Stromboli vs. Calzone: Unraveling the Delicious Doughy Dilemma (Recipes Included!)

Are you a fan of warm, doughy pockets filled with savory ingredients? If so, you’ve likely encountered both stromboli and calzones. While they share similarities, these two Italian-American favorites have distinct characteristics that set them apart. This article will delve into the nuances of stromboli and calzones, exploring their origins, key differences, and, most importantly, providing you with delicious recipes to try at home.

What is a Calzone?

The calzone, meaning “trouser leg” or “stocking” in Italian, originated in Naples, Italy. It’s essentially a pizza that’s been folded in half before baking, creating a closed, crescent-shaped pocket. Traditionally, calzones are made with pizza dough and filled with ricotta cheese, mozzarella, salami or ham, and sometimes vegetables. They are typically baked or fried.

What is a Stromboli?

The stromboli, on the other hand, is an Italian-American creation that emerged in Philadelphia in the 1950s. It’s made by rolling up pizza dough with various fillings, such as mozzarella cheese, Italian meats (like salami, pepperoni, and capicola), and vegetables. The rolled-up dough is then baked until golden brown and sliced into individual servings. Unlike a calzone, it doesn’t have a distinct pocket shape; instead, the fillings are distributed throughout the roll.

Key Differences Between Stromboli and Calzone

Here’s a breakdown of the key distinctions between stromboli and calzones:

* **Shape:** A calzone is a folded-over pizza, resembling a half-moon or a large turnover. A stromboli is a rolled-up pizza, similar to a Swiss roll or a stuffed bread loaf.
* **Filling Distribution:** In a calzone, the fillings are concentrated within the pocket created by the folded dough. In a stromboli, the fillings are evenly distributed throughout the roll.
* **Ingredients:** Calzones traditionally include ricotta cheese, which is less common in stromboli. Stromboli often features a wider variety of Italian deli meats.
* **Origin:** Calzones have Italian origins, specifically from Naples. Stromboli is an Italian-American invention, originating in Philadelphia.
* **Sauce:** Calzones are often served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Stromboli may or may not be served with sauce, and if it is, it’s typically marinara or pizza sauce.

Stromboli vs. Calzone: A Quick Comparison Table

| Feature | Calzone | Stromboli |
|—————–|—————————————|————————————–|
| Shape | Folded pizza (half-moon) | Rolled pizza (loaf) |
| Filling Dist. | Concentrated in pocket | Evenly distributed throughout |
| Key Ingredient | Ricotta cheese (often) | Italian deli meats (often a variety) |
| Origin | Naples, Italy | Philadelphia, USA |
| Sauce | Served with marinara for dipping | Optional, marinara or pizza sauce |

Making the Perfect Dough: The Foundation of Both

Whether you’re making a stromboli or a calzone, the quality of your dough is crucial. You can use store-bought pizza dough to save time, but making your own from scratch yields the best results. Here’s a simple pizza dough recipe you can adapt for both:

**Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe**

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons olive oil

**Instructions:**

1. **Activate the Yeast:** In a large bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This indicates the yeast is active.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
3. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:** Add the olive oil to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
4. **Knead the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
5. **First Rise:** Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. **Punch Down and Divide:** Punch down the dough to release the air. At this point you can either divide in half for two smaller calzones or strombolis, or keep it whole for one larger one.

Stromboli Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you have your pizza dough ready, let’s make a delicious stromboli!

**Classic Italian Stromboli Recipe**

**Ingredients:**

* 1 batch of homemade pizza dough (recipe above), or 1 pound store-bought pizza dough
* 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
* 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
* 4 ounces provolone cheese, sliced
* 4 ounces salami, sliced
* 4 ounces pepperoni, sliced
* 4 ounces ham, sliced
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
* Optional: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Roll Out the Dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12×16 inches.
3. **Add the Sauce:** Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border along the edges.
4. **Layer the Cheeses:** Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Then, layer the provolone slices on top of the mozzarella.
5. **Add the Meats:** Arrange the salami, pepperoni, and ham slices evenly over the cheese. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and any optional seasonings (Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes).
6. **Roll Up the Stromboli:** Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll up the dough, like a jelly roll. Pinch the seam tightly to seal it. Tuck the ends under to prevent the filling from leaking out.
7. **Place on Baking Sheet:** Carefully transfer the stromboli to the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down.
8. **Egg Wash and Score:** Brush the top of the stromboli with the beaten egg. This will give it a golden-brown color. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, make several diagonal slits across the top of the stromboli. This allows steam to escape during baking.
9. **Bake:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the stromboli is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. **Let Cool and Slice:** Let the stromboli cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Serve warm, with or without marinara sauce for dipping.

