What’s The Difference Between A Calzone And A Stromboli?
Have you ever bitten into a calzone or stromboli and wondered what the difference is? Are you trying to decide between a calzone and stromboli for your next meal? You’re not alone – many buyers struggle with the same dilemma. The two Italian-American dishes may look pretty similar, but they actually feature distinct ingredients, flavor profiles, and cooking methods. And, calzones and strombolis share some similarities, but there are also distinct differences that can help inform which one might be the better choice.
To help clarify any confusion, this blog post will dive into the world of calzones and strombolis to provide all the information – similarities and differences between them for buyers needing to make an informed decision about which dish to order. So, keep reading on for a detailed comparison of these delicious offerings.
What is a calzone?
A calzone is an Italian-style turnover pastry made from a folded pizza dough filled with ingredients such as cheese, salami, vegetables, and other savory ingredients. This type of pizza-like dish typically has a semi-circular shape that is sealed shut by crimping the edges together. Also, It is similar to the traditional pizza, but the dough is folded over to create a half-moon shape. The calzone is then baked or fried until golden brown and crispy. It can be enjoyed as either an appetizer or main course depending on the filling used. The calzone filling usually includes cheese, meats such as pepperoni or sausage, and vegetables like mushrooms or peppers. Calzones are popular in many regions of Italy as well as throughout the United States. They often come in individual servings and may be eaten hot or cold. Enjoying a calzone means biting into layers of crunchy crust filled with delicious flavors.
Calzones are a great option for those looking to enjoy the flavors of pizza in an easier-to-eat form. Whether you’re a busy professional or simply want something different from regular pizza, calzones are a great choice. Enjoy one at lunchtime or as part of a dinner spread – the sky’s the limit. With so many delicious fillings available, there is sure to be something perfect for everyone’s tastes. Try your hand at making homemade calzones, or buy some ready-made ones when you don’t have time to make them yourself.
Where does calzone originate?
Calzones are believed to have originated in Naples, Italy. This style of pizza-like dish has been enjoyed by Italians for centuries and is still a favorite today. It is thought that calzones were first created as a way to wrap leftover ingredients from pizza making into a tasty and portable meal. The calzone’s popularity spread throughout Europe, eventually reaching the United States in the early 1900s. Today, this delicious Italian food can be found all over the world.
No matter where you’re from or what your tastes may be, there’s sure to be something special about biting into a warm calzone filled with cheese and your favorite toppings.
What is a stromboli?
Stromboli is another type of Italian turnover pastry, similar to a calzone. Instead of being filled with savory ingredients, stromboli is typically filled with cheese and other sweet treats such as jelly or chocolate chips. The dough for this dish is rolled out into a rectangular shape and then the filling is spread over it. It is then rolled up like a burrito and sealed with egg wash before being baked in an oven until crispy.
Unlike calzones, which are usually served hot, stromboli can be served either cold or at room temperature – making it a perfect choice for picnics and outdoor parties. Strombolis also make great snacks on-the-go, since they’re easy to assemble and eat. Try one today and you won’t regret it.
Where does stromboli originate?
Stromboli is believed to have originated on the Italian Island of Ischia, in the early 1900s. It quickly became popular throughout Italy and eventually made its way over to the United States. Nowadays, this delicious pastry can be found all across the country – both in restaurants and supermarkets. While it’s still not as well-known as calzones, stromboli has become a staple of Italian cuisine and can often be found at pizza places alongside other offerings such as calzones.
Stromboli is thought to have been invented by an immigrant chef who adapted traditional Italian flavors into a unique dish that could easily be eaten on-the-go or served with other dishes at a mealtime. This popular Italian food is now enjoyed all over the world, with many people creating their own versions to suit their tastes.
Whether you’re a traditionalist or an innovator, stromboli is sure to be a hit. With so many different flavors and fillings available, this delicious treat will always have something special for everyone to enjoy.
What are some of the typical differences between a calzone and a stromboli?
