Stromboli vs Calzone

From the combination of flavorful fillings to the crispy crust and stretchy melted cheese. Stromboli and calzone offer a mouthwatering experience that satisfies both the palate and the appetite.

Join us as we delve into the enticing world of Stromboli and calzone. Exploring the elements that make these dishes so delicious and appealing to food lovers everywhere. Make this Blackstone Recipe for a quick meal idea.

What are the Differences?

Stromboli and calzone are both delicious Italian baked dishes that are often confused with each other due to their similar appearance. However, there are distinct differences between the two. Here are some key contrasts:

Shape and Folding Technique

• Stromboli: Stromboli is rolled and shaped like a log or cylinder, resembling a long sandwich. The dough is filled with a variety of ingredients. Typically Italian meats, cheeses, and vegetables, and then rolled tightly before being baked.
• Calzone: Calzone, on the other hand, is folded into a half-moon or crescent shape, similar to a turnover or pocket. The dough is folded over the filling and sealed around the edges, forming a contained pocket.

Filling Placement

• Stromboli: In a stromboli, the filling is placed on top of the dough. The dough is rolled up with the fillings inside. The filling ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the rolled dough.
• Calzone: A calzone has the filling enclosed within the folded dough, like a stuffed pocket. The fillings are sealed inside and baked, resulting in a more contained and uniform distribution of ingredients.

Sauce

• Stromboli: Stromboli is traditionally served without dipping sauce, as the flavors of the fillings are meant to shine on their own.
• Calzone: Calzones are often served with a side of marinara or tomato sauce for dipping. Enhancing the flavors and providing additional moisture.

Cooking Method

• Stromboli: Stromboli is typically baked at a higher temperature, resulting in a slightly crispier and browner crust.
• Calzone: Calzones are usually baked at a slightly lower temperature, allowing the filling to cook thoroughly without overly browning the crust.

Regional Variations

• Stromboli: Stromboli is believed to have originated in the United States, particularly in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is named after the town of Stromboli in Italy, which is famous for its volcano.
• Calzone: Calzone has its roots in Italian cuisine and is enjoyed throughout Italy and other regions influenced by Italian culinary traditions.

While both stromboli and calzone offer a delicious combination of fillings, crust, and flavors. Their distinctive shapes, folding techniques, and sauce usage set them apart. Whether you prefer the rolled log of a stromboli or the folded pocket of a calzone. Both dishes provide a satisfying and delectable experience for Italian food enthusiasts.

What is Stromboli?

Stromboli is a type of Italian-American baked dish that originated in the United States. It is named after the volcanic island of Stromboli in Italy. Stromboli is often referred to as a rolled or stuffed sandwich due to its shape and filling.

See our Blackstone Stromboli Recipe.

Stromboli Fillings

The basic components of a stromboli include pizza dough rolled out into a rectangular shape. Which is then topped with various fillings. The fillings typically consist of Italian cured meats.

Such as pepperoni, salami, or ham. Cheeses such as mozzarella or provolone, and vegetables. Such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.

Other ingredients like olives, herbs, and sauces can also be added based on personal preferences.

Stromboli Shape

Once the fillings are evenly distributed on the rolled-out dough. The dough is tightly rolled into a log or cylinder shape, similar to a jelly roll or Swiss roll. The ends of the dough are often tucked in or sealed to prevent the fillings from leaking out during baking.

The rolled stromboli is then baked in the oven until the dough becomes golden brown and crispy. The cheese inside melts and becomes gooey. The result is a delicious and savory baked dish with a combination of flavors and textures.

How is Stromboli Served

Stromboli is typically served sliced, resembling a spiral of fillings enclosed in a crusty exterior. It can be enjoyed as a main course, appetizer, or even as a portable meal option. The versatility of stromboli allows for various filling combinations, making it customizable to personal tastes and preferences.

While stromboli shares similarities with pizza, it is distinct in its presentation and method of preparation. Its rolled and stuffed nature sets it apart, creating a unique and tasty dish that is loved by many.

What is Calzone?

Calzone is a popular Italian baked dish that originated in Naples. It is essentially a folded or sealed pizza pocket or turnover. Calzone Recipe is made with pizza dough that is folded in half, enclosing a variety of fillings. You may need to use egg wash for the best sealing technique.

The dough used for calzone is similar to pizza dough, typically made from flour, yeast, water, salt, and olive oil. It is rolled out into a round or oval shape, similar to a pizza crust. The fillings are then placed on one half of the dough, leaving a border around the edges.

See Blackstone Pizza Calzone Recipe.

Calzone Fillings

The fillings in a calzone can vary, but they often include ingredients commonly found in pizza, such as mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, and toppings like Italian cured meats (such as pepperoni or ham), vegetables (such as mushrooms or spinach), and herbs or spices.

The fillings are layered on one side of the dough. Then the other half of the dough is folded over to enclose the fillings. The edges of the dough are then sealed.

Either by crimping them with a fork or by folding and pinching the dough together. Ensuring that the fillings remain securely enclosed within the calzone during baking.

Calzone is typically baked in a hot oven until the dough turns golden brown and crispy. The fillings are cooked and melted inside. The result is a delicious, handheld, and portable dish with a combination of flavors and textures.

How is Calzone Served

Traditionally, calzone is served whole, and individuals can cut into it to reveal the layers of fillings. It is often enjoyed as a main course or as a quick and convenient meal on the go.

Calzone offers versatility in terms of fillings, allowing you to customize it to your preferences. It’s a delicious option for pizza lovers who enjoy a folded and sealed variation of this beloved Italian dish. We have even added in sausages, cold cuts deli meat, and tomatoes.

We even love to serve the slices with a side of marinara sauce.

Easy to Customize

Both stromboli and calzone offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures. They can be filled with various ingredients such as cured meats, cheeses, vegetables, and sauces, allowing for customization to personal preferences.

Whether you prefer the rolled log of a stromboli or the folded pocket of a calzone. Both dishes provide a satisfying and delicious experience for Italian food enthusiasts.