Calzone vs Stromboli (Differences Between Calzone And Stromboli)

When it comes to Italian cuisine, one dish that is often confused for the other is calzone vs stromboli. Even if they may look similar on the surface, they are two totally different dishes with distinct flavors and textures.

If you’re a fan of either Italian meal, take some time to familiarize yourself with each so you can properly order what your taste-buds will savor! Whether its stuffed pockets of dough filled with pizza toppings or melted cheese spilling out into fresh tomatoes and herbs – this comparison breakdown will help you find your perfect forkful every time.

What Is Calzone?

Calzone is an Italian dish which consists of a folded pizza-like dough filled with cheese, meat, and vegetables. It is often served as a snack or for lunch. The calzone has become popular in the United States and elsewhere over the past several decades. It is typically cut into slices like a pizza but can also be pulled apart to make individual pies. The ingredients used to fill the calzone vary depending on preference, though it usually includes mozzarella cheese, ham or salami, ricotta cheese and tomato sauce. Other possible filling ingredients could include spinach, mushrooms, onions, peppers, olives and anchovies. Calzones are often baked in ovens and served hot with extra marinara sauce on top.

Calzone Nutrition Fact:

A single large calzone can contain up to 800 calories, depending on its ingredients. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the ingredients used in order to keep the calorie count low. High-protein fillings like chicken and lean meats are better choices than heavy cheese or sausage. It is also best to opt for a thin crust instead of thick doughy crusts which can increase the calorie content significantly. In addition, adding vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms will not only make your calzone healthier but also provide you with more flavor and texture.

What Is Stromboli?

Stromboli is a type of pizza-like dish, originating from the island of Stromboli off the coast of Sicily. It consists of rolled dough filled with cheese, meat and vegetables. The classic version includes salami, ham, mozzarella and tomato sauce; however there are many variations with different ingredients used to fill it. It is typically served hot or cold as an appetizer or snack.

Stromboli can be baked in an oven at home or served fresh at Italian restaurants and pizzerias. It is often cut into slices like a pizza but can also be pulled apart to make individual pies. Although similar to calzone, stromboli has more layers which gives it its characteristic cylindrical shape. The shape of the pastry resembles a volcano, hence its name. Stromboli is often served with extra marinara sauce or other condiments on top.

Stromboli Nutrition Fact:

A single large stromboli can contain up to 800 calories depending on its ingredients. To reduce the calorie content of this dish, it is best to opt for lean meats such as chicken or turkey as well as vegetables like mushrooms, spinach and peppers. In addition, using a thin crust instead of thick doughy crusts will also help to keep the calories down. Furthermore, adding extra marinara sauce or other condiments can add flavor without increasing the calorie count significantly.

What Is The Difference Between Calzone and Stromboli?

Although both calzone and stromboli are pizza-like dishes, there are some key differences between the two. Calzone is made from a single piece of dough which is folded in half, while stromboli consists of rolled up dough with several layers.

Calzone usually contains cheese, meat and vegetables whereas stromboli often has salami, ham and other meats as well as mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce.

Another difference between the two is that calzones are typically cut into slices like a pizza whereas strombolis have a cylindrical shape resembling a volcano.

Finally, calzones can be baked or fried whereas strombolis are only typically served fresh or baked in an oven.

The Fillings:

Fillings for calzone and stromboli vary depending on preference. For calzone, typical fillings include mozzarella cheese, ham or salami, ricotta cheese and tomato sauce. Other possible ingredients could be spinach, mushrooms, onions, peppers, olives and anchovies.

Stromboli usually contains salami, ham, mozzarella and tomato sauce; however there are many variations with different ingredients used to fill it. Some other possible options for a stromboli filling include chicken, turkey or lean meats as well as vegetables like mushrooms, spinach and peppers.

The Origin:

Calzone originated in Naples, Italy and is traditionally filled with ricotta cheese, ham, salami and tomato sauce. Stromboli was invented on the island of Stromboli off the coast of Sicily, hence its name. It usually contains salami, ham and mozzarella cheese as well as tomato sauce.

The Shape:

Calzones and strombolis are both delicious Italian dishes made from pizza-like dough. The main difference between them is their shape: calzone is cut into slices like a pizza whereas stromboli has a cylindrical shape resembling a volcano.

The Serving:

Calzone and stromboli can both be served hot or cold. Calzones are typically baked in an oven but can also be fried. Strombolis, on the other hand, are only typically served fresh or baked in an oven.

The Taste:

Calzone and stromboli have similar flavor profiles due to the pizza-like dough used for both dishes. However, calzones tend to lean toward a more savory flavor profile as they usually contain ricotta cheese, ham and salami whereas strombolis usually feature mozzarella cheese, meat and vegetables which give it a milder taste.

Similarities of Calzone vs Stromboli

Both calzone and stromboli are Italian dishes made from pizza-like dough. They both contain cheese, meat and vegetables as the main ingredients; however, the fillings may vary depending on preference. Both dishes can be served hot or cold and are typically baked in an oven.

Calzone vs Stromboli: Which Is Better?

Ultimately, it is up to personal preference. Both dishes are delicious Italian creations that make for an easy meal or snack. Calzone and stromboli both consist of a pizza-like dough and can be customized with different fillings to suit any taste preference.

Calzone offers a more savory flavor profile as it usually contains ricotta cheese, ham and salami whereas strombolis offer a milder taste due to their use of mozzarella cheese, meat and vegetables. The main difference between the two is their shape: calzone is cut into slices like a pizza whereas stromboli has a cylindrical shape resembling a volcano.