Between calzone and stromboli, there are some typical differences mentioned here:
1) Fillings:
The main differences between a calzone and stromboli are in the fillings. Calzones are typically filled with savory ingredients such as cheese, meats, and vegetables, while strombolis usually contain sweet items like jelly or chocolate chips.
2) Dough:
The dough used for each dish is also different. Calzones use pizza dough that is folded into a semi-circle and sealed, while strombolis use a thinner pastry dough that is rolled out into a rectangular shape before being filled and then rolled up like a burrito.
3) Cooking methods:
Although both calzones and strombolis can be eaten hot or cold. However, calzones are usually baked in an oven until golden brown and crispy, while strombolis can also be deep-fried for added crunch.
4) Shape:
The form of a calzone and a stromboli is the primary distinction between them. A stromboli has a more rectangular or oval form compared to a calzone’s typical crescent shape. Additionally, strombolis normally have the dough wrapped around the filling, whereas calzones normally have the dough folded over the filling.
5) Servings:
Calzones are usually served as a main meal and are often large enough to feed one or two people, while strombolis are usually served as snacks and tend to be smaller in size.
6) Ingredients:
Calzones are typically filled with savory ingredients, such as cheese, meats, and vegetables. On the other hand, strombolis are usually filled with sweet items like jelly or chocolate chips.
7) Sauces:
Calzones usually come with a side of marinara or garlic-infused olive oil for dipping, while strombolis are often served without sauces.
No matter which you choose, calzone or stromboli, both provide delicious flavors and textures that make them great choices when it comes to Italian food. So why not give one a try today? You won’t regret it!
How do you make a calzone – a step by step instruction?
Making a calzone is an easy and delicious way to enjoy Italian flavors. Here’s a step by step guide on how to make your own:
1) Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2) Roll out pizza dough into a 12-inch circle, then place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3) Spread desired filling ingredients onto half of the dough in an even layer, leaving 1/2 inch of space around the edges.
4) Fold the remaining half of the dough over the filled side and press down lightly to seal all sides. Use a fork or knife to crimp shut any open areas.
5) Brush top of calzone with beaten egg for added shine and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
6) Allow calzone to cool before slicing. Serve with marinara or garlic-infused olive oil for dipping if desired.
Enjoy! Now you have a delicious homemade calzone ready to be enjoyed.
How do you make a stromboli – a step by step instruction?
To begin making a stromboli, there are some ingredients and equipment that you should have:
Ingredients:
– Pizza Dough
– Your favorite fillings such as cheese, meats and vegetables (or sweet items like jelly or chocolate chips)
Equipment:
– Rolling Pin
– Baking Sheet
As mentioned above, there is a little difference of shape between calzones and strombolis. So, the instruction to make a stromboli is also quite different:
1) Rolling out the dough:
Roll the dough into a big (10 by 14 inch) rectangle using a rolling pin. Pizza sauce should be applied, leaving a 2-inch boundary all the way around.
2) Adding some kinds of toppings:
Shredded mozzarella should be distributed equally. Then include the cut pepperoni, bacon, and salami. If desired, include any additional vegetables or toppings.
3) Folding:
Eggs should be used to brush the dough’s edges. The dough will then be rolled up like a jelly roll. The edges should be sealed or pinched together, then tucked under. Apply egg wash to the dough’s surface.
4) Seasoning:
Garlic powder should be distributed equally over the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Every two inches, carefully cut slats into the top.
5) Putting in to the oven and baking:
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until bubbling and golden, at 400°F on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Take out of the oven, then let cool for five minutes before cutting. Enjoy your delicious stromboli!
What are some of the famous calzone recipes?
Some of the famous calzone recipes are:
1) Vegetarian Calzones – stuffed with spinach, mushrooms, ricotta and mozzarella cheese.
2) Buffalo Chicken Calzones – filled with spicy chicken, blue cheese and hot sauce.
3) Supreme Calzones – stuffed with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions and peppers.
