Buzz
Can you identify what this pizza dough pouch is called? Monty Rakusen / Getty ImagesChoosing between a stromboli and a calzone ultimately comes down to personal taste, yet the difference is undeniable. One is folded in half like an apple turnover, while the other is rolled up like a jelly roll cake.
But which one is which?
What Exactly Is a Stromboli?
A stromboli resembles a jelly roll cake more closely than the turnover-shaped calzone. LauriPatterson / Getty ImagesA stromboli is a classic Italian-American creation made by rolling pizza dough with various toppings into a log shape and baking it.
Romano's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria claims that Italian immigrant Nazzereno "Nat" Romano invented the stromboli in 1950 at his pizzeria in Essington, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia.
As stated on the restaurant's website, Nazzareno began experimenting with a rolled pizza sandwich in 1949 and began selling his invention in 1950.
What Does the Term 'Stromboli' Mean?
Stromboli is a volcanic island located northeast of Sicily. The name "stromboli" is derived from the Greek word "strongulos," meaning round — a fitting description for this dish!
According to Romano's Italian Restaurant, the name "stromboli" was inspired by the 1950 film directed by Roberto Rossellini, starring Ingrid Bergman, and the media frenzy surrounding their affair. (The movie is set on the Italian island of Stromboli.)
What Exactly Is a Calzone?
A calzone is a folded pizza originating from Naples, Italy, typically filled with ham and mozzarella cheese.
To prepare it, you stretch (or toss) a round piece of pizza dough, add toppings to one side, then fold it over into a half-moon shape before baking. Smaller versions are often deep-fried.
It's the perfect on-the-go street snack.
What Does the Term 'Calzone' Mean?
The word "calzone" is Italian for "trouser leg." It seems fitting if you're sporting parachute pants.
What's the Difference Between a Calzone and a Stromboli?
When it comes to ingredients, calzones and strombolis are quite alike. However, their appearances are entirely different.
Similarities
Calzones and strombolis share many of the same ingredients:
- Pizza dough: Both calzones and strombolis begin with pizza dough, made from flour, water, yeast, and salt.
- Egg wash: An egg wash is commonly applied to both calzones and strombolis before baking. This adds a shiny, golden finish to the exterior, though it’s optional.
- Cooking method: Typically, both dishes are baked in the same ovens used for pizza (mini calzones may sometimes be deep-fried).
Differences
Although they share many of the same ingredients, calzones and strombolis differ in both shape and history.
- Origins: Calzones originated in Naples, Italy, whereas strombolis hail from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. While calzones are found in Italian restaurants worldwide, strombolis are a rarity outside of Philadelphia.
- Fillings: A stromboli typically contains tomato sauce, low-moisture mozzarella, and ham. On the other hand, a calzone can be filled with a variety of ingredients — ricotta, cured meats, Italian sausage, and anything you’d put on a pizza.
- Dipping sauce: Calzones are often served with marinara sauce on the side, while strombolis generally have tomato sauce already inside.
- Dough shape: The shape is a clear indicator. Strombolis are rolled up, similar to a jelly roll cake, while calzones are folded into a half-moon shape and crimped, much like an apple turnover.
