What is the Difference Between Calzone and Stromboli?

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Calzone and Stromboli are both Italian dishes that use pizza dough and are filled with cheese and other ingredients. However, they differ in several aspects, including shape, filling, and origin. Here are the main differences between Calzone and Stromboli:

  1. Shape: A calzone is folded in half, making it a sealed pocket, while a Stromboli is rolled like a burrito. Calzones are typically half-moon shaped, while Stromboli is shaped like a log or elongated rectangle.
  2. Filling: Both dishes use similar fillings, but there are differences in the cheese used. Calzones use ricotta cheese, while Stromboli primarily uses low-moisture mozzarella cheese.
  3. Sauce: Calzones never have tomato sauce inside the dough; they are usually dipped in marinara sauce on the side. Stromboli can be baked with the sauce inside or served with a side of sauce for dipping.
  4. Origin: Calzones originate from 18th-century Naples, Italy, while Stromboli dates back to the 1950s in Philadelphia.
  5. Serving Size: Calzones are typically meant to be a single serving, making them smaller than Stromboli. Stromboli is generally catered to feed more than one individual.

In summary, Calzone and Stromboli are similar dishes but differ in shape, filling, and origin. Calzones are half-moon shaped, filled with ricotta cheese, and usually dipped in marinara sauce, while Stromboli is rolled, filled with mozzarella cheese, and can be baked with sauce inside or served with a side of sauce for dipping.

Comparative Table: Calzone vs Stromboli

The main differences between a calzone and a stromboli are found in their shape, preparation, origin, and fillings. Here is a comparison between the two:

Calzone Stromboli
Originates from Naples, Italy Originated in South Philadelphia, USA
Made with pizza dough Made with pizza dough
Shaped like a half-circle, folded over, and sealed like a pasty or empanada Made with a rectangular piece of dough rolled up lengthwise, sealed by folding and pressing the extra dough over the edges
Has ricotta cheese along with mozzarella and/or Parmesan Usually contains mozzarella cheese, sometimes ham
Fillings do not include sauce; marinara is served on the side for dipping Can be baked with the sauce inside, or dipped
Calzones are typically cut in half and served in single-serving sizes Stromboli is sliced into multiple servings, usually serves 3 to 6 people

In summary, a calzone is a folded, half-circle shaped dish with pizza dough and fillings, including ricotta cheese, while a stromboli is a rolled, cylindrical dish with pizza dough and fillings, usually containing mozzarella cheese and ham. Calzones are typically single-serving, while stromboli is meant for multiple servings.