4) Spinach Artichoke Calzones – packed with a creamy blend of artichokes, cheeses and spinach.
5) Bacon Cheeseburger Calzones – loaded with bacon, ground beef and cheddar cheese.
6) Cheese-Stuffed Breadstick Calzone – filled with a mix of Italian cheeses and served with marinara sauce.
7) Sausage and Ricotta Calzone – filled with Italian sausage, ricotta cheese and mozzarella.
8) Pizza Calzone – stuffed with all your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms and olives.
9) BBQ Chicken Calzones – loaded with chicken, mozzarella cheese and your favorite BBQ sauce.
10) Cheeseburger Calzones – stuffed with ground beef, cheddar cheese and pickles for a classic flavor combination.
No matter which one you choose to make, you’ll be sure to craft an amazing calzone everyone will enjoy!
What are some of the famous stromboli recipes?
Some of the famous stromboli recipes are:
1) Pepperoni Stromboli – filled with pepperoni, mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce.
2) Bacon Cheeseburger Stromboli – a delicious combination of ground beef, bacon, cheddar cheese and onions.
3) Sausage and Cheese Stromboli – stuffed with Italian sausage, ricotta, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
4) Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli – packed with steak, bell peppers, onions and mozzarella cheese.
5) Vegetable Stromboli – loaded with mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes and olives for a healthy twist on a classic.
6) Mediterranean Stromboli – filled with feta cheese, spinach, olives and tomatoes for a flavorful meal.
7) Buffalo Chicken Stromboli – stuffed with spicy chicken, blue cheese and hot sauce.
8) BBQ Chicken Stromboli – packed with chicken, mozzarella cheese and your favorite BBQ sauce.
9) Supreme Pizza Stromboli – loaded up with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions and peppers for a pizza-like flavor in every bite.
10) Taco Stromboli – filled with beef or turkey, black beans, corn and cheddar cheese for a Mexican twist on an Italian classic.
No matter which one you choose to make, you’ll be sure to craft an amazing stromboli everyone will enjoy! Enjoy these delicious recipes today!
How do I eat calzone?
Calzones are best eaten hot out of the oven. To eat a calzone, simply tear off one corner and start pulling apart the dough. Once you have made an opening, use a fork to scoop up your filling and enjoy! You can also dip it in marinara sauce for added flavor. If your calzone is too big or too hot to eat right away, it’s perfectly fine to let it cool for a few minutes before eating.
How do I eat stromboli?
To eat stromboli, it is best to cut it into slices. This will help the cheesy goodness and all of the other filling ingredients stay inside each slice. To do this, use a sharp knife and make sure each slice is about 1 to 2 inches thick. It can also be helpful to have a pair of kitchen scissors on hand for snipping open any cheese strings that might be trying to escape! Once it’s sliced, enjoy your delicious stromboli warm with some marinara sauce or garlic butter dipping sauce.
If you are taking your Stromboli out and about and eating it cold, try wrapping it in foil first so the heat stays inside longer and keeps the outside crust crispy. You may also want to wrap up each slice individually, so you can snack on the go easily.
No matter how you decide to eat it, your homemade stromboli will be sure to satisfy any craving.
Can you reheat calzone?
Yes, you can reheat calzones. The best method to reheat calzones is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F, then wrap the calzone in foil and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until heated through.
You can also use a microwave to reheat your calzone. Place the calzone on a plate and microwave for 1 minute at 50% power, then let it sit for 1 minute before serving.
If you are using leftovers from the refrigerator, first let it come to room temperature before attempting to heat it up so that it cooks evenly throughout. Reheating your calzone this way will make sure that your food is safe to eat and that it tastes as good as when it was first made.
Can you freeze calzone?
Yes, you can freeze calzones but it is important to make sure they are wrapped tightly in airtight plastic wrap or aluminum foil before putting them in the freezer. To defrost, take out the frozen calzone and place it on a plate or baking sheet. Leave to thaw at room temperature for several hours until completely defrosted before reheating. Calzones can also be heated from frozen – just cover with foil and bake for 10 to 15 minutes.
