Both are pizza-like in their ingredients and flavor, but theyre not the same.
Take savory turnovers, for example.
At a glance, both dishes call for nearly the same ingredients, but theyre not identical.
GIUSEPPE GRECO/Getty Image
So, whats the difference between a stromboli and a calzone?
Here, we take a deep dive into the delicious distinctions that make strombolis and calzones different.
GIUSEPPE GRECO/Getty Image
What Is a Stromboli?
Youll add toppings to your rectangular canvas, but strombolis arent open faced like pizza.
The toppings actually become fillings.
The whole thing is sealed, so its folded lengthwise to create a cylindrical shape.
Then, the two ends are folded over the sides to really seal the deal.
Its history only dates back to the 1950s or so, when it originated in Philadelphia.
Its inspired by Italian flavors, but make no mistakethe stromboli is an American dish.
What Is a Calzone?
The history of the calzone dates further back.
It was created in the 1700s in Naples, Italy, so its not Italian-inspireditisItalian.
So, what is this Italian delicacy?
The fillings are added to one side of the dough similar to how youd add fillings to an omelet.
The dough is then folded in half over the side with the fillings, creating a semi-circle shape.
To create a seal, the edges are pressed or pinched together like the edges of an empanada.
It might be brushed with anegg washbefore going into the oven.
Rather than a shareable appetizer, a calzone feeds just one or two.
What’s the Difference Between a Stromboli and a Calzone?
Strombolis and calzones have a lot in common, so youre not the first to confuse the two.
Theyre both pretty much descendants of pizza, and their ingredients can overlap.
Both call for dough, cheese, and meat, for example.
And yet, each is still its own thing.
Heres why.The biggest difference between a stromboli and calzone is how each one is sealed.
Similarly, calzones are folded while strombolis are rolled.Their shape also differs, and so can their fillings.
A stromboli is rectangular in shape, and a calzone resembles a half moon.
Other differences include their respective origins and how many they feed.
