The world of Italian-inspired cuisine is full of unique and delicious dishes that are often confused with one another. Stromboli and Calzones are a prime example of two dishes that get mixed up regularly. Both dishes, apart from being dough-filled treats, are quite different in taste and history.
Whether you’re a food fanatic, enthusiastic about the preparation and history of dishes, or simply curious about the differences between Strombolis and Calzones, you’ve come to the perfect place to learn about these Italian stuffed pizzas. Keep reading, and this blog may even help you decide what to choose for your next meal.
Same Dough, Different Roots?
The first and outstanding difference between the two dishes is their origins. Although both are inspired by Italian cuisine, only the Calzone originated in Italy. This dish was created as a type of “pizza pocket” made to be eaten on the go, and the word calzone, meaning pant leg, reflects the dish’s purpose as a “walk-around dish”. Calzones originated in 18th-century Naples and have long been a staple of Italian cuisine. Discover the delicious history of calzones!
Stromboli, on the other hand, is a more recent invention and a local one. Stromboli was invented in Philadelphia in the 1950s. The origins of its name are unclear; some claim that it was named after the volcanic Italian island of Stromboli, while others claim that it was named after the 1950 film Stromboli, which is set on the same island. You can read more about the origins of Stromboli in this article.
Shape and Structure: Folded vs Rolled
Origins aside, another dead giveaway of the differences between the two pizza pockets is in their shapes. Calzones take the shape of a half-moon, or like the letter D, created by folding a circular piece of pizza dough over itself to form a stuffed pocket. The edges of the dough are crimped to make the calzone’s signature look. When baked, the edge becomes golden and crispy, making for a satisfying contrast to the softness of the Calzone’s filling.
Stromboli, by contrast, has a distinct shape. The dough is laid out into a rectangle, layered with fillings, and then rolled up like a log, creating multiple layers of dough and filling. This structure offers a more consistent bite, with each mouthful delivering an even mix of crust and stuffing.
Fillings and Ingredients: What’s Inside?
Although the two pocket pizzas have seemingly similar stuffings, their slight variations set them apart. Calzone ingredients are typically Italian, like various cheeses and meats. Ricotta and mozzarella are commonly used cheeses, and are usually paired with Italian cured meats such as ham and salami. Calzones are usually served with marinara sauce on the side for dipping, but BBQ sauce or Alfredo sauce are two popular alternatives.
Stromboli has a more American-influenced filling, with mozzarella as the primary cheese and stuffed with meats like pepperoni. Unlike Calzones, Stromboli is sometimes made with sauce inside the roll itself. The difference in sauce placement can make a big difference in how the Stromboli has a more American-influenced filling, with mozzarella as the primary cheese and stuffed with meats like pepperoni. Unlike Calzones, Stromboli is sometimes made with sauce inside the roll itself. The difference in sauce placement can make a big difference in how the dishes are eaten. With Calzones, you can choose exactly how much sauce you want to eat with each bite, whereas with Stromboli, the sauce is evenly spread across the roll.
When to Choose a Calzone
Calzones are perfect for an individual meal because of how convenient they are. The portion is substantial enough for a solo meal, but its convenience makes it suitable for a quick meal on the go. Calzones are also incredibly versatile, as you can mix and match them with any dip of your choosing. In addition to the previously mentioned sauces, Calzones pair great with garlic butter or ranch. The traditional Italian flavors of Calzone, the combination of baked dough, cheese, meats, and sauces, make it a must-try for classic pizza lovers.
When to Choose a Stromboli
Stromboli is more suited for social settings where food is meant to be shared amongst groups. The rolled structure and even distribution of ingredients mean it’s perfect for slicing into multiple portions, making it ideal for splitting across multiple people, similar to a pizza. This makes stromboli an ideal dish for gatherings or potlucks. Stromboli is also great for parties and game nights because it’s easy to serve and eat on the go.
The self-contained nature of Stromboli makes it easy to eat even without proper seating or cutlery, perfect for reducing messes and moving around while eating. Stromboli is perfect for anyone who loves a crispy, layered crust, with a beautiful and satisfying golden crust all around the roll, rather than just on one edge like a calzone.
Want more advice on how to choose the right food for the right occasion? Find more catering tips on our blog.
How Manny & Olga’s Makes the Best Stromboli and Calzone
At Manny & Olga’s, we pride ourselves on making authentic and delicious versions of these Italian-inspired dishes that stay true to tradition while having a special twist to them.
Our Calzones start with our signature handmade dough, made from scratch daily for a fresh, flavorful taste. We stuff each calzone generously with a blend of ricotta, fresh mozzarella, and premium meats carefully selected to make the Calzone as authentic as possible. Our Calzones come in a wide range of flavors, adopting and refashioning classic pizza flavors like Pineapple and Ham as well as vegetarian options. In addition to our unique flavors, we offer the option to make your Calzone as unique as possible, with our “Create Your Own Calzone” option starting at $12.99. You can find more mouthwatering dishes on our menu.
Our commitment to authenticity and freshness is also evident in our Stromboli. We use only the freshest ingredients for this dish, combining them with our carefully rolled dough. The combined dough, stuffings, and sauce are rolled and baked to create a golden, crispy shell that is packed to the brim with delicious fillings.
Try Iconic Calzones and Stromboli from Manny & Olga’s?
We stand out from the crowd because of our commitment to authenticity and quality. By only using fresh and high-quality ingredients, we honor our commitment to serving our customers only the best of the best. The varied selection of Calzones and Stromboli at Manny & Olga’s means that there’s something for every Italian cuisine enthusiast, be it an authentic Calzone straight out of 18th-century Naples or Stromboli with a modern twist
Every single one of our dishes is made to order, hot and fresh out of the oven, and handcrafted especially for you. So if you’re looking for the best Calzone and Stromboli in DC, look no further.
But why limit yourself to choosing just one? Order online or visit one of Manny & Olga’s in DC and Maryland today to taste the differences for yourself!