Calzone and stromboli – they sound the same, but don’t let their similarities fool you! While both calzones and strombolis are made with dough, cheese and other irresistible toppings, there is actually a significant difference between calzone and stromboli. In this post, we will discuss both calzones and strombolis in detail to give you a clearer picture of the differences between these two delicious Italian dishes.
Contents
- 1 What Is Stromboli?
- 2 What Is A Calzone?
- 3 What Does Stromboli And Calzone Taste Like?
- 4 Difference Between Calzone And Stromboli
- 5 Ingredients For Calzone And Stromboli
- 6 How To Make Calzone And Stromboli At Home?
- 7 Tips Making Calzone And Stromboli At Home
- 8 Nutrition Of Calzone And Stromboli?
- 9 How Many Calories Are In Calzone And Stromboli?
- 10 How To Preserve Calzone And Stromboli?
- 11 FAQ: Information Calzone And Stromboli
- 11.1 Which is better calzone or stromboli?
- 11.2 What makes a stromboli a stromboli?
- 11.3 How many calories are in a calzone?
- 11.4 What makes a calzone a calzone?
- 11.5 Are calzone and stromboli fried or baked?
- 11.6 Are calzones healthier than pizza?
- 11.7 Are panzerotti and calzone the same?
- 11.8 What is inside a stromboli?
- 11.9 Is stromboli eaten hot or cold?
- 11.10 How do you eat a stromboli?
- 11.11 Is a calzone and a stromboli the same thing?
- 11.12 Which is healthier stromboli or calzone?
- 11.13 Which is bigger calzone or stromboli?
- 11.14 Which has sauce stromboli or calzone?
- 11.15 How many calories are in a stromboli calzone?
- 12 Conclusion: Difference Between Calzone And Stromboli
What Is Stromboli?
Stromboli is a type of Italian food that is similar to a calzone, but not quite the same. While both are filled with cheese, sauce and any other items you want, the difference between them comes down to the dough and shape. A calzone is more like a folded pizza, while stromboli tends to be more like a rolled-up sandwich. This difference is also evident when it comes to the way they are served. Calzones are usually cut in half, while stromboli is served as one long roll.

What Is A Calzone?
A calzone is a type of Italian food that is essentially a pizza-dough pocket filled with cheese, sauce and any other items you want. The difference between it and stromboli lies in the shape—calzones are more like folded pizzas, while stromboli tend to be more like rolled-up sandwiches. Calzones are usually cut in half before serving and can be enjoyed as an individual meal.
What Does Stromboli And Calzone Taste Like?
The difference in taste between a calzone and stromboli can be subtle. Both are made with delicious dough, cheese and other toppings that make for an irresistible treat. Calzones tend to have more of a pizza-like flavor, while strombolis have a more sandwich-like taste due to their unique shape. Ultimately, the difference comes down to personal preference.
If you want to know the difference between calzone and stromboli, then immediately read the shares below.
Difference Between Calzone And Stromboli
Dough, Shape And Sealing Technique
“What is the difference between calzone and stromboli?” Calzone and Stromboli are both Italian-style turnovers that consist of dough wrapped around a filling. The main difference between the two lies in how they are prepared and served.
Though both Calzone and Stromboli use pizza dough as the base, Calzones are usually sealed by folding the dough over itself, creating a crescent-like shape, and then pinching the edges together to securely hold the filling inside. On the other hand, Strombolis are rolled up like a burrito or log with the ends tucked in tightly, allowing all the ingredients to be visible.
Fillings
The fillings for both Calzone and Stromboli are virtually identical, though the main difference lies in how much of the filling is used. For instance, when making a Calzone, the filling ingredients are usually spread out over the dough before it’s folded over and sealed. On the other hand, Strombolis tend to be stuffed with more of the same ingredients, resulting in a larger and heartier turnover.
Serving
Calzone is usually served hot after baking, while Strombolis are often served at room temperature. Both can be eaten as a meal, snack or side dish. They can also be reheated if needed.
Ingredients For Calzone And Stromboli
For a classic calzone
- Pizza Dough – You can make your own or buy it pre-made at the store.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Shredded mozzarella is usually best for calzones.
- Ricotta Cheese – Whole milk ricotta provides a creamy texture and flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese – Grated parmesan cheese adds a nutty flavor and texture to the calzone.
- Choice of Toppings – Pepperoni, ham, sausage, vegetables, etc.
- Olive Oil – A few tablespoons brushed on top helps keep the crust crispy and flavorful during baking.
- Egg – One lightly beaten egg helps give the crust a nice sheen and golden color after baking.
For a classic stromboli
- Pizza Dough – You can make your own or buy it pre-made at the store.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Shredded mozzarella is best for stromboli.
- Choice of Toppings – Pepperoni, ham, sausage, vegetables, etc.
- Olive Oil – A few tablespoons brushed on top helps keep the crust crispy and flavorful during baking.
- Egg – One lightly beaten egg helps give the crust a nice sheen and golden color after baking.
- Italian Seasonings – A blend of herbs like oregano, basil and garlic powder adds great flavor to the stromboli.
- Salt & Pepper – To taste.
- Marinara Sauce – Served on the side for dipping or added into the center of the stromboli before baking.
- Grated Parmesan – For sprinkling over the top before baking.
- Butter – Optional for brushing on top after baking to give it a nice glossy finish and extra flavor.
How To Make Calzone And Stromboli At Home?
Calzone Recipe
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Roll out the pizza dough into two 10-inch circles and place on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
- Spread the ricotta cheese over each circle, leaving a one-inch border around the edges.
- Top with the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese and your choice of toppings.
- Fold one side of the dough over to cover the filling and crimp the edges together to form a sealed pocket.
- Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, if desired.
- Cut several slits in the top of each calzone and bake in preheated oven until golden brown, about 20 minutes.
Stromboli Recipe
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Roll out pizza dough into a large rectangle (about 10×14 inches).
- Top with your choice of deli meats, cheeses and vegetables.
- Roll the dough up jelly-roll style, tucking in the ends and sealing them together with a little water.
- Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, if desired.
- Cut several slits into the top of the stromboli and bake in preheated oven until golden brown, about 20 minutes.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving

