What’s the difference between calzone and stromboli? Both are Italian-style pizza dishes that have gained popularity worldwide. Despite their similarities, there are distinct differences in their preparation, ingredients, and presentation that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the unique characteristics of each dish to help you better understand their differences.
Calzone is a baked, folded pizza that resembles a half-moon shape. It is traditionally filled with a variety of ingredients, such as cheese, meats, vegetables, and sometimes even pasta. The dough is stretched into a circle, filled with the desired toppings, and then folded over to create a crescent-like shape. The edges are sealed with a little water or beaten egg, and the calzone is baked until golden brown and crispy.
On the other hand, stromboli is a bread-like, rolled pizza that is shaped like a cylinder. Similar to calzone, it is filled with a mix of ingredients, including cheese, meats, and vegetables. Stromboli dough is typically thicker and less elastic than calzone dough, which contributes to its bread-like texture. The dough is rolled out into a long strip, filled with the toppings, and then rolled up like a jellyroll. The ends are tucked under to seal the filling, and the stromboli is baked until it’s crispy and golden.
One of the most significant differences between calzone and stromboli is their preparation. Calzone dough is usually made with a high-protein flour, such as 00 or bread flour, to ensure that it’s stretchy and easy to fold. Stromboli dough, on the other hand, is made with a regular all-purpose flour, which is more suitable for rolling out and forming the cylindrical shape.
Another difference lies in the filling. While both dishes can contain a variety of ingredients, calzone toppings are often more varied and can include ingredients like ricotta cheese, mushrooms, and peppers. Stromboli toppings are typically more straightforward, with a focus on Italian meats like pepperoni, salami, and ham.
In terms of presentation, calzone is often cut into wedges like a pizza, while stromboli is sliced into slices like a loaf of bread. This difference in presentation can affect the way the dish is eaten; calzone is usually eaten with hands or a fork, while stromboli is often sliced and eaten with a knife and fork.
In conclusion, while calzone and stromboli share similarities as Italian-style pizza dishes, their differences in preparation, ingredients, and presentation make them unique. Whether you prefer the crescent shape and variety of toppings in a calzone or the bread-like texture and simplicity of a stromboli, both dishes offer a delicious and satisfying taste of Italy.
