If you’re anything like me, then you may find yourself often getting lost in the sea of Italian cuisine. The options are seemingly endless and it can be difficult to differentiate between them all!
One common source of confusion is understanding the difference between stromboli and calzone. To help settle this debate once and for all, we’re diving into some Italian culinary history to demystify these two delectable dishes.
Join us as we explore the nuances that define a stromboli vs calzone — along with recipes for each classic recipe so you can make your own at home!
What Is Stromboli?
Stromboli is a type of Italian-American dish that is typically made with pizza dough and filled with various ingredients, similar to a calzone or a rolled-up pizza. It is named after the Italian island of Stromboli, which is known for its volcanic activity. The dish is believed to have originated in the United States and is popular in Italian-American cuisine.
The basic preparation of Stromboli involves rolling out pizza dough into a rectangle, adding a variety of ingredients such as Italian meats (e.g., pepperoni, salami), cheeses (e.g., mozzarella, provolone), vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, onions), and sometimes tomato sauce or marinara. Once the ingredients are placed on the dough, it is rolled up into a log or cylinder shape, similar to a burrito or jelly roll, and then baked until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Stromboli can be customized with different fillings and seasonings to suit individual preferences. It is typically sliced into rounds or wedges for serving, and it is often accompanied by additional marinara sauce for dipping.
Stromboli is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of pizza in a convenient, portable format. It’s a popular choice for parties, gatherings, or as a quick meal option.
What Is Calzone?
A calzone is a popular Italian dish that is essentially a folded or closed pizza. It consists of a thin circle or oval of pizza dough that is filled with various ingredients, similar to pizza toppings, and then folded in half to form a half-moon or crescent shape. The edges of the dough are usually sealed to enclose the filling, and the calzone is baked until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
The fillings for a calzone can vary widely and often include ingredients such as mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, various meats like pepperoni or sausage, vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions, and sometimes tomato sauce or marinara. Essentially, the fillings can be similar to those used on traditional pizzas.
Calzones are known for their versatility, and you can customize them to suit your taste preferences. They can be made with different combinations of ingredients, making them a versatile and satisfying meal option.
Calzones are typically served hot, and they can be a convenient and portable way to enjoy pizza flavors without the need for a plate and utensils. They are often accompanied by a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Calzones are enjoyed in many parts of the world, but they have their roots in Italian cuisine.
Stromboli vs Calzone: What are the differences?
Ahh, the great debate that’s been going on for centuries: Stromboli vs Calzone. While they both look like giant, closed-up sandwiches, there are several distinct differences between them.
Let’s start with what they have in common – Stromboli and Calzone are both made with pizza dough and stuffed with a variety of ingredients such as cheese and meats. The difference lies in their preparation – while a calzone is prepared by folding the dough over its fillings to create a half-moon shape, a stromboli is rolled up like an envelope or log rather than folded.
Another key distinction between the two is their cooking process. Unlike calzones which are typically fried or oven-fired quickly at high temperatures to achieve that golden crunchy crust we all love, strombolis take longer to cook because of their thicker layers which need more time for heat to penetrate through all the ingredients within it. This results in softer textures compared to calzones.
So now we know how they differ from each other, but how do you decide when it’s appropriate to get one or the other? Generally speaking, if you’re looking for something quick and easy that just melts in your mouth then go with a calzone – it takes less time to prepare than stromboli but you still get amazing flavor combinations out of it! However if you’re looking for something more substantial that packs full flavors then opt for a Stomboli – its texture will be slightly different due to its larger size giving off much more flavor explosions!
Ultimately, regardless of whether you choose Stombolis or Calzones –you really can’t go wrong either way as long as you top them off with some yummy marinara sauce!
Calzone |
Stromboli | |
| Origin: | Naples, Italy | Philadelphia, PA |
| Tomato Sauce: | On the side | Baked in |
| How it’s made: | Baked or fried | Baked |
| Shape: | Crescent moon | Log |
Which Is Better Calzone or Stromboli?
When it comes to Italian cuisine, the debate over the superiority of calzone versus stromboli has been raging for ages. While both are delicious, frankly, I’m not sure there’s a clear winner here – it all comes down to personal preference.
Are you in the mood for a crispy, cheesy exterior with a savory filling? Then stromboli might be your go-to. But if you’re craving a more doughy, folded structure that allows for a variety of toppings, a calzone might be more up your alley.
If you are in the mood for a handheld, on-the-go snack? Stromboli might be your best bet. But if you’re looking for something more substantial that you need a fork and knife for, a calzone might hit the spot.
Whether you’re team Calzone or team Stromboli, one thing is for sure- both are sure to satisfy your Italian cravings.
How To Make Stromboli?
Stromboli is a delicious dish that combines pizza and calzone. To make it, you will need the following ingredients: pizza dough, mozzarella cheese, Italian sausage, pepperoni slices, deli ham, onion, mushrooms, green bell peppers, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, olive oil and parmesan cheese.
First, preheat the oven to 375°F/190°C. Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread on the mozzarella cheese and top with the sausage, pepperoni slices and deli ham. Add in any other desired toppings such as onions, mushrooms or green bell peppers. Sprinkle over garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
Drizzle olive oil over the stromboli then roll up the dough along its long side. Tuck each end of the stromboli underneath itself to secure its shape. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and serve hot!
How To Cook Calzone At Home?
Making calzone at home is easier than you think, and the results are truly satisfying. To start, make your own pizza dough or buy it pre-made at the store.
Roll out the dough into a circular shape, add your desired fillings such as tomato sauce, cheese, and meats or veggies, then fold and seal the dough to make a pocket.
Finally, bake for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the outside. The end result is a piping hot, perfectly cooked calzone that’s sure to impress your taste buds.
Which Is More Healthier?
Let’s settle this debate once and for all. While both are delicious, one of these dishes stands out as the healthier option.
The calzone is typically baked and stuffed with cheese, vegetables, and meats.
On the other hand, stromboli is usually fried and loaded with similar ingredients. While frying might give a dish a crispy exterior, it also adds unwanted oils and calories.
So, if you’re looking to satisfy your Italian cravings while still watching your waistline, go for the calzone. It’s the healthier choice without sacrificing any of the mouth-watering flavors!
The Best Way To Store Calzone And Stromboli
If you’ve ever had a warm calzone or stromboli and couldn’t finish it all, you know how important it is to store it properly.
The best way to store a partially-eaten calzone or stromboli is to wrap it in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate it. Be sure to remove any toppings that may have gotten soggy during the cooking process, and then wrap the remaining portion tightly.
When reheating, heat it up in the oven or toaster oven for the crispiest crust possible. Don’t throw away those leftovers! Store them properly and enjoy them later.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Which has sauce inside calzone or stromboli?
Calzone typically has sauce inside, while stromboli does not. Stromboli is usually filled with cheese and other toppings such as sausage, pepperoni or deli ham. Some recipes for stromboli may include a sauce inside, but this is not the typical preparation for the dish.
Does Stromboli have ricotta cheese?
Stromboli usually does not contain ricotta cheese. It is typically filled with cheese and other toppings such as sausage, pepperoni or deli ham. Some recipes may include ricotta cheese, but it is not a typical ingredient in the dish.
What kind of dough is used for Stromboli?
Stromboli is typically made with pizza dough. Common types of dough used are store-bought pizza dough, homemade pizza dough or focaccia dough. Some recipes may call for puff pastry or filo pastry to make a flaky crust.
How long can you store calzone and stromboli?
Calzone and stromboli can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, they can be frozen. To reheat, place on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
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