Freezing calzones is an easy way to store leftovers so you can enjoy them at another time. It also makes a great way to meal prep for busy weeknights or last minute dinners.
Can you reheat a stromboli leftover?
Yes, you can reheat a stromboli leftover. The best way to do this is to preheat your oven to 350°F and place the stromboli on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until it’s heated through and the cheese is melted. Alternatively, you can wrap the stromboli in damp paper towels and microwave for 1 to 2 minutes until warmed up.
How do I store homemade strombolis?
Homemade strombolis should be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It is best to store the stromboli at room temperature and avoid leaving it out for extended periods of time. Stored properly, your stromboli will last up to a week in the refrigerator. If you wish to freeze them, make sure they are completely cooled before wrapping them tightly and storing in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and bake according to recipe instructions. This will ensure that your homemade stromboli is as tasty as when it was first made.
Are there any tips for making a perfect calzone?
Making a perfect calzone is all about keeping the dough thin and workable, yet strong enough to hold its shape during baking. Here are some helpful tips when preparing a tasty calzone:
– Use cold water when mixing the dough as this helps it stay firm and manipulate better.
– Thinly roll out your pizza dough before adding fillings – aim for roughly 1/8 inch thick.
– Make sure you have enough sauce in your filling to help hold your calzone together.
– Make sure to firmly seal the edges of the dough – you can use a fork or your fingers.
– Brush some melted butter on top of each calzone before baking – this will give it an extra crunchy texture.
– Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be sure to create a perfect calzone every time.
What are some tips for making delicious strombolis?
Making delicious strombolis begins with the dough. To ensure a flaky and flavorful base, start off by using fresh, homemade dough. If you don’t have the time to make your own, try using store-bought pizza dough instead. Once you’ve chosen your dough, it’s important to make sure that you roll it out thin. You want the dough to be able to hold all of your favorite ingredients without becoming overly thick and dense.
When selecting what ingredients to include in your stromboli, choose fillings with bold flavors and contrasting textures for best results. Depending on the type of stromboli you are making, consider adding some cheeses like feta or mozzarella, meats like sausage or pepperoni, and vegetables such as mushrooms and peppers.
Once you’ve added your fillings, be sure to use a good amount of sauce to help keep the stromboli together while baking. For an extra crunchy texture on top, brush some melted butter onto the dough before baking. The strombolis should bake for approximately 25 minutes at 375°F or until golden brown.
By following these simple tips, you can guarantee yourself a delicious homemade stromboli every time.
Conclusion
Calzone vs stromboli: which is better? This is a difficult question to answer because both calzones and strombolis are delicious Italian dishes with many similarities. Both involve folding pizza dough over a variety of fillings, baking them in the oven, and then enjoying their hot and savory results.
The biggest difference between the two is that calzones are typically sealed completely in order to keep all of the filling inside while strombolis are left open so that you can see all of the delicious ingredients tucked inside. Additionally, calzones tend to be larger than strombolis due to their fully enclosed shape.
At the end of the day, it really comes down to personal preference when deciding which one is “better”. If you like a bigger, more filling-packed dish, then a calzone is definitely the way to go. However, if you are looking for something smaller and lighter with different ingredients peeking out of each bite, then a stromboli might be more your style. The choice is yours! Whichever one you decide on will surely be delicious.
References:
Apple Pie Calzone By: Simply Creative Chef Rob Scott
I’m Vance Douglas, and I love making pizza. In fact, I love it so much that I decided to build my own oven to make it in. It’s a brick oven that I made myself, and it’s the best pizza oven you’ll ever find.
Making pizza is a passion of mine, and I’m always looking for new ways to make it even better. I’ve been making pizza for years, and I continue to learn more about the art every day. My goal is to create the perfect pizza, and I’m getting closer and closer every time.
