are some key differences between the two. Stromboli is a versatile dish that can be filled with a variety of ingredients and can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or even as a snack.
Ingredients and Fillings
When it comes to stromboli, the possibilities for fillings are endless. Here are the different ingredients that can be used to make delicious stromboli.
Dough
The dough is the foundation of any stromboli. It can be made from scratch or purchased pre-made from the grocery store. Pizza dough is a popular choice for stromboli as it is easy to work with.
Sauce
Marinara sauce is a classic choice for stromboli. It adds a tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients. However, any pizza sauce can be used as a substitute.
Cheeses
Mozzarella cheese is a staple ingredient in stromboli. It melts perfectly and adds a creamy texture. Provolone cheese is another popular choice as it has a sharp flavor that pairs well with meats. Ricotta cheese can also be used to add a creamy texture.
Meats
Stromboli can be filled with any type of meat. Pepperoni, salami, capicola, deli ham, and even ground meat are popular choices. Philly cheesesteak-style stromboli is also a delicious option.
Vegetables
Peppers, onions, and mushrooms are common vegetables used in stromboli. However, any vegetable can be used as long as it is cooked beforehand to avoid excess moisture in the stromboli.
Herbs
Basil and garlic powder are the most commonly used herbs in stromboli. They add a burst of flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Stromboli is a versatile dish that can be filled with any combination of ingredients. From classic pepperoni and mozzarella to Philly cheesesteak-style with ground beef and peppers, the possibilities are endless.
With a little creativity, stromboli can be customized to suit any taste preference.
How to Make Stromboli
Stromboli is a delicious Italian-American dish that consists of a rolled-up pizza dough filled with various meats and cheese. It’s a great dish to make for a party or for a quick and easy dinner. Here’s how we make our stromboli:
Preparation
To make stromboli, we start by preparing the bread dough. We use our favorite pizza dough recipe, but any bread dough will do. We roll the dough out into a rectangular shape on a floured surface.
We then spread pizza sauce on the dough, leaving about an inch of space around the edges.
Next, we add our favorite cold cuts, such as turkey or ham, on top of the pizza sauce. We sprinkle garlic powder on top of the cold cuts for added flavor. We then add shredded cheese on top of the cold cuts.
To seal the stromboli, we fold the edges of the dough over the filling and pinch them together. We then fold the ends of the dough over and pinch them together as well. We brush melted butter on top of the stromboli and sprinkle garlic powder on top.
Baking
We preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. We place the stromboli on the baking sheet and cut a few slits on top to allow steam to escape.
We bake the stromboli for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. We let the stromboli cool for a few minutes before slicing it into pieces and serving.
Stromboli can be made in different sizes depending on your preference. We usually make large stromboli that can serve several people. To make smaller strombolis, simply adjust the amount of dough and filling used.
Stromboli is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Different Variations of Stromboli
Stromboli is a versatile Italian dish that can be customized to suit your taste and preferences. Here are a few popular variations of stromboli that you can try making at home:
Homemade Stromboli
Making homemade stromboli is a great way to experiment with different fillings and flavors. You can use homemade pizza dough or store-bought dough to make your stromboli. Some popular fillings for homemade stromboli include Italian meats, spinach, and Italian cheese.
You can also add vegetables like mushrooms and peppers to make your stromboli healthier. Homemade stromboli is a great appetizer or lunch option that is sure to impress your guests.
Philly Stromboli
Philly stromboli is a classic South Philly dish that is made with deli ham, Swiss cheese, and spinach.
This stromboli is cylindrical in shape and is often referred to as a “cigar.” Philly stromboli is a popular lunch option and is often served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. If you’re looking to try something new, Philly Stromboli is a great option.
Italian Stromboli
Italian stromboli is a classic Italian dish that is made with a variety of Italian meats and cheeses. This stromboli is often served as an appetizer and is a great way to showcase the flavors of Italian cuisine.
Some popular fillings for Italian stromboli include prosciutto, salami, and mozzarella cheese. Italian stromboli is a great option for those who want to experience the authentic flavors of Italy.
Stromboli is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste and preferences. Whether you prefer homemade stromboli, Philly stromboli, or Italian stromboli, there is a stromboli out there for everyone. So, why not try making your own stromboli today?
Stromboli vs. Calzone vs. Pizza
When it comes to Italian cuisine, there are a few dishes that stand out, and pizza, calzone, and stromboli are among them. While they share some similarities, they are distinct dishes with unique characteristics. In this section, we will compare and contrast these three popular dishes.
Pizza
Pizza is a classic Italian dish that has become popular all over the world. It consists of a flatbread crust, topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and various toppings, which can include meat, vegetables, and herbs. Pizza can be baked in a wood-fired oven, a gas oven, or even on a grill.
Calzone
Calzone is a folded pizza that is often described as a “pizza turnover.” It is made by folding a circle of pizza dough in half and filling it with cheese, sauce, and toppings. The edges are then crimped to seal the filling inside. Calzones are typically baked in a wood-fired oven or a conventional oven.
Stromboli
Stromboli is a type of turnover that is similar to a calzone but has a different shape. It is made by rolling out pizza dough into a rectangle and then layering cheese, sauce, and toppings on top.
The dough is then rolled up, jelly-roll style, and baked in an oven. Unlike a calzone, stromboli is not folded in half, so the filling is visible.
While all three dishes share some similarities, they are distinct in their own right. Pizza is the most versatile of the three, as it can be customized with a wide range of toppings.
Calzone and stromboli are more similar to each other, but the main difference is in their shape and sealing technique. Calzone is folded in half, while the stromboli is rolled up.
Whether you prefer pizza, calzone, or stromboli, there is no denying that each dish has its own unique characteristics and flavors.
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between stromboli and calzone, we can confidently say that stromboli is a delicious Italian dish that is worth trying.
While it may look similar to a calzone, the thinner dough and log-like shape make it a unique and flavorful experience.
Stromboli offers a variety of fillings, from classic pepperoni and cheese to more adventurous options like spinach and artichoke or buffalo chicken. The possibilities are endless, and each bite is sure to be a delightful surprise.
While it may take some practice to perfect the rolling and sealing technique, making stromboli at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. Plus, it’s a great way to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.
We highly recommend giving Stromboli a try if you haven’t already. With its crispy crust, gooey cheese, and savory fillings, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your Italian cuisine repertoire.
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