In the end, it all comes down to personal preference. Both dishes make for delicious and easy meals, so choose which one sounds better to you!

Which is Healthier: Calzone vs Stromboli

When it comes to health, both calzone and stromboli can be relatively healthy options depending on their filling ingredients. Calzones usually contain ricotta cheese, ham and salami which are high in calories and fat; however, if you opt for a leaner meat like chicken or turkey as well as vegetables like mushrooms, spinach and peppers, the overall calorie count will be lower.

Strombolis also tend to have a higher calorie count due to their use of mozzarella cheese; however, similar to calzone, opting for leaner meats and adding vegetables will help reduce the overall calorie count.

Both dishes can be made healthier by avoiding processed meats such as salami and pepperoni and opting for leaner meats such as chicken or turkey instead. Additionally, adding vegetables like mushrooms, spinach and peppers will help reduce the calorie count while still providing a delicious meal.

Calzone vs Stromboli Recipes:

For calzones, you will need:

– Pizza dough

– Ricotta cheese

– Ham and salami (or other lean meats like chicken or turkey)

– Your choice of vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach and peppers

– Tomato sauce

– Olive oil for brushing the top of the calzone

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

2. Roll out pizza dough into a large circle on a lightly floured surface.

3. Spread ricotta cheese over half of the dough circle leaving about an inch margin around the edges.

4. Top with ham and salami (or other lean meats) as well as your choice of vegetables.

5. Fold the other half of the dough circle over the toppings and crimp the edges with your fingers to seal in the filling.

6. Brush top of calzone with olive oil.

7. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown on top.

8. Serve hot and enjoy!

For strombolis, you will need:

– Pizza dough

– Mozzarella cheese

– Your choice of meat (e.g., ham, salami, chicken)

– Your choice of vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach and peppers

– Tomato sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

2. Roll out pizza dough into a long, thin rectangle on a lightly floured surface.

3. Spread mozzarella cheese over the dough leaving about an inch margin around the edges.

4. Top with your choice of meat as well as vegetables.

5. Carefully roll the dough up from one end to form a cylinder shape then seal the ends together with your fingers.

6. Place stromboli on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown on top.

7. Serve hot

FAQs:

Q: What is the difference between calzone and stromboli?

A: The main difference between the two is their shape: calzone is cut into slices like a pizza whereas stromboli has a cylindrical shape resembling a volcano. Additionally, calzones usually contain ricotta cheese, ham and salami whereas strombolis offer a milder taste due to their use of mozzarella cheese, meat and vegetables.

Q: Which one is healthier?

A: Both dishes can be made relatively healthy depending on their filling ingredients. Opt for leaner meats such as chicken or turkey instead of processed meats such as salami and pepperoni and add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach and peppers to help reduce the overall calorie count. Additionally, avoid adding too much cheese as this will increase the overall calorie count.

Q: What is the best way to serve calzone and stromboli?

A: Calzone and stromboli are best served hot with a side of tomato sauce for dipping. Additionally, they can also be enjoyed cold as leftovers or even cut into slices and used as finger food at parties.

Q: Which has sauce stromboli or calzone?

A: Stromboli and calzones can both be served with tomato sauce as a dipping sauce. However, the calzone typically contains cheese, meat and vegetables inside of it whereas stromboli does not contain any sauce inside. Instead, the filling ingredients in strombolis are usually covered in mozzarella cheese before being rolled up into a cylindrical shape. Additionally, some people may choose to add a layer of tomato sauce on top of their stromboli before baking for an extra boost of flavour.

Q: Can you freeze calzone and stromboli?

A: Yes, both dishes can be frozen after they have been cooked. To do this, allow them to cool completely and then wrap tightly in cling film or an airtight container before placing in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, defrost for 1-2 hours before reheating in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

Q: What is inside a stromboli?

A: A stromboli typically consists of mozzarella cheese, your choice of meat (e.g., ham, salami, chicken) and vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach and peppers. Additionally, some people may choose to add a layer of tomato sauce on top before baking for an extra boost of flavour.

Q: Can you make calzone and stromboli vegan?

A: Yes, both dishes can be made vegan by replacing the traditional meats with vegetarian-friendly alternatives such as marinated tempeh or seitan. Additionally, plant-based cheeses can also be used in place of mozzarella cheese to make them suitable for vegans. Vegetables such as mushrooms, peppers and spinach can also be added to both dishes for extra flavour and nutrition.

Q: How long does it take to cook calzone and stromboli?

A: Calzone and stromboli typically take about 20-25 minutes to cook in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). However, the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your dough as well as the filling ingredients used. It is important to check that they are cooked through before serving.

Q: How many calories are in calzone and stromboli?

A: The amount of calories in both dishes can vary widely depending on their ingredients. Generally speaking, calzones tend to be higher in calories due to their added ricotta cheese and processed meats whereas strombolis offer a milder taste and slightly lower calorie count due to their use of mozzarella cheese, meat and vegetables. To lower the overall calorie count, opt for leaner meats such as chicken or turkey instead of processed meats such as salami and pepperoni and add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach and peppers. Additionally, avoid adding too much cheese as this will increase the overall calorie count.

Conclusion

Calzone and stromboli are both Italian dishes that make great snacks or light meals. They are similar in that they are both made with pizza-like dough and filled with cheese, meat and vegetables. However, calzones are typically cut into slices while stromboli have a cylindrical shape due to their multiple layers.

Both dishes can be high in calories, so it is important to pay attention to the ingredients used and opt for lean meats and vegetables. With its delicious flavor and wide range of possible fillings, calzone and stromboli are great options for those looking for tasty snacks or light meals.