Both calzones and strombolis are delicious, oven-baked Italian-American dishes filled with similar ingredients like cheese, meats, and vegetables. Despite their similarities, calzones and strombolis differ in shape, preparation, and their origins. This article explores the key differences and similarities between these two classic dishes.
Definition of Calzone
A calzone is an Italian oven-baked folded pizza that originated in Naples, Italy. It is made by folding pizza dough over fillings like cheese (usually ricotta and mozzarella), meats like ham or salami, and vegetables, creating a half-moon shape. The calzone is sealed along the edges and baked until golden brown. It is typically served with marinara sauce on the side for dipping, rather than baked with the sauce inside.
Key features of a calzone:
- Half-moon shape created by folding pizza dough over the fillings.
- Traditional calzones are filled with ricotta, mozzarella, and sometimes meats and vegetables.
- The sauce is typically served on the side for dipping.
- Originated in Naples, Italy.
Definition of Stromboli
A stromboli is a rolled pizza or turnover that originated in the United States in the mid-20th century. It is made by layering fillings like mozzarella, meats (such as salami, pepperoni, or ham), and sometimes vegetables on pizza dough, then rolling it into a cylindrical shape, similar to a burrito. Strombolis are baked with the fillings inside, and unlike calzones, the sauce is often baked inside the dough rather than served on the side.
Key features of a stromboli:
- Cylindrical, rolled shape, similar to a burrito.
- Filled with cheese, meats, and sometimes vegetables.
- The sauce is often baked inside the dough with the fillings.
- Originated in the United States, not Italy.
Core Differences Between Calzone and Stromboli
Shape and Structure
- Calzone: Made by folding the dough in half to create a half-moon shape. The edges are sealed, and it looks like a stuffed pizza pocket.
- Stromboli: Rolled into a cylindrical shape, similar to a burrito or sandwich roll, with the fillings layered and baked inside.
Sauce Placement
- Calzone: The sauce is typically served on the side for dipping. The inside of the calzone is filled with cheese, meats, and vegetables, but usually not sauce.
- Stromboli: The sauce is often baked inside with the fillings, allowing for a more compact and complete roll.
Filling and Cheese
- Calzone: Traditionally filled with ricotta and mozzarella cheese, along with various meats and vegetables. Ricotta is a key ingredient in most authentic calzones.
- Stromboli: Usually filled with mozzarella cheese and meats like pepperoni, ham, or salami. Ricotta is not typically used in strombolis.
Origin
- Calzone: Originated in Naples, Italy, as a portable version of pizza, designed to be eaten on the go.
- Stromboli: Originated in the United States in the 1950s, specifically in Italian-American communities, and is not a traditional Italian dish.
Core Similarities Between Calzone and Stromboli
Pizza Dough
- Both calzones and strombolis use pizza dough as the base for their crust, resulting in a similar chewy, golden-brown texture when baked.
Fillings
- Both dishes are filled with a combination of cheese, meats, and vegetables, though the choice of cheeses and specific fillings may vary.
Baking Method
- Both calzones and strombolis are baked in an oven until the dough is crispy and golden brown, and the fillings are cooked through.
Comparison Table
| Aspect | Calzone | Stromboli |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Half-moon, folded | Cylindrical, rolled |
| Sauce Placement | Served on the side | Baked inside |
| Cheese | Ricotta and mozzarella | Mozzarella only |
| Origin | Naples, Italy | United States |
| Filling Style | Folded over fillings | Rolled with fillings inside |
Pros and Cons of Calzones and Strombolis
Pros of Calzone
- Classic Italian flavor: The traditional ricotta and mozzarella filling gives it an authentic Italian taste.
- Portable and easy to eat: The folded shape makes it easy to carry and eat on the go.
- Customizable fillings: You can fill a calzone with various cheeses, meats, and vegetables, making it highly customizable.
Cons of Calzone
- Messier to eat with dipping sauce: Since the sauce is served on the side, eating a calzone can be a bit messier, especially when dipping.
- Heavier texture: The ricotta filling makes the calzone heavier and more filling.
Pros of Stromboli
- Convenient all-in-one: With the sauce and fillings baked inside, a stromboli is compact and easy to eat without needing extra sauces.
- Crispy crust: The rolled dough allows for a crispy outer crust with evenly distributed fillings inside.
- Perfect for sharing: Strombolis are often larger and can be sliced into portions, making them great for sharing.
Cons of Stromboli
- Less authentic: Strombolis are not traditional Italian food, so they may not appeal to those looking for an authentic Italian meal.
- Less variety in cheese: Typically uses only mozzarella, so it lacks the creamy texture of ricotta found in calzones.
Use Cases and Scenarios
- Calzone: Perfect for those who want a traditional Italian meal with a focus on ricotta cheese and prefer dipping their food into marinara sauce. Ideal for a more rustic and classic dining experience.
- Stromboli: Great for those who want an all-in-one meal with sauce and fillings baked inside. It’s convenient for serving as party food or as a quick, portable lunch option.
Summary
In summary, while both calzones and strombolis share similarities in ingredients and baking methods, they differ significantly in their preparation, shape, and flavor. Calzones are folded, half-moon-shaped pockets with the sauce served on the side, typically filled with ricotta and mozzarella cheese. Strombolis, on the other hand, are rolled, cylindrical creations with sauce and fillings baked inside, usually made with mozzarella and various meats. Whether you prefer the classic Italian taste of a calzone or the convenience of a stromboli, both dishes offer a delicious, pizza-inspired experience.
FAQs
What is the main difference between a calzone and a stromboli?
The main difference is that a calzone is folded into a half-moon shape with the sauce served on the side, while a stromboli is rolled up with the sauce baked inside.
Which is more authentic, a calzone or a stromboli?
Calzones are more authentic as they originated in Italy, while strombolis were created in the United States.
Can I use the same dough for a calzone and a stromboli?
Yes, both calzones and strombolis use pizza dough as the base, so you can use the same dough for either dish.
Are calzones and strombolis filled with the same ingredients?
Both can be filled with similar ingredients like mozzarella, meats, and vegetables, but calzones traditionally include ricotta cheese, while strombolis typically do not.
