If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, you’ve probably come across two mouthwatering dishes: Stromboli and Calzone. These delightful creations are close relatives of pizza, featuring a delectable combination of sauce, cheese, and toppings stuffed into a doughy bread and baked to perfection. While they may have some similarities, there are also notable differences that set them apart. Join us on a journey as we delve into the origins of Stromboli and Calzone, explore their unique characteristics, and even share some delicious recipes for you to try at home. Let’s get started!
What is Stromboli?
Imagine a cylindrical, rolled-up pizza that is sliced into perfect portions before it reaches your plate. That’s Stromboli for you! It starts with a thin rectangle of pizza dough topped with mouthwatering mozzarella cheese and a selection of ingredients such as veggies and cured meats like salami, ham, or pepperoni. A touch of marinara sauce adds that extra burst of flavor. The dough is then rolled around the filling, creating a long hoagie sandwich-like pizza roll. And of course, more tomato sauce is served alongside for dipping.
Where did Stromboli Originate?
Stromboli made its debut in South Philadelphia back in the 1950s in a historically Italian neighborhood. Romano’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, which still stands today, proudly claims to be the birthplace of this delectable dish. Interestingly, it takes its name from the romantic movie “Stromboli” starring Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini, which was released around the same time. The film is set on the volcanic island of Stromboli near Sicily, hence the capitalized name.
Stromboli Dough and Folding Techniques
To create the perfect Stromboli, one can use either Italian bread dough or pizza dough. The thin dough is sealed by rolling it into a spiral and then folding the edges to prevent fillings from oozing out during baking. Unlike calzones, Stromboli doesn’t typically require an egg wash for that golden brown color.
Sauce and Fillings in a Stromboli
Similar to pizza and calzones, Stromboli is typically filled with mozzarella cheese (sometimes combined with low-moisture cheese like ricotta), cured meats, and a variety of vegetables such as mushrooms, onions, olives, and peppers. A tomato marinara sauce, flavored with oregano, is added inside the roll, distinguishing it from the calzone. Extra sauce can be served for dipping to enhance the taste even further.
How to Eat it and Typical Serving Size
A single Stromboli is sliced into convenient, hand-held servings that can be dipped into tomato sauce or drizzled with olive oil. It’s a perfect appetizer or finger food for parties! Depending on the size, a Stromboli generally serves 3-6 people, making it ideal for sharing.
How do you make Stromboli?
Making Stromboli is a delightful experience. Start by thinly rolling out pizza dough into a rectangular shape. Add your desired toppings and sauce, then roll it into a cylinder shape while folding over the edges to seal it. Bake the Stromboli on a greased baking sheet and, once slightly cooled, slice it into delectable portions. Serve it with your favorite dipping sauce, and you have a crowd-pleasing appetizer or finger food for any occasion.
One Great Stromboli Recipe
If you’re looking for an easy and lightened-up Stromboli recipe, you’ll love the breakfast Stromboli. This recipe utilizes Pillsbury pizza dough to reduce prep time, although you can use any dough you prefer. The result is a scrumptious Stromboli that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Now, let’s turn our attention to Calzone. This tasty treat is essentially a baked pizza pocket made by folding a circular piece of pizza or bread dough in half and sealing it into a half-moon shape using a crimping technique. Inside, you’ll find a delightful blend of cheese, cured meats, herbs, and your favorite vegetables. While the filling is bursting with flavors, the tomato sauce is served separately for dipping.
Origins of the Calzone
Calzones are a true Italian street food that originated in Naples during the 1800s. They gained popularity as a handheld version of pizza and quickly became a beloved dish.
Calzone Dough Folding Techniques
To create a calzone, start by rolling out either pizza or bread dough into a circle. Next, add your preferred fillings. Fold the dough in half, much like a taco, and crimp along the edges to seal it. Unlike Stromboli, calzones typically have an egg wash applied before baking to achieve that classic golden brown color.
Sauce and Fillings in a Calzone
Calzones are often stuffed with ricotta cheese, along with mozzarella and parmesan. Toppings can include cured meats such as pepperoni, ham, or salami, as well as an array of vegetables like onions, mushrooms, broccoli, olives, and peppers. Unlike Stromboli, calzones do not typically contain sauce inside. However, they are served with a marinara sauce for dipping.
How to Eat it and Typical Serving Size
While Stromboli is sliced into small portions to serve multiple people, a calzone is usually intended as a single serving. Because it was originally created as a portable street food, a calzone is meant to be picked up and enjoyed like a hand-held pizza pocket. Of course, it’s best enjoyed with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
How do you make a calzone?
Making a calzone is a delightful culinary adventure. Start by rolling out pizza or bread dough into a small circle. Cover one-half with your desired cheese and toppings. Fold the half without toppings over, forming a half-moon or taco shape, and crimp the edges to seal it. Brush the dough with an egg wash to achieve that perfect golden brown color. Calzones can be baked or even deep-fried. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, and savor every delicious bite.
One of My Favorite Calzone Recipes
If you’re a fan of easy and delicious calzones, check out this fantastic recipe from Delish. It uses simple, accessible ingredients, requires just 10 minutes of prep time, and bakes to perfection. Enjoy the crisp crust, gooey cheese, and flavorful fillings for an unforgettable meal.
Summary: What is the Difference Between Calzone vs Stromboli?
While both Stromboli and Calzone share many ingredients and offer the classic taste and texture of pizza, certain aspects set them apart.
- Fold and Seal Technique: Stromboli is rolled like a burrito, while a calzone is folded into a half-moon shape resembling a taco that’s sealed with an egg wash.
- Origin: Stromboli originated in South Philadelphia, while calzone is an Italian street food that traces its roots back to Naples, Italy.
- Fillings: Stromboli typically uses mozzarella cheese, while calzone incorporates ricotta cheese. Only Stromboli has sauce inside the wrap.
- Serving: Stromboli is sliced into multiple servings, while a calzone is typically intended for one or two people. However, large calzones can be shared.
Related Recipes
If you’re craving more pizza-inspired goodness, we recommend trying these delectable supreme pizza pockets or a lightened-up Weight Watchers meat lovers’ pizza. These recipes are sure to satisfy your pizza cravings in a unique and delightful way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Which is healthier, Stromboli or Calzone?
While both Stromboli and Calzone are high in carbs due to the dough, Stromboli generally has thinner dough and smaller servings, making it the healthier option.
Q2: Which has sauce inside, Calzone or Stromboli?
Stromboli typically contains some sauce inside, while Calzone does not. However, both are served with marinara sauce for dipping.
Q3: Is Stromboli just a folded pizza?
Although Stromboli may seem similar to a folded pizza, it is more like a rolled-up pizza resembling a burrito. On the other hand, Calzone is folded in half like a taco.
For more tantalizing Stromboli and Calzone insights, along with helpful tips and tricks, visit Hook’d Up Bar and Grill, where delicious recipes and culinary inspiration await.