Tips Making Calzone And Stromboli At Home
When making either calzone or stromboli at home, it’s important to make sure the dough is sealed tightly so that all of the delicious fillings don’t leak out while baking. To ensure a good seal, use a little water to wet your fingertips and press down firmly along the edges before crimping shut. Additionally, you can sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese over the top of either dish before baking for extra flavor. Lastly, don’t forget to serve with a side of marinara sauce or other dipping sauce.
Nutrition Of Calzone And Stromboli?
As with any dish, the nutrition of calzone and stromboli will depend on the ingredients used. Generally speaking, however, both dishes are high in protein, carbohydrates and fat due to the combination of cheese and meat. Additionally, they both typically contain hefty portions of sodium from added seasonings as well as sodium found naturally in meats such as bacon, pepperoni and sausage. While both dishes are delicious, it’s important to keep portion sizes in mind when consuming either one for a balanced diet.
How Many Calories Are In Calzone And Stromboli?
The number of calories in a calzone or stromboli will vary depending on the ingredients used. For example, a calzone made with mozzarella cheese and pepperoni will contain about 512 calories per serving. A stromboli filled with ham, sausage and mushrooms will contain about 536 calories per serving. It’s important to remember that, while these dishes can be a tasty part of a balanced diet, they should be enjoyed in moderation.

How To Preserve Calzone And Stromboli?
Leftover calzone and stromboli can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. To reheat, simply place on a baking sheet and preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through.
FAQ: Information Calzone And Stromboli
Which is better calzone or stromboli?
These delectable dishes provide a hearty meal, differing in shape and size yet equally delicious.
What makes a stromboli a stromboli?
The classic Italian dish is made with rolled out dough filled to the brim with tantalizing cured meats, melted cheese and fresh veggies.
How many calories are in a calzone?
An Italian classic, the calzone packs a hefty punch of calories. The amount varies depending on what ingredients you stuff in it – from 512 to 536 per serving!
What makes a calzone a calzone?
A calzone is essentially a folded over pizza with all of the same delicious ingredients. The difference between it and regular pizza is that the dough is sealed around the edges to hold in all of the toppings, creating a pocket-like shape.
Are calzone and stromboli fried or baked?
Try baking up some calzone and stromboli in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until they reach a delectable golden brown.
Are calzones healthier than pizza?
It depends on the ingredients being used and the portion size.
Are panzerotti and calzone the same?
No, although both panzerotti and calzone are Italian-style dishes that involve dough filled with cheese and a variety of meats or vegetables.
What is inside a stromboli?
It offers all kinds of delectable delights – layer upon layer of savory salami and cheese, fresh vegetables, and more deliciously wrapped up in an irresistible crunchy crust.
Is stromboli eaten hot or cold?
Enjoy all of its flavors either hot or cold, both guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds.
How do you eat a stromboli?
Stromboli is a hearty pizza-like dish that can be savored slice by slice, or cut with a fork and knife.
Is a calzone and a stromboli the same thing?
A calzone and stromboli have the same ingredients, but their preparation makes them two entirely different delicacies. The former is an iconic Italian favorite that features a crescent-like shape created by folding dough in half. Contrastingly, the latter can be thought of as similarly flavoured burrito – filled with all your favourite add-ins between layers of rolled up dough before being sealed to perfection!
Which is healthier stromboli or calzone?
Craving some Italian flavors? If you’re looking to make a healthier choice, why not try out the thin-crust classic – strombolis! Both calzones and strombolis are surefire ways to transform your kitchen into an authentic pizzeria right at home.
Which is bigger calzone or stromboli?
Craft a delicious stromboli with pizza dough, savory fillings and your favorite toppings! Roll the stretchable dough into a large rectangle before adding all of your tasty ingredients. Then seal them up tight by either folding over each side or rolling it around the filling – whatever you choose will guarantee mouth-watering flavor in one grand bite! This crowd pleaser is larger than its calzone sibling so make sure to slice it once baked to share these delectable morsels among friends and family.
Which has sauce stromboli or calzone?
Calzones are stuffed with all the best ingredients, but it’s up to you if you want a little extra spice. Add an optional side of marinara for dipping – or take your taste buds on a ride and get Stromboli with sauce already inside!
How many calories are in a stromboli calzone?
A stromboli calzone is a heartier meal than you might think, packing an impressive 1480 calories and 77.5g of fat! The meat and cheese-filled treat also contains 130.9g of carbs with 125g net carbs plus 62.1g protein for added nutrition
Conclusion: Difference Between Calzone And Stromboli
Calzone and stromboli are both delicious Italian-style dishes that make for a satisfying meal. While their ingredients may different, they share many similarities with the difference between them being primarily in shape and size. To make either dish at home, you’ll need pizza dough, cheese, deli meats and vegetables along with a few seasonings. With the right ingredients, calzone and stromboli can make a tasty part of a balanced diet.

Michael J. Fanola is the chef and owner of Joe’s French Italian Inn Restaurants. He has over 30 years of culinary experience, and his restaurants have been voted “Best Italian Restaurant” by the readers of the Staten Island Advance for many years in a row. Michael is a graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, and he has worked in some of the most highly acclaimed kitchens in the country.