**Stromboli Variation Ideas:**

* **Vegetarian Stromboli:** Replace the meats with vegetables like roasted red peppers, spinach, mushrooms, and onions.
* **Chicken Stromboli:** Use cooked chicken, pesto, and sun-dried tomatoes.
* **Buffalo Chicken Stromboli:** Combine shredded chicken with buffalo wing sauce and blue cheese crumbles.
* **Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli:** Use thinly sliced steak, sauteed onions and peppers, and provolone cheese.

Calzone Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now, let’s move on to making a classic calzone.

**Classic Ricotta and Ham Calzone Recipe**

**Ingredients:**

* 1 batch of homemade pizza dough (recipe above), divided into 2 equal portions, or 1 pound store-bought pizza dough, divided in half
* 1 cup ricotta cheese
* 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped ham
* 1 egg, beaten
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Marinara sauce for serving

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Prepare the Filling:** In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, ham, beaten egg, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. **Roll Out the Dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the pizza dough into a circle, approximately 10-12 inches in diameter.
4. **Add the Filling:** Spread half of the ricotta mixture onto one half of the dough circle, leaving a 1-inch border along the edge.
5. **Fold and Seal:** Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges tightly to seal the calzone. You can also crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch and to ensure a good seal.
6. **Egg Wash and Score:** Brush the top of the calzone with the remaining beaten egg. This will give it a golden-brown color. Cut a few small slits on top of the calzone to allow steam to escape.
7. **Bake:** Transfer the calzone to the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the calzone is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
8. **Serve:** Let the calzone cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

**Calzone Variation Ideas:**

* **Vegetable Calzone:** Add sauteed vegetables like mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, and spinach to the ricotta mixture.
* **Pepperoni and Sausage Calzone:** Add pepperoni and cooked Italian sausage to the ricotta mixture.
* **Spinach and Artichoke Calzone:** Combine spinach, artichoke hearts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese with the ricotta mixture.
* **Four Cheese Calzone:** Use a blend of mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, and fontina cheeses.

Tips for Stromboli and Calzone Success

* **Don’t Overfill:** Overfilling your stromboli or calzone can cause it to burst during baking. Be mindful of the amount of filling you use.
* **Seal the Edges Well:** Make sure to seal the edges of your stromboli and calzone tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out.
* **Score the Top:** Scoring the top of your stromboli and calzone allows steam to escape, preventing them from becoming soggy.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your stromboli and calzone. Choose fresh, high-quality cheeses, meats, and vegetables.
* **Adjust Baking Time:** Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on your stromboli and calzone and adjust the baking time as needed.
* **Let it Rest:** Allow your stromboli or calzone to cool slightly before slicing and serving. This will prevent the filling from being too hot and messy.

Which is Right for You? Stromboli or Calzone?

Ultimately, the choice between stromboli and calzone comes down to personal preference. Do you prefer a neatly folded pocket of cheesy goodness (calzone), or a rolled-up explosion of flavor (stromboli)? Both are delicious and satisfying options. Consider trying both recipes and experimenting with different fillings to discover your favorite!

Beyond the Basics: Creative Filling Ideas

The possibilities for fillings are truly endless! Here are some more creative ideas to inspire your stromboli and calzone adventures:

* **Breakfast Calzone/Stromboli:** Scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, cheese, and maybe even a drizzle of maple syrup.
* **Thanksgiving Leftover Stromboli:** Turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes.
* **Mediterranean Calzone/Stromboli:** Feta cheese, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and artichoke hearts.
* **BBQ Chicken Calzone/Stromboli:** BBQ chicken, red onion, cilantro, and cheddar cheese.
* **Dessert Calzone:** Nutella and ricotta, or apples and cinnamon. Make sure to vent very well.

Serving Suggestions

Both stromboli and calzones are best served warm. They can be enjoyed as a main course, appetizer, or even a snack. Serve them with a side salad, a dipping sauce (marinara, ranch, or garlic butter are all great options), or some fresh vegetables.

Storage Tips

* **Refrigerating:** Leftover stromboli and calzones can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container.
* **Reheating:** To reheat stromboli or calzones, you can use the oven, microwave, or air fryer. For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
* **Freezing:** Stromboli and calzones can also be frozen for longer storage. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Conclusion: Embrace the Doughy Delight!

Stromboli and calzones are both incredibly versatile and satisfying dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, these recipes are easy to follow and can be customized to your liking. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the deliciousness of homemade stromboli and calzones! The only question left is, which will you try first?