Difference Between a Stromboli and a Calzone

Differentiating between a stromboli and a calzone can leave anyone puzzled, especially because both the dishes have a similar ingredients’ list. But with Tastessence by your side, you’ll be able to tell the difference once you finish reading this post.

Say it right.

1. Stromboli is spelled with one ‘l’ and not two, and is pronounced as straw-om-bow-lee.
2. Calzone is pronounced as kal-zone and not kal-zoni.

As both stromboli and calzone can be made with pizza dough, it can make anyone confuse between the two. And to top it all, the two dishes include same ingredients like the pizza or tomato sauce, different types of meats, peppers, cheese, and many more pizza toppings. So, how can anyone differentiate between the two?

To find the answer to the troubling misconception, we have provided explanations for both foods. Also, as you read the rest of the post, you will also find recipes that will explain how strombolis and calzones can be prepared.

Stromboli Vs. Calzone

Even though both dishes have similar ingredients, there are distinct dissimilarities between the two. The visual difference is apparent by looking at the images below.

STROMBOLI

Rather than being a turnover, a stromboli is more like an outside-in sandwich. Traditionally, it is made with mozzarella cheese and pepperoni (or other meat). Of course, over the years, there have been many versions of the classic. Even though it is an Italian dish, it made a debut somewhere in the U.S.; the actual location is still unknown.

Once the fillings are placed over a flattened rectangle-shaped dough, it is rolled once and the fillings are added again. After rolling the dough one more time, a stromboli looks like a filled loaf of bread.

CALZONE

The first thing you’ll notice about a calzone is its shape. The half-moon shape of the calzone is like an outside-in pizza (a folded pizza, to be exact). It is most commonly known as a turnover and is made with large quantities of delicious cheese, such as mozzarella, ricotta, provolone, and many more. Majority of restaurants that serve calzones will provide a dipping sauce along with it. Apart from cheese, the fillings may also include different types of meats and vegetables, tomato sauce, and a variety of pizza toppings.

Originating in Naples, Italy, calzones have been around to please our senses since the 1950s.

Stromboli and Calzone Recipes

Now that you have a fair idea between the two, why don’t we take a look at the recipes? With easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be able to prepare delicious strombolis and calzones in no time.

STROMBOLI

• Prep time – 20 mins
• Cook time – 35 minutes
• Serving size – 6

Ingredients

1. Ham, sliced, ½ lb.
2. Provolone cheese, grated, 2 cups
3. Mozzarella cheese, grated, 2 cups
4. Parmesan cheese, grated 1 cup
5. Egg wash, ½ cup
6. Red bell peppers, chopped, ½ cup
7. Garlic, minced, 2 tbsp.
8. Italian seasoning, 1 tsp.
9. Homemade pizza dough

Directions

• Preheat the oven at 375°F and grease a large baking sheet.
• Take a skillet and sauté bell peppers with minced garlic and Italian seasoning; toss for a minute. Remove the skillet off the stove and keep it aside.
• Now, we’ll work on the pizza dough. Lightly flour your workstation and roll the dough into a 10″ rectangular shape.
• Spread half of the bell pepper mixture, ham slices, and provolone and mozzarella cheeses.
• Apply a bit of egg wash on the edges of the dough and roll the dough from one side.
• Again repeat the layer with the remaining ingredients, and roll the dough into a bread loaf.
• Place the stromboli on the baking sheet and leave it aside for 20 minutes; this gives the dough some time to rise.
• Brush egg wash on top and place it inside the oven for 20 minutes or so.
• Once the stromboli is golden brown on the outside, remove from the oven and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
• Place the stromboli inside the oven one last time and let the cheese melt.

When ready, let the stromboli rest for 10 minutes before you cut it into thick slices.

CALZONE

• Prep time – 15 mins
• Cook time – 30 minutes
• Serving size – 4

Ingredients

1. Ham, diced, 1 cup
2. Pizza sauce, 1 cup
3. Egg wash, ½ cup
4. Butter, 2 oz.
5. Mozzarella cheese, 8 pieces
6. Thyme leaves, chopped, 4 sprigs
7. Garlic cloves, sliced, 4
8. Sea salt and black pepper
9. Homemade pizza dough
10. Flour, for dusting
11. Olive oil

Directions

• Divide the pizza dough into 4 even, round pieces.
• Use flour to lightly dust your workstation and roll each piece into circular 1″ thickness.
• Keep them in a bowl, not touching one another, and place a cover on top.
• Pour some olive oil into a non-stick pan and sauté diced ham with garlic cloves until cooked.
• Season with a little bit of salt and black pepper.
• Before we get the calzones ready, preheat the oven at 350°F.
• Now, spread pizza sauce on one side of all the four pizza bases.
• Top with the ham mixture and 2 mozzarella cheese slices each.
• Apply little bit of egg wash all around the edges, lift the other side of the dough, and pull it over the other side to cover it.
• Seal the calzones properly, making sure there are no air pockets left.
• Baste them with egg wash.
• Keep the calzones on a greased baking tray and inside the oven to cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffy on top.

Once ready, remove the calzones from the oven, spread butter on top, and sprinkle chopped thyme leaves before serving.

Now that you can tell the difference between a stromboli and a calzone, we have a question for you―since both foods are fantastically delicious, in the end, does it really matter which is which?

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